Bengali serial unit shoots in Kalimpong

KOLKATA: Persuaded by several people that the Hills were limping back to normalcy, the unit of Bengali serial 'Kusum Dola' took a chance and landed in Kalimpong. The risk seemed to pay off, at least on the first day, when the shoot went off peacefully.
The unit has booked three hotels in Kalimpong. Leena Gangopadhyay, who is the script writer and creative director of the serial, said that initially she had cancelled the shooting after violence broke out in the Hills.That was during the time when the unit of ‘Jamai Raja’ had returned to Kolkata fearing risks. If the Kalimpong leg of the shooting didn’t materialise, the makers were keen about exploring the idea of shooting in the Hills of north India. But with limited time at hand and few episodes in the bank, the logistics didn’t support that the unit attempt this shift. Incidentally, the makers had already announced that the lead actors will be going to North Bengal. “The audience was also expecting to see the lead pair – Rishi Kaushik and Madhumita - in the Hills. Cancelling all that would be a big blow to the viewers,” Gangopadhyay said.
On Wednesday, Gangopadhyay heaved a sigh of relief when shooting began in and around Kalimpong. “It is very calm and quiet here. The Hills of Darjeeling have a unique character. Everything happens very fast here. When there is violence, the situation deteriorates fast. But once normalcy returns it’s difficult to believe that there was such a big problem here,” she said.
Badsha Maitra, whose character resurfaces in the serial, didn’t face any problems when he went uphill from Siliguri to Kalimpong on Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, he proceeded to the location to begin shooting. “It’s a remote location that’s very close to the military camp. Everything is normal here,” Maitra said.
The actor, who is known for his strong Left leanings, said he doesn’t support GNLF’s method of protest. “I am against any form of violence being used as a method for registering protest. I think, it is important for the state government to keep Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in the loop while taking any decisions. I also feel it’s important to open a dialogue with the locals. The locals don’t necessarily mean only those subscribing to GNLF. There are others as well. We have to take them into confidence and understand their aspirations, crisis and issues regarding dignity and self respect,” the actor added.
Line producer Bablu Banerjee is happy that things are under control. “The unit has shot at Kalimpong’s Suicide Point. Some magic hour shots were taken too. At night, we shot inside a hotel,” Banerjee said. On Thursday, locals will also be roped in for crowd scenes and those with police officers.