Bengali TV serial viewers are finally getting to watch fresh content as shooting has resumed after a gap of almost three months due to the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. As TV shooting starts, there is no doubt that certain safety precautions need to be followed, but one of the biggest challenges will be to bend the storyline keeping in mind the current scenario where we are dealing with a pandemic.

Interestingly, the dialogues have been written in such a manner that artistes have to maintain social distancing. From June 15, fresh content is being dished out to the viewers. Frequent reference of how coronavirus and lockdown have impacted everyone's lives are being made in the dialogues. The actors can be seen sporting face masks, using hand sanitisers, and they have been seamlessly weaved inside the story plot.

Below are a few images from popular Bengali serials where actors are seen maintaining social distancing:

Still from a scene in Sreemoyee:

An actor tweeted an image showing how safety precautions are being followed during the shoot of Bengali TV Serial Kopal kundola:

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Here's a still from Ke Apon Ke Por, where actors are wearing masks after they stepped out of their home: 

Mohor, promo of the serial where actors are maintaining distance:

Senior actors also resume shooting:

Safety Precautions: 

It is compulsory for all the artistes to wear masks except in front of the camera. No child actors below the age of 10 years are allowed to shoot. According to reports, some of the production companies have made it compulsory for their technicians coming close to the actors to wear PPE kits and face shields. Frequent sanitisation of the props and costumes are done to maintain hygiene. Shooting to take place with a maximum gathering of 35 people.

Intimate Scenes to be Shot With Mannequins

According to a Times of India report, for intimate scenes, including hugging, producers are planning to use mannequins. However, most serials would prefer to play safely in the initial few days of the shooting and the tracks don't include any intimate scene for the time being.

Reality Shows Shooting Not Allowed

Filming of reality shows is not permitted under the current guidelines. However, Star Jalsa has made a commendable effort in churning out fresh content for reality show 'Super Singer' where participants, technicians and musicians shot the entire episodes with the help of just their mobile phone cameras.

Maintaining social distancing and several restrictions during shooting is no doubt a difficult task, but it is interesting to see how channels are trying to overcome this challenge by introducing innovative concepts to entertain their audience. The lockdown saw several artistes, including actors, make-up artists, and technicians facing hardships due to non-payments. With shooting resuming, it gives us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and strengthens our belief that the Bangla TV industry will soon bounce back.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 17, 2020 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).