The tale of a few hours in Sankraman!

Life at Sankraman studios in Goregaon East, in suburban Mumbai, is lived amidst tight security. As we decided to take a trip to Ekta's soap factory on Wednesday, little did we realise that it was going to be as time consuming as difficult -- we didn't anticipate the time consuming security checks undertaken by security personnel at the gate. Surprisingly, they smelled a rat as soon as we told them that we were from the press! (Although, there was considerable electronic media presence inside!) We were escorted inside the hallowed premises by a security guard and then handed over to the administrative head, and introduced to the producer who asked us to wait (along with the other reporters) as a shot was on. And a wait it truly was…but perhaps worth it…The stars gave us a hearty welcome and their warmth made us forget our anger. They posed, they smiled and chatted! Komolika Guha talked nineteen to the dozen in Bengali and as is the case always, she is a pleasure to talk to! "Oh! The saree is so heavy…difficult to dance in! Next time, it will be just the saree dancing," laughed Komolika, looking radiant in a blue-green saree. The stars dazzled in all their finery as they were shooting for a dandia scene. Even the house (the set) looked all decked up! As we entered the set of Kyunki..., Sumeet Sachdev posed for us with Komolika and they really looked the part they play on screen. But we met a prankster on the sets- an unexpected one, we must say! We were busy clicking photographs - as many as we possibly could (it was a tough job, as we had to do it in between shots, and we were shooed away as soon as the shot was ready)...when Hiten sneaked in on us and instructed us to close in on the subject --that too in a falsetto voice. And as our hearts nearly missed a beat, the guy just laughed his heart out, and said --"I am sometimes like that!" Outside, they all posed for our camera and were sporting enough to wait till we got the right shot! Tassnim even invited us into her van and offered to pose! Riva was nursing a sprained wrist at Ekta's party was quiet throughout, but as she recognised us, she gave us a heart warming smile. As we appraoched her, she almost bumped her head on the low ceiling in the entrance of the set, but the lady seemed unpertubed. "It's dangerous, na? I hope I don't trip!" she laughed. She didn't, but we did...but what's a story without a little bit of pain??? Listening anyone?