The way the entertainment industry functions takes a little getting used to. One of the absolute basics, of course, is a flagrant disregard for punctuality. Nothing begins on time.
Which is why I feel proudly seasoned when called for a practice shoot of Star One's new celebrity-dancing gameshow, Nach Baliye, at Mumbai's vast Film City. It is scheduled to begin at 8 am. Refusing to rush my morning coffee, I hit the sets at 10.45. Things are set to begin in 15 minutes, they tell me, optimistically. Perfect.
The stage looks good. Unlike most shows cluttering the airwaves these days, it is relatively neater, less over-the-top. There are a half-dozen twisted mirrors, and video displays of various sizes, displaying background graphics for the dancers.
Text: Raja Sen
Photographs: Jewella C Miranda
Design: Uday Kuckian