Exhausting & challenging: D-Towners avoid shooting in Gujarat in summer

Recently, while shooting for the upcoming Gujarati film Mauje Dariya in Ahmedabad, the team ensured that they wrapped up the shoot in just 20 days, much before the temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond. Parry Majmudar, director of the film, shares, “We started shooting towards the end of February and wrapped up in less than three weeks. Not shooting in Gujarat during peak summer months is a conscious choice because the weather is very harsh, making shooting outdoors difficult.”
Actor Chetan Dhanani shares, “We were to start shooting for a new film soon, but we have pushed it back a little. We might start the first schedule once the weather is a little pleasant. Shooting in Gujarat in April and May can be tough due to the heatwave. For actors, who need to look good on screen, it is even more difficult because their makeup gets impacted adversely during outdoor shoots in summer.”

Most filmmakers and actors echo similar thoughts. Actor Tatsat Munshi, who recently wrapped up an untitled film, says, “In Ahmedabad, the April-May heat is very difficult to tackle. So, most filmmakers try to wrap up their schedules in February or March, as pre-summer is the best time to shoot the outdoor sequences. Shooting in the hot weather and resting in AC rooms between shoots impacts our health. Sometimes, if there is a forecast of a heatwave, makers consider double shifts to complete the schedule on time.”
Director Preet, who recently completed shooting for a film, adds, “One benefit during summer is that we get an extra 15 minutes in the morning as well as evening. However, while the lighting is natural, the weather can be very harsh, and it exhausts everyone. Unless it’s unavoidable, makers prefer not shooting during this phase. Usually, I prefer wrapping up my shoots between October and March. However, we had to shoot for in summer and we ensured constant supply of water, juices, and buttermilk on the sets.”

Actress-producer Manasi Parekh, who has completed shooting for two films recently, tells us, “We shoot in Mumbai in April but for shoots in Gujarat, we try and wrap up by March. Summer in Gujarat is very dry, and the body constantly needs hydration. As producers, Parthiv (Gohil) and I plan year-end shoots, when the weather is pleasant.”
She adds, “As an actor, if I have to shoot during summer, I stick to a light or liquid diet, with lots of juices, buttermilk, seasonal fruits like watermelon, coconut water, etc. I also keep cold eye packs and malmal comforter to protect my skin from the heat.”

There are a few makers who say that they often have no choice other than shooting during summer. Producer Vaishal Shah, who has just started shooting for his new film, says, “Some of our biggest hits, including Fakt Mahilao Maate and 3 Ekka, have been shot in Gujarat during peak summer months. It’s challenging and shooting during winter is easier but sometimes, we have no other choice. We take steps to ensure that the team faces minimum hassles. There is a constant supply of nimbu paani, juices and energy drinks on the set while shooting.”