Bollywood resumes work but group dance numbers will have to wait

Bollywood is back on track with production of content across different mediums, including outdoor shoots.

While most of the work is back on track under strict safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some iconic “filmy” trends may be a thing of the past – one of them being the group dance sequences.

Songs choreographed with numerous background dancers is a common practice in Bollywood films. It’s an iconic element that distinguishes South Asian films from global cinema.

However, it’s a trend that will have to be excluded from films that are under production during the Coronavirus pandemic, owing to regulations to protect the health of artists.

Reportedly, shooting of Bunty Aur Babli 2 was scheduled to resume with an elaborate choreographic song with nearly 200 chorus dancers accompanying the lead cast. However, as per reports producer Aditya Chopra decided to reduce the number of dancers at the request of his lead pair actors Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan.

Speaking on the subject, filmmaker Anees Bazmee believes this is only a short-term precautionary practice under the current circumstances.

“Where will these wage earners go if they are eliminated? The government’s guidelines are only a short-term solution,” he said.

Apart from restriction on the number of members on set, the guidelines also stipulates the mandatory use of face masks for cast and crew except for the actors in front of the camera.

Additionally, sharing of wigs, makeup and costumes is prohibited as well as minimal usage of props on film sets is advised.

While some makers may view this as a hindrance to the creative process of filmmaking, writer-director Manish Gupta believes they are “very well thought-out and comprehensive guidelines.”

“The real challenge will be the implementation. Whether a unit of 150 or more people will actually follow each guideline so strictly? Or will complacency creep in?” he opined.

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