A day at the hospital

"Full light" booms a voice from within the cavernous cafeteria. Within seconds, the spacious set is illuminated - glowing table tops, lit up ceilings and lights strategically placed. A routine shot of a conversation with two of the protagonists is in progress.

The set would make a real intern green with envy- the coffee cups are not chipped, they are designer mugs, the windows are not a stained grey, there are innovate skylights and fluorescent venetian blinds that would be an interior decorator's dream. The interns, smartly turned out despite their drab medical aprons, stethoscopes draped casually around their necks, finish their shot quickly. Director Kaushik Ghatak is happy; the four are putty in his experienced hands. But he is a meticulous director, shooting only four scenes in a day. It takes him over a week to can an episode, but he is not aiming to go faster.

Shot over, it is time to dub Gurdeep's lines. As pin drop silence descends, Ghatak intones the lines for her, "Accha, Dr Mehra to yeh sab aap ka kiya karaya hai!"

Gurdeep takes over, her voice at a slightly higher pitch, "Accha, Dr Mehra to yeh sab aap ka kiya karaya hai!" Ghatak, who is pacing the floor, listening intently, shakes his head vehemently. "Once more, tone your voice down, but make it sound intense", he says. The tapes roll again and Gurdeep gives it another try. "Accha, Dr Mehra to yeh sab aap ka kiya karaya hai!" The pitch is right, but the intensity falters this time. Ghatak patiently guides by repeating the lines in the manner he wants. Another attempt follows. "Accha, Dr Mehra to yeh sab aap ka kiya karaya hai!"

There are four more attempts before the single line is okayed and the crew moves on to the next shot. A doctor's life would probably be easier.


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