Daman helps television serial shoots get rolling

SURAT: With Maharashtra still being under strict Covid-19 restrictions, the Mumbai-based television industry was forced into the pack-up mode. But the watering hole of Gujarat has come to the rescue of the industry. Daman has now established itself as a preferred location for shooting TV serials.
Currently, shooting of many shows are being held at resorts in the Union Territory. The arrival of the actors and the shooting crew has also provided a major relief to Daman’s tourism industry which was reeling under the lockdown since March 2020.

The tourism industry got a major boost as shootings of over 30 TV series were held at various resorts in Daman. Shootings for some serials were held over a week while few others lasted for over three months. Not only Daman but neighbouring Umargam in Valsad and Silvassa too got business.
“More than 30 serial’s shootings have been done at different hotels in Daman. Some were shot over a short period while few continued for over three months. This has helped few resorts and hotels keep the business running during this tough period,” said Harish Tangal, vice president, Daman Hoteliers Association. Tangal also suggested that the Daman administration should promote the Union Territory as a shooting destination as well.
“Shootings of two leading serials including ‘Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashma’ were held at our resort. Daman’s tourism industry faced a tough time due to Covid but we got some business due to the shootings,” said Gopal Tandel, president, Daman Hoteliers Association and owner of Mirasol Resort.
Not only Hindi but Marathi and Gujarati serial shootings were also held in Daman. “A Marathi serial’s shooting was done at our resort for 40 days. The entire crew and actors stayed here,” said Raju Tandel, owner of Princess Park.
“When the organizers came to Daman to check locations they also visited studios in Umargam and resorts in Silvassa. Daman has an advantage since some resorts have ample space for erection of sets, quality accommodation and recreational activities too,” added Tangal. Umargam has few studios and scenic locations but it has limited quality accommodation facilities.
“Daman has emerged as a shooting destination and the administration ensured that the production houses got the required support. The economy has definitely got a boost. We also ensured that all Covid protocols are followed,” said an official in Daman administration.
Outsiders were allowed to enter Daman but hanging out at public places was prohibited. Outsiders holding negative RT-PCR certificates were permitted to stay in hotels.