Shooting of the tele-serial in progress. Picture by Biplab Basak

Jalpaiguri, March 4: Silence! Light, camera and action.

This has been the wake-up call for the labourers of Raipur tea estate, located on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri town, for the past few days as they get a up, close and personal view of the shooting of Janmabhumi, the longest running Bengali soap on Calcutta Doordarshan.

Labourers of Raipur tea estate, especially the womenfolk and children, thronged the shooting spot since early in the morning to get a ringside view.

“We have been watching the serial regularly. That’s why we are familiar with all the characters and their travails. We consider ourselves to be extremely lucky to watch its shooting as well,” said Sumi Roy, a worker at Raipur Tea Estate as she curiously looked at the camera and reflectors along with her awe-struck colleagues.

“The mega-serial has already completed 1,400 episodes. Janmabhumi will now focus on the third generation of the Choudhury family. We have to shoot on location since the plot demands it,” said Sudip Basu, chief coordinator of the serial.

“Ratikanta Choudhury, the protagonist in the popular soap, has purchased Sonajhuri, a tea garden in the Dooars. The following episodes will revolve around the visit of Vikram, grandson of Ratikanta, to the estate to manage its daily affairs,” said Basu.

That explains the visit of the 60-member crew to the Dooars over the past few days. Plans are also afoot to shoot at Nepuchapur and Nidam tea gardens, located in Malbazar block, in the western Dooars.

The production team has also canned a few shots at the adjoining Jalpaiguri Road Station.