The famous Mumbai monsoon is right now in its peak and a daily show goes on despite the situation. We asked actor Radhika Vidyasagar, who plays Renuka Deshmukh in Rahul Kumar Tewary’s popular show ‘Udne Ki Aasha’, how it is shooting on the set during monsoons. She says, ”There is a lot of fun and behind-the-scenes moments. Our director, Rajesh Babbar, is very fun-loving. In fact, all my directors have been very fun-loving. So, sometimes, for no reason, we burst into laughter, and then that loop goes on. Laughter is infectious. Everyone on the set joins in and it starts all over again.“ She also shares her favourite things to do in monsoon. ”All my favorite things happen during the monsoon which is my favorite season. My birthday is in June, which is during the monsoon. Then, the smell of earth after the first rain, the greenery that follows, the cool weather - I love it all. Enjoying chai and pakoras, watching a good movie, napping under a blanket in the afternoon – everything about the monsoon is delightful. Going for monsoon treks and trips with my friends is something I’ve always enjoyed, especially during my college days. I love monsoon songs sung by Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar in Hindi and Marathi.”
But at the same time Radhika knowns monsoon in Mumbai can be difficult. As she says, “Mumbai monsoons can be difficult because traveling becomes a problem. You get wet no matter how good your umbrella or raincoat is. But despite the difficulties, the vibe is so positive. I look forward to my 4pm chai every day, especially during the monsoon. The set I work on, which is in Film City, overlooks a hill that is totally green now. The greenery in Film City and Borivali National Park is beautiful. I hope there’s no encroachment on these areas ever.”
