Locals upset with TV serial crew for damaging Bandra Bandstand

Looks like the cast and crew of serial-turned-Hindi movie Khichdi landed in a soup after locals objected to a shoot scheduled on a beautified traffic island outside actor Shah Rukh Khan's bungalow on Bandra Bandstand. Kunal Purohit reports.

Looks like the cast and crew of serial-turned-Hindi movie Khichdi landed in a soup after locals objected to a shoot scheduled on a beautified traffic island outside actor Shah Rukh Khan's bungalow on Bandra Bandstand.

HT Image

The plot, belonging to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, has been adopted by Asif Nathani, Trustee, Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust.

"The cast and crew of Khichdi came on Friday and set up their equipment inside the traffic island and started shooting. In the process, they trampled upon our plants, stood on benches, littered the place and destroyed a few trees," said Archana Sharma, President of the Bandra Bandstand ALM.

Incensed, Sharma and Nathani's wife Shobhana went to the spot and ensured the crewmembers vacate the traffic island premises.

"We had spent a few lakhs to beautify the island and spend regularly to ensure it stays this way. Hence, we were upset when this crew landed up and started shooting, without bothering about the island," said Asif.

A spokesperson of the movie's producers said: "We had obtained all the requisite municipal and police permissions. However, when we did start shooting, a few residents came and told us that we should have taken their permission too. To avoid hassles, we agreed to vacate the plot and shoot on the road instead."

The spokesperson said they had agreed to pay the compensation. "We'll arrive at a figure soon and pay the locals for the damage." However, the BMC, which has been a silent spectator till now, also stepped in.

Manik Kshirsagar, H West ward officer, said: "The production house should have taken the consent of the Nathanis since they have spent considerable amounts maintaining it. However, as it is the BMC's property, I will inquire whether the BMC should be paid part of the damages or not."