Exclusive: "We were shooting when a sadhu said, hum sab ka shooting uparwala kar rahaa hai wahan pe baithke," Ritvvik Mathad shares his experiences on outdoor shooting in Rishikesh

Ginirama actor Ritvvik Mathad is currently shooting in Rishikesh for the upcoming episodes of the show. The actor, along with the team has been shooting since December 2nd in the North despite the freezing winter. Amidst his busy shoot schedule, ETimes TV got in touch with the actor for a quick interview. Ritvvik in the interview spoke about their shoot schedules, memorable experience, and much more.

It has been a hectic schedule. We start our day around 4 AM the morning and it goes on till night around 8 PM. And in the morning hours, the weather is very chill. We reach our shooting spot around 6 AM. And at that time, the temperature will be just 10 degrees celsius. Due to this, it gets very difficult for us to deliver the dialogues in this chilly weather. We are having a lot of practices before itself so that it would be easy for us to give a thumbs up for the shot when we shoot.

We only had a recce before. so, we were a little clear about what to be shot at which location. But, what's happening right now is, if we ever come across a nice location on our way to the actual location, we stop by. We shoot a few scenes there which is suitable for the script and carry on.

Initially, I felt a little elated to shoot in a far location. I was elated because no one would recognise me here and I thought it could be easy to take a stroll on the streets. But, unfortunately, a few Kannadiga tourists who were on a pilgrimage noticed us. They approached us and spoke to us. It is a great feeling to meet our people in a different land.

Since we are shooting on a daily basis now, the sadhus here have become familiar with our faces. So, even if we walk around, they actually call us by our on-screen names. They are even supportive while we shoot. Apart from this, the Sadhus are pretty easygoing with their lifestyle. They just sit in a particular place, eat whatever is offered to them, and life goes on.

This incident happened the other day when we were shooting. A sadhu, who was passing by, noticed us and asked me if we were shooting. I politely nodded and my head and said yes. But what he responded after that was too meaningful. The sadhu said, "Hum sab ka shooting uparwala kar raha hai wahan pe baithke". I was truly amazed by his statement. Those words just took me to another zone completely.

This is my first ever visit to Rishikesh. I had never been here before. I had also watched the 'Ganga Arthi' on TV and wanted to witness it once. But, fortunately, I got an opportunity not only to witness the 'Ganga Arthi' but also to perform it. I guess it's one of the advantages of being an artist. The Mahaguru actually extended the 'Deepa' to us to offer prayers. It was indeed a 'WOW' moment for me.

People here worship the river Ganga. The river is very auspicious. I was amazed by witnessing the devotion of people towards the Ganges. It's just amazing. They don't treat Ganga only as a natural resource or just a river but, they worship it. They have a very religious practice to perform puja for the Ganga river.

So far, it has been a great experience shooting here in Rishikesh. But, we have not got time to actually explore the places here as were shooting back to back. Eventually, by the end of the day, we are all completely exhausted and just want to rest. However, we are enjoying the shoot right now.

Of course, I am missing my family. I am waiting to get back home. No matter where you go, that longing to get back home, is always there. I just feel like getting back home whenever I feel extreme cold in this weather. I feel there is no other place like home. But at the same time, I am enjoying shooting here. It's of course a memory to cherish.