‘Dance connected us’

An onscreen pair that is making waves these days on the tube for their sizzling chemistry is Dahleez lead couple Harshad Arora and Tridha Choudhary. Incidentally, the whole set is abuzz with stories of how the duo is practically inseparable. They have notoriously become famous for spending every moment of the spare time in between shots together. In a freewheeling chat, the couple tells us why their chemistry is a hit.

So how did you guys break the ice when you met each other for the first time

Harshad: We had workshops before we could start shooting for the show. We interacted with each other and connected instantly. Tridha: We got comfortable when we shot for the first dance sequence. I asked him if he could dance, as he seemed too shy. I helped him for that sequence and that’s how we got talking. I would say dance connected us.

Was it awkward filming romantic scenes at any point

Harshad: Not really, no. We rehearsed for such scenes during our workshop. Since we bonded well during the rehearsals, there was no room for awkwardness. Tridha: I personally don’t think that we will be shooting such intense scenes that will make us awkward. Currently the track involves us developing a fondness for each other. It will be a long wait till we finally get a chance to explore intimate scenes.

So, what makes your onscreen chemistry work Harshad: Good writing is what really makes chemistry successful. If you connect with the characters, I think the chemistry will be automatically good. Tridha: The two of us are really transparent when it comes to work. For instance, when we’re shooting for a scene, I go up to him and ask him if we can do the scene in a particular way. We interact with each other a lot and that makes our chemistry work.

Who is a better co-star among the two of you Harshad: I’m in awe of her dancing skills. She’s a trained classical dancer and it reflects in her acting. This is one aspect that makes her a better co-star. Tridha: In terms of professionalism, it has to be Harshad. Even if he’s shooting all day and sleeps only for two hours, he will still be ready on the sets on time. While he takes five minutes, I take 45 minutes to get ready. So he is obviously ready earlier than me — that makes him a better co-star. Who takes more re-takes Harshad: It so happens that as an actor you are stuck with a shot and you just can’t get it right and then you end up taking retakes. I think most of us have faced this problem on the show but we make sure that it doesn’t happen often. Most times, we get it right in two-three takes. Tridha: Frankly speaking, most times we need to re-shoot because of the mosquitoes!

Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far Harshad: My favourite scene was when Adarsh (Harshad Arora’s character) proposed to Swadheenta (Tridha Choudhury). It is my most cherished scene on the show. Also, when Swadheenta introduces Adarsh to her fiancé, I think that was an emotional moment for Adarsh. Tridha: There was an important scene where I came across a different side of Swadheenta. I was sharing screen space with Adarsh and it was a powerful scene. It’s etched in my heart Is there any scene that’s made you go “Oh I wish I had done it better” Harshad: I don’t think like that for any scene. Whenever I face the camera I give it my 100 per cent. I don’t look back since it can make me feel guilty later. And who likes that feeling Tridha: There was a courtroom scene. Initially, my character Swadheenta is shown as an amateur. Later, she gets more professional with her work. I thought I could do something more to portray her as a professional lawyer. But you always keep learning so I’m working on my skills. What is the one thing you like and dislike about each other Harshad: One thing I like about her is that she has really expressive eyes. One thing I dislike about her is that sometimes, she can get stubborn. Tridha: He has a million dollar smile that reaches his eyes. There is some naughtiness and earnestness in it. Secondly, he’s an amazing human being. One thing I dislike about him is that he is very profile conscious. Whenever we’re in the flow of a scene it doesn’t matter but otherwise he always wants to stand on the left side. What’s your off-screen equation like Harshad: It’s fantastic. I’ve learned dancing for her. I think that says a lot. Whenever we go out, she forces me to dance. Tridha: I turned half-vegetarian for him. We have our group of friends and we end up chilling together. We go for dinners and parties so we share a good bond.

Is there any interesting fan comment on your jodi that’s caught your eye Harshad: We are referred to as Swa-Darsh. People love our chemistry and the on screen presence. So I really like that. Tridha: Our fans can’t stop raving when they see our pictures together. I find that quite touching. Who is crazier among the two of you Harshad: Definitely Tridha. She’s a ball of craziness; that’s where the stubbornness comes in the picture. If she’s happy she will be all charged and pumped up. So it’s nice to see someone so chirpy. If she’s sad, the atmosphere changes. Tridha: It’s me. He’s a very calm person. Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the set Harshad: I’m usually sleeping in my vanity van. Tridha: I love listening to music. Whenever I’m too tired I just listen to music. If the weather is nice and pleasant, we put our chairs outside in the lawn and just talk.

Rapid fire: Your favourite corner on the sets Harshad: My room Tridha: There’s a beautiful balcony on the sets. So I like to sit there, talk and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Your favourite food on the sets Harshad: I love Green Thai Curry or maybe some Chinese food. Tridha: Brown bread with tomatoes, butter and boiled eggs. Otherwise, I love grilled fish as I’m a Bengali. Things you cannot do without on the sets Harshad: My phone charger and my iPod. Tridha: My spots boys. They are more like my rescue boys.

Your favourite line on the sets Harshad: I love to mimic her, she says saare che (6.30) instead of saadhe che (laughs). So I love doing that. Tridha: “Pack Up!”

Your stressbuster on the sets Harshad: It has to my buddy, Amit Behl. Tridha: Books! Your wildest fantasy Harshad: I don’t think we should be talking about it. Tridha: Skinny-dipping. It sounds wild but I really want to do this in the middle of the night with my girlfriends. Your dream date Harshad: I haven’t come across Ms. Right yet. So whenever that happens, I will have the dreamdate. Tridha: I have the hots for Ben Affleck. I hope to meet him.

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