Friends before co-stars

On-screen couple Parag and Kishwer speak about their camaraderie on and off the show

Brahmarakshas on screen couple Parag Tyagi and Kishwer Merchant have known each other well before they ended up becoming co-stars on the show. Incidentally, Kishwer enjoys a close friendship with Parag’s wife Shefali, who was instrumental in getting the duo introduced. Working together became a cake walk, given the great camaraderie the pair shares off-screen. In a candid chat, the jodi spills the beans on what makes them click. Excerpts:

How did you break the ice on the sets Kishwer: Parag’s wife Shefali is a very good friend of mine. So, it’s not like Parag and I met for the first time on the sets of the show. He is a great human being and we have a common topic to bond over — fitness! We’re both fitness freaks. Parag: The fact that we knew each other even before our shoot commenced made us very comfortable. Was it awkward initially to film romantic scenes Kishwer: No, it wasn’t difficult at all. Even though we are working together for the first time, knowing each other helped. He is a nice guy, and a thorough professional as well. Parag: Not at all. Kishwer is a wonderful actress. There was nothing awkward while filming the scenes. So, what makes your onscreen chemistry work Kishwer: I think our chemistry works because we both are good actors and professionals. We do our job and the creative team brings it alive on screen. Parag: I think Kishwer is beautiful. We both complement each other on screen as a couple. Everyone appreciated the opening scene we did together in which I turned into a brahmrakshas. How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Kishwer: I cracked up when Parag was suspended on a harness and he was petrified about it! Also, once when we were being driven by a driver who wasn’t good at his job, Parag’s expressions were worth a million dollars! That situation was really hilarious because we didn’t even know whether we were going in the right direction or going to survive the drive for that matter. Parag: I remember we couldn’t stop guffawing while filming one of the romantic scenes — there was something funny about us doing it because we’re buddies. Who among you takes more re-takes Kishwer: I think we both take re-takes and that’s okay. If we have time and there is a scope for improvising, we shoot more options through re-takes. Parag: We both take re-takes if there’s scope for improvement. She is quite experienced and knows how to deliver good scenes. Do you have favourite scenes so far Kishwer: I think one of the initial scenes of the show where I had to ditch Sanjay (played by Parag) for money. That sequence is very close to my heart. Parag: The scene in which I was hung on a tree for seven hours. I think I dedicated a lot to that scene. For someone with acrophobia, I think I pulled it off well. Is there a scene that you wish you’d shot better Kishwer: The first scene which we had shot, the love scene. I wish I could have done it better. If only we had more time for it! Parag: Every scene. As an actor I always feel that I could have done a scene better when I review it later. Every day, as an actor, I learn something new.

Rapid Fire One thing you like about each other. Kishwer: He is really caring and a thorough gentleman. Parag: She is a wonderful actress and also very straightforward. Define your off screen equation in one line Kishwer: It’s kickass. Parag: We get along like a house on fire. Any interesting fan comment on your jodi that's caught your eye Kishwer: Nothing until now. Parag: One of our fans wrote to us calling us a ‘very good looking and new pair on screen’ that caught my eye. Who is the crazier one among the two of you Kishwer: I’m more crazy. Parag: She is right. Kishwer is more crazy.

Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the set Kishwer: I am mostly found in my vanity van. Parag: I will be found in front of the monitor seeing and analysing my performance. I try to get feedback from the director and creative team so that in case there is any chance of improvement, then I can work on it. Who among you is more into gossip Kishwer: Neither of us, We both are in our own world. Parag: Neither of us. Your favourite food on the set Kishwer: Food from home Parag: Protein shakes Things you cannot do without on the set Kishwer: My cellphone Parag: Air conditioner

Your favourite line on the set Kishwer: Pack up Parag: Brahmarakshas ke ghar me aapka swagat hai Your dream date Kishwer: Ranbir Kapoor Parag: My wife (Shefali Shah) Your wildest fantasy Kishwer: I wouldn't reveal that. Parag: Shooting for Baywatch series