Hiss and tell

Naagin’s lead pair Mouni Roy and Arjun Bijlani give us the lowdown on their super chemistry Within just a month of going on air, Naagin has soon become the leading show on the tube today. And while its mythical storyline of two icchadari naagins out for revenge (even as one of them battles with her feelings of love for the man whose family she is wreaking vengeance on) is certainly one of the reasons for its popularity, the other reason would be the chemistry between actors Mouni Roy and Arjun Bijlani. In an interview with us, Mouni and Arjun deconstructed what makes them tick on screen, why they love working with each other and more.

Mouni, Arjun, why do you think your onscreen chemistry has become a hit with viewers Mouni: I think our chemistry works because of two things — the first being that we give our 200 per cent to all our scenes, and the second, that there is a genuine friendship and comfort between us, which shows on screen. We discuss our scenes with each other, and our director, and that’s why the scenes come out the way they do. Arjun: Yes, I guess our chemistry works because we are very comfortable with each other. We work on our scenes and add our bits before we start the shoot. Also, we are really good friends off screen, which adds to our chemistry. Was there any scene you shot recently that really made the two of you crack up Mouni: Oh no! We do all our scenes very seriously. So no laughing while filming it but later on, when the shoot is done, we talk about all the goof ups and laugh over them! Arjun: There was one scene recently, where Mouni is making me wear dhoti that was among the funniest! I loved doing that scene.

Okay, describe your costar in three words! Mouni: Arjun’s fun, dapper, and a total rock star! Sorry, that’s more than three words! Arjun: It’s difficult to describe Mouni in only three words, but I’ll say — warm, beautiful and friendly.

What’s a quality about your co-star that you admire and one that irritates you Mouni: What I admire most about Arjun is how committed he is to his work and the fact that he stays happy, no matter what the circumstances. Nothing irritates me about Arjun, but if I absolutely have to pick something, it would be that he bullies me sometimes. But then I bully him at other times! Arjun: What I really like about Mouni is that she adds her personal touch to everything. And one thing that irritates me is, she is very particular about her clothes! Have fans shared any cute/funny comments about your jodi Mouni: Our fans have been amazing. We get all these collages, VMS and mails from them and it’s really overwhelming. Arjun: The funniest, cutest and the most irritating reaction from the fans would be when they say, “Ritik (my character’s name) sambhal ke rehna, nahi toh naagin das legi!” Who is the prankster among the two of you Mouni: Arjun! I have witnessed a few of his pranks. During our first promo shoot for Naagin, he had put a fake snake in my van, well aware that I am petrified of snakes! He waited outside the door just to record my reaction — which obviously involved me screaming and jumping around in horror. Arjun: Yeah, I’m the prankster! And I think her reaction the fake snake in the van is something everyone should watch!

What’s one thing that your co-star should never change about himself/herself Mouni: Arjun is perfect as a person. So no changes please! Arjun: She should never try to change her inner child. She tries to behave in a very mature way most of the time, but there is a really sweet child within her, which she shouldn’t change.

Rapid Fire Nicknames for each other: Arjun: I call her Monu Mouni: None as such Favourite holiday destination: Arjun: Australia or Italy Mouni: London or Paris

What’s the most memorable date in your life Arjun: The day my son was born - January 22, 2015 Mouni: For me, all days are memorable days

The movie you never tire of watching: Arjun: Scarface and Chalte Chalte Mouni: Any Audrey Hepburn or Ryan Gosling film! The song that best suits your co-star: Arjun: Kaali Kaali Ankhen because I feel she has really beautiful eyes Mouni: Har fikr ko duniya mein udata chala gaya, main zindiga ka saath nibhata chala gaya — because he has this kind of attitude towards life.