Homesickness got us talking, says Hitesh Bhardwaj

Agar Tum Saath Ho couple Ritu Barmecha and Hitesh Bhardwaj may not be best friends off-screen but their comfort level on-screen, more than makes up for it. Looking back, the two admit that they found solace in each other’s company since they were shooting away from home. We caught up with the pair on the sets and got them to share some interesting anecdotes from their journey. Edited excerpts from the
interview:

It is said that you two got increasingly homesick while shooting for the show, and this got you talking. True?
Ritu: We first met during the rehearsals for the show. One day after pack up, I saw Hitesh sitting along in the hotel lobby. I asked him if he was homesick. He replied positively. I think this helped us bond since the both of us were missing home. Ever since then, we would go for a walk after our shoots. It was actually during these walks that we became pally.
Hitesh: It was this feeling of homesickness that got us talking. I feel we were already comfortable with each other, so much so that during the outdoor shoots, I would say that we stayed together like one large family. There was no ice left to break!

You two don’t spend a lot of time together, but share fabulous on-screen chemistry…
Ritu: We don’t get a lot of time to hang around, but when we do, we pick up from where we left off.
Hitesh: We may not be the best of friends, but our equation as co-stars is fantastic.  We are warm, friendly and always wish the best for one another.

What would you guys talk about, while taking those long walks?
Ritu: We would talk about life in general, and the flow of work. The conversations we had during our walks meant so much. As you know, we were both feeling homesick, so it worked like a balm and it is always good to know you are not alone specially when you are feeling a little lost.
Hitesh: I completely agree with Ritu here. We both had engaging conversations. That was the only way we could distract ourselves from feeling homesick even though for time being. But it helped a great deal.  

Hitesh, you were a radio jockey. You have the gift of the gab. Does this help you have an edge over Ritu while mouthing your lines?
Hitesh: My experience as an RJ definitely helps me. There was this scene where I had to recite Ghalib’s sher, I was rather excited rather than nervous.

You guys don’t bond off -screen a lot does it hinders your chemistry in any way?
Ritu: Not at all. We are both professional actors and admire each other’s work.
Hitesh: I don’t think so. Real life and reel life are not always the same. There are surely a lot of inspirations and moments to relate with.

Considering your equation, is it difficult to film romantic scenes?
Ritu: It was, initially. But enacting a romantic scene with a stranger is much easier than enacting it with a friend. Initially I did have my share of inhibitions but it smoothened over time.
Hitesh: At times, it does become awkward to film a scene, but I try to focus on my character. My character Ravi is deeply in love with Neema, played by Ritu. This thought process helped me perform my romantic scenes with ease.

Despite all odds, your chemistry connects with the audiences…
Ritu: I think our mutual respect helps us emote well on-screen. I would say that, so far, our chemistry has been flawless; our hard work has paid off. I’m happy that people like our show.
Hitesh: I would say the brilliantly drafted screenplay helps our chemistry to a great extent.

How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Ritu: Well, I have burst out laughing many times, especially during the romantic scenes.
Hitesh: Several times actually. On most occasions, my one-liners while shooting are enough to get everyone on the set laughing.

What’s one thing you like and dislike about each other?
Ritu: I like Hitesh’s honesty. There’s nothing I dislike about him because I take a really long time to know someone.
Hitesh: I admire her hard work and professionalism. I have a lot of respect for my co-workers and there is nothing I dislike about her.

Is there any annoying habit or secret that you would like to reveal about each other?
Ritu: I don’t think this is annoying per se but Hitesh can survive on protein powder.
Hitesh: I am good at keeping secrets.

Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the sets?
Ritu: Mostly in my vanity van but if the weather is pleasant, then I am usually taking a walk in the garden.
Hitesh: In the vanity van for a quick nap or a set of push-ups.

Rapid Fire
Your favourite corner on the sets:
Ritu: The garden area.
Hitesh: The front patio of my house with the tree.

Your favourite food on the sets:
Ritu: Dal and rice.
Hitesh: Eggs.

Your favourite line on the sets
Ritu: “Paani pilao.”
Hitesh: “Ande ubal gaye kya?”

Your stress buster on the sets:
Ritu: Walks and music.
Hitesh: Chai breaks with Deepak Sharma
(the director) and Kushal (from the creative team).

Your wildest fantasy:
Ritu: No comments.
Hitesh: To pet a tiger or swim in deep oceans.

Your dream date:
Ritu: Ryan Gosling.
Hitesh: To go back in time and ask writer Amrita Pritam for a date.

Your first crush:
Ritu: One of my school teachers.
Hitesh: Sonali Bendre.