A slow and steady friendship

The lead pair of Ye Vaada Raha, Sonal Vengurlekar and Zain Imam, may not have had enough time to forge a bond, but that didn’t come in the way of building a convincing equation onscreen. Over a period of time, the actors have managed to build a good rapport and comfort level and that has only added more sparkle to their growing chemistry. In a freewheeling chat, the actors tell us all about their journey and more. Excerpts from the interview:

Were you uncomfortable when the leading man of the show was replaced?
Sonal: For almost a year, I was working with Ankush (Arora) and had developed a strong chemistry with him. Even if we didn’t rehearse our scenes, it wasn’t difficult since we’d pick up cues from each other and deliver perfect scenes. Initially with Zain, it was a bit unsettling, since I didn’t know him. But very soon we struck a rapport and got comfortable with each other.
Zain: It must have been tough for Sonal, but it wasn’t easy for me either — taking over from someone at a crucial time is difficult. Then things fell in place gradually; you just have to go with the flow. 

Your first scene was a ball dance sequence. And, we guess a friendly ‘Hi’ did the trick?  
Sonal: [laughs] Yes, we shared a smile, exchanged pleasantries and started dancing. Later, when we started speaking to each other, that’s when the ice broke.
Zain: I’m a shy guy and take my own time to open up to people. We connected professionally first, but it took a while before we became friends.

You guys hardly interact off-screen. Doesn’t that hinder your equation on screen?
Zain: We’re not thick friends, but we interact plenty on the sets. We talk about a lot of things, apart from the show, and make it a point to cultivate a rapport so that the chemistry can be seen and felt on screen. I think our energy levels are at par, and the energy drives our chemistry on screen, which helps us a lot.
Sonal: Zain is really shy and it took a lot of effort on my part to get him to open up. Luckily, our off-screen equation was never a hindrance in our chemistry onscreen. Initially it was a bit of a struggle, but gradually we developed a friendship of our own and because of that, our on screen chemistry started to click.

What are your highs and lows on the show so far?
Sonal: In the beginning when the show had barely begun, the equation between Ankush and me was not coming through. Everyone used to tell us that the chemistry wasn’t tangible. But, after those initial lows, everything worked out well and it feels really great that I have seen the show through its multiple phases and I’m a part of its climax on air.
Zain: I haven’t had any lows yet — I have had a great time shooting and chilling with the team.

Sonal, you have been playing a mother and daughter on the show. How difficult is it to make the switch between the two characters?
Sonal: It was really difficult to manage the two contrasting roles. Survi’s character was of a mature nature, while Khushi is a 21-year-old college-going bubbly girl. So, it brought forth interesting aspects of my personality as an artiste. It was a challenge to smoothly transition from one role to the other, but I think we managed fine and the audience has been accepting of me in both the avatars.

Have you had any awkward moments while romancing on the screen?
Sonal: Yes, it was awkward because whenever you start shooting with a co-actor, it is necessary to know them well. It’s only then that you can pull off the romance.
Zain: There was some hesitation in the beginning. Later, when we got to know each other and became good friends, there wasn’t any awkwardness.

Zain, ends up taking more re-takes. Does that bother you, Sonal?
Sonal: Zain takes more retakes because he improvises a lot on his scenes and in this process he completely forgets the original scene. I’m kidding! Retakes are totally fine; they only make you deliver the best.
Zain: There are more retakes when our energy is down. So the culprit is not just me; she is also my partner in crime.

Any scene that has touched a deep emotional chord with you?
Sonal: There was this scene before Zain came on board where Survi was on her deathbed leaving her six-year-old daughter alone. I still get emotional when I think of that scene. It was an intense scene and will remain close to my heart.
Zain: Every scene is different and unique. All the scenes are close to my heart.

One thing you like the most about each other?
Sonal: He is a fun-loving person, full of positivity, and good aura.
Zain: Sonal is a beautiful person and her energy and enthusiasm levels are always high!

Who is the gossip king/queen on the set?
Sonal: I’m the gossip queen on the set. Don’t you see my tiara?
Zain: Both of us, actually.

Rapid Fire
Your favourite corner on the set
Sonal: The hangout place on the set.
Zain: My seat.

Your favourite food on the set
Sonal: Biryani.
Zain: My salad.

Your 2 am buddy on the set
Sonal: My cell phone.
Zain: Our director.

Things you cannot do without on the set
Sonal: My mobile phone.
Zain: Dumbbells and cell phone.

Your favourite line on the set
Sonal: Pack up. It’s music to my ears.
Zain: Pack up, of course.

Your stress buster on the set
Sonal: Laughing all the way.
Zain: Music and working out.

Your dream date
Sonal: None till now.
Zain: Madhuri Dixit.