A friend in deed

Ek Maa Jo Laakhon ke liye bani Amma on screen couple Ashmit Patel and Yuvika Chaudhary are making heads turn with their sizzling chemistry and the credit goes to the great off-screen equation the co-stars share. Incidentally, the actors knew each other quite well before they started working together and that really helped to strengthen the bond between the two. In a candid chat the pair tells us what makes them a hit. Edited excerpts:

So how did the ice break when you guys met on the set Yuvika: It wasn’t on the sets of Amma that I met Ashmit for the first time. I knew him from before, so we just caught up and started rehearsing together. Ashmit: We knew each other before and that really helped, I think. As a matter of fact, we started rehearsing our scenes together when we met on the sets from the very first day. The exchange and comfort level we share obviously contributed to us performing better on the screen as a jodi.

Was filming romantic scenes ever awkward in your case Yuvika: It was not at all awkward, but funny at times because we are good friends. Ashmit: Not at all, we already shared a certain rapport since we knew each other very well. So, it was really great working with her.

What makes your on screen chemistry work Yuvika: He is a very supportive co-actor. Being in character while shooting is important for the on-screen chemistry to work. Ashmit: Being true to the moment and dedication towards the character makes our chemistry work. And the camaraderie we share also comes in handy. How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Yuvika: Almost every time. I always play pranks and keep teasing Ashmit during the scenes and laugh all the time. Because of this I have almost become infamous as the troublemaker on the sets (laughs). Ashmit: There was a scene where we had to look into each other’s eyes and we couldn’t help but burst out laughing. It was a stare game sort of a scene. We gave the crew a tough time filming that because we simply couldn’t seem to stop laughing.

Who takes more retakes Yuvika: Both of us take retakes and it’s okay because the idea is to get the best shot. Ashmit: The director should reveal that.

Any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far Yuvika: The initial scenes with Shabanaji, where as a mother, she showers her love on me. It’s a privilege to share screen space with an actor of her stature. I would say all the scenes with her are special and close to my heart. Ashmit: One scene with Shabanaji where I gifted her something from my first earnings, was a very poignant scene.

Any scene that has made you go ‘Ohh wish I had done it better’ Yuvika: I feel that after every scene. I am never satisfied. I really want to perform better every time. Ashmit: That happens every time. As an actor, it is important to feel this way when you observe your previous performances and learn from them.

One thing you like about each other and one thing you dislike. Yuvika: He is a very dedicated actor; he keeps practising all the time. There is nothing to dislike about him. Ashmit: She is a very lively and jovial person and very bubbly and warm. There’s nothing I don’t like about her, honestly.

Define your off screen equation in one line. Yuvika: We share a great bond. Ashmit: There is good understanding and a healthy camaraderie. Any interesting fan comment on your Jodi that’s caught your eye Yuvika: Someone recently messaged saying, ‘We see good chemistry between the two of you.’ That comment made my day. Ashmit: ‘You both really look good together,’ a fan commented on Twitter. It was quite encouraging.

Who is the crazier among the two of you Yuvika: I am crazier. Ashmit: Yuvika is crazier.

Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the set Yuvika: With Saraswati. Ashmit: On the sets rehearsing my lines.

Rapid Fire Your favourite corner on the set. Yuvika: Wherever I get space. Ashmit: My vanity room.

Your favourite food on the set. Yuvika: Maa ke haath ka khaana (home-cooked food my mom makes). Ashmit: Kebab and Biryani.

Your 2 am buddy on the set. Yuvika: My co-star Saraswati. Ashmit: My director.

Things you cannot do without on the set. Yuvika: My phone and Saraswati. Ashmit: My makeup man, my spot dada and my director.

Your favourite line on the set. Yuvika: Marzi meri. Ashmit: Bolo Sainath Maharaj ki (Pack up line). Your stress buster on the set Yuvika: I don’t have any stress. Ashmit: My dumbbells. Your dream date Yuvika: Not to be revealed. Ashmit: Day off with Mehak.

Your first crush Yuvika: Shahrukh Khan Ashmit: Tanishaa Mukherjee— during my nursery when we were batch mates.

Your wildest fantasy Yuvika: Why should I tell you Ashmit: Yet to come true.