Friendship above all

Lead couple Mayank Gandhi and Simran Peeranja didn’t have any common ground to start with. But their offscreen friendship is helping the show Kaala Teeka gain fans.

Mayank Gandhi and Simran Peeranja of Kaala Teeka aren’t your typical couple on television. Simran plays wife to Mayank, a character with mental disabilities, in the thriller. Although the two met each other for the first time on the sets, both the actors have managed to pull off their act convincingly. The pair tells us what makes them click in a freewheeling conversation. Edited excerpts from the interview:

So how did the ice break when you guys met the first time on the set Simran: I did not know Mayank before I signed up for the show. But when we started rehearsing together, we got comfortable. It helps that he makes it easy to perform scenes with him. Mayank: I was a little formal with her initially since we haven’t worked together previously. But we connected when we started rehearsing for the show.

Does filming romantic scenes get awkward at any point Simran: Even though I play Nandu’s (essayed by Mayank) dulhaniya we don’t have any romantic scenes. Mayank: We don’t have such scenes. But even if we had romantic scenes, I don’t think it would ever be awkward because we gel well off-screen. How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Simran: I keep someone who keeps giggling almost all the time, more so when I have weird lines to mouth. Mayank: I am rather serious while performing my scenes. It’s only when there is something funny happening on the sets that I will burst out laughing. So, who takes more re-takes Simran: Both of us take retakes since we are trying to give better our performances every day. Though I want to believe that we are improving with each day. Mayank: The director should answer this question. (Laughs) But we both try to give our best, and do end up taking retakes in the process. Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far Simran: There’s this one scene where I run away from my house. I think I did a decent job in that scene. Mayank: There’s a scene where I am trying to save my onscreen mother as some goons continue harassing her. It was an emotional scene, and a tough one for me. Is there any scene that’s made you go ‘I wish I had done it better’ Simran: I say this after every scene. Mayank: It happens every time since I am never satisfied as an artiste. There is always scope for improvement. One thing you like about each other Simran: He is funny and mischievous. In fact, he keeps practising his lines all the time. I like this quality in him. Mayank: Simran is a lively person. One needs that kind of energy on the sets. What’s your off-screen equation like Simran: We are good friends — we share a great bond. Mayank: We are friends. Is there any interesting fan comment on your jodi that’s caught your eye Simran: I read a comment, which said that we share a good chemistry. It made my day. Mayank: A fan commented on Twitter that we look good together. Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the sets Simran: Studying for my exams in my room. Mayank: Anywhere on the sets rehearsing my lines.

Rapid Fire Your favourite corner on the sets: Simran: Garden. Mayank: My vanity room. Your favourite food on the sets: Simran: Sev puri. Mayank: Home-cooked food. Your 2 am buddy on the sets: Simran: My books. Mayank: My cell phone. Things you cannot do without on the sets: Simran: My books and phone. Mayank: My makeup man, my spot dada and the director.

Your favourite line on the sets: Simran: Aur kitne scenes hain Mayank: Bolo Sainath Maharaj Ki. This is our pack-up line. Your stress buster on the sets: Simran: Music. Mayank: My dumbbells. Your dream date: Simran: Benedict Cumberbatch. Mayank: Day off with Hunar Ali, my wife. Your first crush: Simran: Shah Rukh Khan. Mayank: Hunar, my wife.