‘We can easily pass off as best friends’

Ek Duje Ke Vaaste lead couple, Namik Paul and Nikita Dutta are often compared to the legendary couple Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan by their fans. The two tell us about their chemistry, both on and off-screen and what makes them tick

Actor Namik Paul made quite an impression on his leading lady Nikita Dutta with his towering height. In fact, it is the obvious height difference between the two that broke the ice between the two. And ever since, there’s been no looking back for the duo. Their off-screen camaraderie has managed to make their on-screen chemistry look convincing. In a free-wheeling chat, the leading pair tells us what makes them a hit on the tube.

So how did you two get talking when you met each other for the first time

Namik:

We did a bunch of workshops together so we were comfortable by the time we got to the shoot. Since then our friendship has gotten better with time — we are almost inseparable on the sets now.

Nikita:

I was taken aback by his tall frame. In fact, his height is a good enough topic to get talking! It wasn’t tough for us to start a conversation since we had a lot of script readings together. This helped us get to know each other better.

What makes your on-screen chemistry work Namik: Nikita is a thorough professional on the sets. This makes it really easy to just focus on the acting. Plus she’s funny and intelligent — it always helps in building the chemistry. The close friendship we share off-screen also helps a lot. Nikita: Since we get along well off-screen, it helps in getting our chemistry right. Who is a better co-star among the two of you Namik: Me! Nikita is very lucky to have a good co-star like me. (Laughs) Nikita: Obviously Namik. He always goes out of his way to make me feel comfortable. How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Namik: This happens every day on the set! In fact, I am known to get Nikita laughing hysterically. Nikita: Quite a few times in a day! Namik has this hilarious way of talking, which gets me cracking uncontrollably. So who takes more re-takes Namik: Probably me. Though Nikita’s hair has a life of its own, so I have some tough competition. Nikita: I guess it’s me. Namik is a one-take actor.

Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far Namik: I really like the car ‘stealing’ scene. I would love to try something like that in real life. It will be quite an adventure. Nikita: The scene where Namik insults me after the reunion party. It was special because I had to channel a range of emotions for that one scene.

Is there any scene that’s made you go ‘I wish I had done it better’ Namik: There were a few scenes that had to be finalised when we were short on time or had other issues. I think I could have done those scenes better. Nikita: There is a scene where the goons attack me. The scene was shot late at night. Since I am an early riser, I cannot handle late night shoots. I really wish I could get another opportunity to perform it all over again. Tell us one thing you like about each other and one thing you dislike Namik: I like that she’s a sport and has a good sense of humour. I dislike that she has a quick temper. Nikita: He is fun to be around while shooting. There is nothing I dislike about him but his height makes me feel short all the time!

What’s your off-screen equation like Namik: I think it’s pretty great. We can easily pass off as best friends for life. Nikita: We have a lot to talk about off-screen. We are both gym freaks so we bond a lot on fitness.

Is there any interesting fan comment on your jodi that’s caught your eye Namik: A lot of people have commented on our height difference. Some of these comments are sweet. Nikita: A fan called us Amitabh and Jaya! What a nice thing to say! So, who among you is the jagga jasoos of the set that gets all the gossip Namik: Definitely me. Nikita: It has to be Namik! I’m generally clueless about the masala happening on sets.

Are there any annoying habits/secrets you would like to reveal about each other Namik: I can’t risk annoying her otherwise I'll have to face the music! Nikita: I’ll have to keep my lips sealed on this.

Rapid fire: Your favourite corner on the sets: Namik: My room Nikita: My room Your favourite food on the sets: Namik: Maggi, toast and Coca Cola! Nikita: Still figuring out Things you cannot do without on the sets: Namik: Water. I drink ridiculous amounts of water. Nikita: The script Your favourite line on the sets: Namik: “What’s the scene ” Nikita: “Camera rolling and action!” Your stress buster on the sets: Namik: Music Nikita: Eating peanut butter Your first crush: Namik: It was my fifth grade teacher who was also a model Nikita: Hrithik Roshan, when I was at the age of 6