‘We clicked as co-stars’

Vishal Vashishtha’s easygoing nature proved to be an icebreaker for co-star, Aditi Sharma on the sets of Gangaa. The working relationship has transformed into a friendship today. The duo believe it is this understanding that has helped improve their chemistry. In a candid chat, the jodi talk about what makes them a hit with their audience. Edited excerpts from the interview:

How did you two break the ice when you met for the first time for the show Vishal: We first met at the workshop. I was a little insecure, to be honest, as she is more experienced than me. But as soon as we started discussing our scenes, we got extremely comfortable with each other. Today, we talk and discuss things apart from the show. Aditi: We started talking when we first met on the sets in Benaras. He is very easy to get along with. Our friendship blossomed naturally while we were rehearsing for the show. We clicked as co-stars and today our friendship has made it easier to work together. Was it ever awkward initially filming romantic scenes Vishal: Initially, we didn’t have a romantic track and by the time we had to shoot such scenes, we were friends. So there was no awkwardness at all. Aditi: I did find it awkward initially, but Vishal is a great co-actor. He made me extremely comfortable while shooting romantic scenes. When your co-actor is confident, you are motivated about giving it your best shot too. So, what makes your on screen chemistry work Vishal: I believe that it’s the understanding we share with each other that has worked wonders for our onscreen chemistry. I am always trying to make sure that she is comfortable while shooting. She also shares her inputs from time to time. This helps us perform better. Aditi: Vishal always makes me feel comfortable and is always ready to help. When you have a co-actor like him, the onscreen chemistry will always be good. Who is a better co-star between the two of you Vishal: Aditi is definitely a better co-star than me. Aditi: Of course, it’s Vishal. How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Vishal: It happens lot of times since Aditi is targeted a lot by the team. Aditi: It happens at least once every day. It’s like Vishal and me have already discussed the scene and while shooting, we burst out laughing. Even the director asks “Hogaya! Shoot karna hai ya nahi (Are you two done Do you want to go ahead with the shoot )” Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far Vishal: The first scene where I met Ganga on Banaras ghats was refreshing — the ambience was pure and soothing. Aditi: The scene where we meet in Benaras for the first time. I had to confess my love for Sagar (played by Vishal). He instead tells me that he likes Jhanvi (Panchi Bora). It was an intense scene. I gave it my all. Is there any scene that’s made you go ‘I wish I had done it better’ Vishal: There was a scene where I tell Aditi that I don’t love her. I always think I could have performed the scene much better but we were running out of time that day. Aditi: I feel this way for every scene. I am always worried about how I could have bettered my scenes. In fact I think I end up annoying my director too because of this habit.

Can you share one quality that you like and dislike about each other Vishal: I think I act like an eight year old at times. Aditi too is like that. One thing I dislike about her is while shooting for a crying scene, she often uses glycerine, which I think is harmful for the eyes. I keep telling her to avoid using glycerine but she never listens to me. Aditi: Vishal is easy going and fun to work with. There is nothing any one can dislike about him. What’s your off-screen equation like Vishal: We don’t get much time to hang out after our work schedules, so we chill on the sets. Aditi: Knowing Vishal feels like catching up with an old friend. I think this is why our jodi works. Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the sets Vishal: When my co-star Pulkit (Abhishek Tiwari) is on sets, we hang out together. Otherwise, you will always find me sleeping. Aditi: Sleeping on my bed. In fact, I try to catch up on my sleep even on a 15-minute break.

Rapid Fire Your favourite corner on the sets: Vishal: My bedroom Aditi: The hammock Your favourite food on the sets: Vishal: Chole bhatura Aditi: Eggs and Maggi Your 2 am buddy on the sets Vishal: The director (Yusuf Ansari) Aditi: Can’t name one. I can rely on anybody in the team because we all get along very well

Things you cannot do without on the sets Vishal: Multigrain biscuits and cornflakes Aditi: Water and glycerine Your stress buster on the sets: Vishal: Reading. I like reading Osho’s books Aditi: Taking to everybody and music