When opposites attract

They may have opposing views on most things, but it’s their love for acting that binds Kaala Teeka actors, Daljeet and Bhupinder together

Kaala Teeka co-stars Daljeet Kaur and Bhupinder Singh may portray a flawless chemistry on screen, but the two are, admittedly, poles apart off it. That doesn’t stop them from enjoying their differences, though. Here are edited excerpts from an interview:

How did you guys break the ice when you first met Daljeet: We’re both very talkative Punjabis, so there was no need for an ice breaking session. I don’t even remember who started the conversation between the two of us.

Was it ever awkward to film the romantic scenes Daljeet: Yes, it was awkward in the start, but now that we have shot so many episodes, it isn’t at all. Now, it’s more about the right angle, right light, where one’s hands should be etc. Bhupinder : It was not at all awkward. We both are professionals and we trust each other.

What do you think makes your onscreen chemistry work Daljeet: It’s our sincerity towards work. We always keep trying to give the best shot. That’s the main reason the audience relates to us. Bhupinder : On screen, she is ice and I'm fire, so it’s a very interesting combination—where the man is like Shiva and the woman is like Parvati, very cool and calm. Basically, it’s like two opposite worlds attracting.

Who is the better co-star among you two Daljeet: It’s both of us, because whenever I forget my lines, he co-operates with me and vice versa. Bhupinder: Definitely Daljeet. She is an amazing co-star who brings the best in me.

How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene Daljeet: I laugh a lot during shoots. There have been times when I was laughing constantly because of which the shoot had to be stopped and lights had to be turned off. Bhupinder: I don’t like laughing during a scene. In fact, I don’t even like it when my co-stars laugh while filming a scene.

Who among you takes more re-takes Daljeet: I can’t comment on this because re-takes happen in every show. Besides, we have to learn a lot of lines in a very short span of time. Bhupinder: We both don’t take many re-takes because we both are very good at our work.

Any scene that's made you go ‘oh wish I had done it better’ Daljeet: Honestly, I feel like this for every scene because I’m growing as an actor and I am very young in the fraternity. So I need to learn and explore more. After every scene or episode I try to do it better. Bhupinder: I really don’t think on those lines when I’m shooting. I give it my best. Once I’m done with it, I don’t think that I could have done better, because at that time that's the best I could do — nothing better.

What’s the one thing that you like and dislike about each other Daljeet: I like the fact that he is very honest. ‘Dislike’ is a very strong word, but I'd say that one thing that can backfire on him is his honesty, again. Bhupinder: The thing that I like about her is also the thing that I dislike about her — I like her sincerity and the fact that she is dedicated to her work. But sometimes, I don’t like this because she does it at cost of her health and personal well-being, which I think is not good for her.

What's your off screen equation like Daljeet: We have lot of fun off-screen. He is quite elder to me so I get to learn a lot of things from him. Bhupinder is also a complete a family guy and I really like that about him — especially when he talks about his kids. Bhupinder: We are wonderful friends.

Who is the crazier among the two of you Daljeet : I think it’s definitely me because he and everyone else on sets keep thinking ‘What is she doing and why is she doing this ’ Bhupinder: I think it’s definitely me, I’m really crazy.

Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the set Daljeet: My room, because that’s the most comfortable place of all. Bhupinder: My make-up room and talking to Purohitji, he is my best buddy on set. So, who is the jagga jasoos of the sets with all the gossip Daljeet: Gauri was our 6-year-old gossip queen who knew everything about everyone. Between me and Bhupinder, it’s Bhupinder. Bhupinder : Well, I don’t entertain gossip. If I want to know something, I directly ask the concerned person. So there is no such person on the set. But yes, Daljeet sometimes does come to me and says ‘this happened, and that happened’, so I don’t know if it's gossip or information sharing.

Rapid Fire Your favourite corner on the set Daljeet : My make-up room Bhupinder : In front of the Tulsi

Your favourite food on the set Daljeet: I love to eat jaggery after every meal Bhupinder: Tea.

Your 2 am buddy on the set Daljeet: Pratika and Aparna Bhupinder : Purohitji hands down

Things you cannot do without on the set Daljeet : My phone Bhupinder: Conversation with co-stars

Your favourite line on the set Daljeet : Gud walli chai pila de Bhupinder : Chai banao

Your stress buster on the set Daljeet: My son's photograph in my room Bhupinder: Music and meditation

Your wildest fantasy Daljeet: That the show becomes a super duper hit and goes on forever Bhupinder : To go on a real long drive to Ladakh all by myself

Your dream date Daljeet : My date starts and ends with my son Bhupinder: My wife

Your first crush Daljeet: My school friend but I can't reveal his name because he is still my friend Bhupinder: A girl in my school