The off-screen friendship between Mayank and Simran is buying Kaala Teeka fans

Mumbai: Mayank Gandhi and Simran Peeranja of Kaala Teeka aren’t your typical couple on television. Simran plays wife to Mayank, who is a mentally-disabled character in the thriller. The pair tells us what makes them click.

So how did the ice break when you guys first met?
Simran: When we started rehearsing together, we got comfortable. It helps that he makes it easy to perform scenes with him.
Mayank: I was formal with her initially since we didn’t work together before. But we connected when we started rehearsing.

Does filming romantic scenes get awkward?
Simran: Even though I play Nandu’s (essayed by Mayank) dulhaniya, we don’t really have any romantic scenes.  
Mayank: Even if we had romantic scenes, I don’t think it would be awkward as we gel well off-screen.

How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Simran: I am 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.

Who takes more takes?
Simran: Both of us take retakes since we are trying to better our performances.
Mayank: The director should answer this question. (Laughs) But we both try to give our best, and do end up taking retakes.

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.

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.

One thing you like about each other?
Simran: He is funny and mischievous. In fact, he keeps practising his lines all the time.
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 friends — we share a great bond.
Mayank: We are friends.

Any interesting fan comment on your jodi?
Simran: I read a comment, which said that we share a good chemistry.
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 lines.