Mohsin Khan and Shivangi Joshi, who play the lead pair in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, are almost inseparable today. Their closeness has often been the subject of discussion on and off the sets, but the two reveal that they’re happy being the best of friends. In a candid chat, Mohsin and Shivangi tell us about their journey in the show together, their crackling chemistry, camaraderie and more. Edited excerpts from the interview:
Your mentor Rajan Shahi introduced you two during the look test. How did you two manage to break the ice?
Mohsin: Yes, it was Rajan sir who first introduced us. We were both extremely shy and reserved. It was only during the outdoor schedule in Rishikesh that we got comfortable.
Shivangi: The nok-jhok between Naira-Kartik helped us ease out the awkwardness of shooting together. Now after eight months of shooting together, our comfort level is so great that we can pass off as best friends.
Shivangi, since you were in your home turf, did you play kind of a tour guide to Mohsin since he was new to the city?
Shivangi: I have grown up in Dehradun, but I’ve visited Rishikesh practically every weekend. My character back then was that of a guide, so yes we visited local markets and even during our shoots, we would visit the iconic locations.
From bickering to romancing, the journey must have been quite a roller coaster for Kartik and Naira in the show?
Mohsin: Naira and Kartik are imperfectly perfect. The characters and their journey together have a reality factor to it — I believe it is something that every couple can relate to.
Shivangi: The journey has been satisfying and has in a way helped us become thick as thieves (smiles).
Your off-screen chemistry often sets tongues wagging. So, are you guys dating?
Mohsin: Any on-screen couple, whose chemistry is appreciated by the audience, will eventually have to face rumours about them being a couple in real life. But we aren’t dating. We are good friends, who share a great on-screen chemistry. Our fans appreciate our chemistry and we are thankful for that.
Shivangi: We are staying true to our work and giving it our best shot. Our work has been appreciated and that’s what matters.
This constant media scrutiny must have put your relationship under lot of stress. Do things get awkward between you two at any point?
Shivangi: Not at all. Logon ka kaam hai bolna (people will talk). We choose not to entertain it.
Mohsin: We are anything but awkward with each other. We continue to be good friends and stay true to our jobs.
Mohsin, Shivangi’s mom pampers you with home cooked food. Is she making you a spoilt brat?
Mohsin: Aunty is a sweetheart. Even during the Rishikesh schedule, she took care of me like her own son. We even planned a small surprise since it was Shivangi’s birthday during the schedule. She brings food and even sends sweets for me.
Your chemistry has earned you die hard fans. Does it get overwhelming at any point?
Mohsin: We have shot with each other for the last eight months. By the grace of God, our fans like our chemistry. This is a huge boost and helps us deliver better.
Shivangi : Although we started off as colleagues, over a span of time, we have become better friends. It also helps that our onscreen characters are very similar, in the sense that both are running away from their past, and they are helping each other move on. They are perfect together. The love of our fans is indeed overwhelming.
Who is a better co-star — you or him?
Mohsin: It has to be Shivangi. Just like her onscreen character, Shivangi is always jovial and in a happy mood.
Shivangi: I think it’s me. Mohsin takes too much stress when it comes to acting out the scene. If it doesn’t go as planned, he gets irritated.
Is there any annoying habit in your co-star that drives you up the wall?
Mohsin: Shivangi is very childlike when it comes to her behaviour off-screen. In between shots, you will see her dancing around. It is entertaining, but at times it can get irritating when you are practising serious scenes. She also has unhealthy eating habits. She lives on junk food and later cribs about her weight.
Shivangi: Mohsin bites his fingers when he is thinking. He is always worked up about his looks and constantly cribbing about it. I think he be needs to ease off a bit and fret less.
Rapid Fire
Your favourite corner on the sets?
Mohsin: The balcony.
Shivangi: Naira’s room.
Your favourite food on sets?
Mohsin: Shivangi ke ghar ka khaana.
Shivangi: Ghar ka khaana.
Things you cannot do without on the sets:
Mohsin: Perfumes and mouthwash.
Shivangi: My cell phone.
Your stressbuster on the sets?
Mohsin: Food. Thankfully Shivangi gets a lot of food.
Shivangi: Food.
Your dream date?
Mohsin: Sana Shaikh.
Shivangi: Shah Rukh Khan.
Your first crush?
Mohsin: Cameron Diaz.
Shivangi: Shah Rukh Khan.
