The ever-popular Ranveer and Ishani from Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi — Shakti Arora and Radhika Madan — dissect what makes them tick with audiences
They’re back by popular demand: Dear readers, you asked us to feature Radhika Madan and Shakti Arora — a.k.a Ishani and Ranveer from Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi — on this page once again, and how could we refuse! Radhika and Shakti took some time out of their shoot to speak with us, and address their fans’ commonest questions.
What has contributed to Ranveer-Ishani’s enduring popularity with fans
Radhika: Our off-screen chemistry, I think. It’s so genuine that it can be clearly seen on screen as well. Shakti: It’s all the love from our viewers. Apart from that, we’ve worked hard to build our chemistry and bond. We rehearse each and every scene and add nuances that will improve.
What’s been your favourite romantic scene to shoot for the show
Radhika: Definitely the moment when Ranveer (Shakti) drapes a sari for Ishani (me). Shakti: Mine was when I first confess to Ishani that I’m in love with her. It was a long and emotional scene where Ranveer doesn’t want Ishani to know that he loves her and tries to hide his feelings by covering the up with anger. But eventually, I do end up confessing.
What’s been the best compliment you’ve received so far for your performance on MATH Radhika: I have found the fans to be very in touch with Ishani and someone recently shared how they connect with Ishani so much that ‘when I cry, they cry’. Shakti: That I’m the ‘Aamir Khan of television’! Tell us something you admire in your co-star, and something that annoys you Radhika: I admire the fact that Shakti is very professional. What annoys me a little is his tendency to kid around. Shakti: Radhika is a confident girl and works very hard. This is what has made her a very good actress over the years. One thing about her that annoys me is she sometimes throws starry tantrums! [winks and laughs] Who is the prankster among the two of you Radhika: I think we both are, to a certain degree. Shakti: I’m the prankster! Recently we played a prank on Radhika: A TV channel approached her, saying they want her help in playing a prank on me. What Radhika didn’t know, was that the prank was truly meant to be on her! According to the prank, Radhika upbraided me for spreading rumours about her dating Arjun. Later on, she had to admit that they were kidding and playing a prank on me. But I acted as though I was very upset and stormed off the sets. She was very scared and apologised to me and tried to calm me down.That’s when I revealed that the joke was on her!
Have you ever laughed out loud in the midst of filming a serious scene Radhika: Usually, while filming romantic scenes we tend to laugh out loud and actually mess with each other! The two of us are so comfortable and easy going in each other’s presence that we keep saying funny things. Like, sometimes during an emotional scene, Shakti will tease me by saying my pimple can be seen, and make me laugh! Shakti: There are lots of instances when either Radhika or I forget our lines and fumble, turning an intense scene into a funny moment. What’s your favourite look on the show And what’s your off screen style statement all about Radhika: On the show, saris with backless blouses are my favourites. Off screen, I usually prefer a comfortable look — like shorts and a T-shirt coupled with some accessories. Shakti: When my character transformed from Ranveer to RV, my look was changed from checkered shirts to suits, and it looked very classy. In real life, I prefer jeans and basic T-shirts, along with accessories like sun glasses, a nice watch etc.
Do you have a favourite corner on the set Radhika: The main hall is my favourite space — we usually sit there to have chai and chat. Shakti: I chill in my vanity when I have some free time. What’s the first thing you do when you have some free time on the set Radhika: I check my phone. Shakti: I try to catch up on sleep.
Rapidfire My nicknames: Radhika: Radhu and Totta Shakti: I don’t have any nicknames as such but my mom calls me Raja Beta! I call my co-star: Radhika: Hero Shakti: I call Radhika ‘Radhe Maa’!
I cannot do without: Radhika: Gol-gappe Shakti: Food Last movie I enjoyed: Radhika: Talvar Shakti: Bajrangi Bhaijaan The song I’m humming these days: Radhika: Old songs Yeh Nayan Dare Dare Shakti: Gulabo from Shandaar Last thing I shopped for: Radhika: A bag Shakti: Clothes
If I could live the life of another celebrity for a day, it would have to be: Radhika: Kareena Kapoor’s! Who wouldn’t want to be with someone hot like Saif Ali Khan Shakti: Salman Khan — because he lives like a king and I like his daredevil attitude! Love is: Radhika: Crazy you can’t be practical Shakti: Life
