They get along ‘royally’

Siddhant Karnick and Drashti Dhami play the leads (Ranaji and Gayatri) in Ek Tha Raja, Ek Thi Rani — and their onscreen pairing has certainly been appreciated by the audience. As the show finds its bearings, the actors too are moving beyond first impressions and getting to know each other better. In an interview with us, Siddhant and Drashti talk about life on the sets, setting up a working relationship, and more.

What was your very first meeting like, and what were the impressions you formed of each other then?
Siddhant: The first time I met her was when we were doing a Valentine’s Day special show for Star One. I was doing Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahaani at the time, while she was part of Geet. Gurmeet (Choudhary) and Drashti were performing, and although we didn’t interact much, I got to know how she works. I’d say I formed my first “impression” of her was when we were shooting the pilot (for Ek Tha…). Drashti had a freak accident and injured her toe. The team had to rush her to the hospital and throughout the journey, she kept asking them, ‘Did you get the shot?’ I was amazed by her dedication to her work…
Drashti: I had also met Siddhant on the Madhubala sets a couple of times, so I knew him since them. My first impression of him was that he’s a very chivalrous guy.

So who broke the ice?
Siddhant: Drashti broke the ice. I’m very reserved, while she is energetic and bubbly. So we have a lot of wonderful conversations.
Drashti: We started talking to each other from the very first day actually. So I’d say we never really needed to break the ‘ice’.
 
What do you think works for both of you as an onscreen couple?
Siddhant: I think it’s that off screen, we don’t have ego hassles of any sort. We’re both are here to do our work. Usko pehle kyun bulaya, mujhe kyun nahi etc… (there’s none of that). That helps us work better.
Drashti: What works for us is that we are both very good actors!
 
What have been your favourite scenes with each other so far?
Siddhant: There was a scene where we were doing this famous RK pose. I wasn’t well that day and I had to hold her when she fell. She couldn’t hold herself well, I had to support her from the back. We had to hold that pose for a long time, till the trolley movement was done. By that time I felt a bit weak so my hands were shaking, and she couldn’t hold herself but had to keep that expression of love alive, so that was funny! Once that got over, we burst out laughing. Also there are a lot of cheat shots on TV, so sometimes I’m facing the camera and she has her back to it, and she’ll make funny faces — not ruining the shot, but just keeping it light. That’s how we get through 12 hours of shooting!
Drashti: I don’t have a favourite yet, but in the near future we will be shooting some fantastic scenes together.
 
Tell us something fans don’t know about your co-star…
Siddhant: She’s very caring towards her staff. She treats her makeup artist, and hairdresser so well. She wants to have lunch with everyone, not alone in her room. That really helps everyone bond. Also, wherever we go, be it for promotions or shoots, she has to go shopping and buy what that place is best known for. She may not even use it, but she has to have it. All of us end up accompanying her!
Drashti: Siddhant may be Ranaji on screen, but in real life, he’s a lot of fun. He’s completely mad and very sweet.