Harshad Arora’s easygoing nature has often worked in his favour, since he warms up to his co-stars easily. His Khunkhar – Super Cops Vs Super Villains co-star Ragini Nandwani too had no problems in forging a deep bond with the actor, even though they are working together for the first time. Their offscreen camaraderie has helped their onscreen chemistry, they claim. In a freewheeling chat, the couple talk about about what makes them click. Edited excerpts from the interview:
Harshad, you keep calling Ragini a drama queen. Is she one?
Harshad: More than drama queen, I call her rakchoosak (bloodsucker) It’s all in good spirit, trust me. She doesn’t even get irritated. In fact, she’s got so used to the tag that she actually taunts me when I don’t call her by the name.
Ragini: I tease and irritate him a lot, so he calls me a drama queen. I am not offended. I find it cute and have taken a fancy to the tag.
Harshad, while performing an action scene, despite the harness, you landed up on the ground. Was it scary?
Harshad: The impact led to a ligament tear. But I was so engrossed, I didn’t even realise it in the heat of the moment. Later on, when it started hurting more, it dawned on me that something is seriously wrong.
Ragini: Action sequences are always tough. One has to be very careful while performing them because one mistake can land you in big trouble. After what happened to Harshad, I have become extra cautious while doing stunts.
Your off-screen equation suggests you guys are like Tom and Jerry on the sets...
Harshad: I keep bullying her. She doesn’t mind because she knows that everything is done in good spirit.
Ragini: We have great fun on the set. We believe in having a light environment around and have fun while shooting. It’s great that he is a happy-go-lucky person just like me.
Harshad, you get linked with every co-star you work with. Is this the case here too?
Harshad: It’s become an occupational hazard now. I guess, you have to take it in your stride. I am used to it; it doesn’t bother me anymore.
Ragini: Rumours are part of this industry. If this too, is doing the rounds, it won’t surprise me.
You are playing a werewolf in the show. Are you like a desi Taylor Lautner of telly-wood?
Harshad: I am better than him actually.
Ragini: I agree with Harshad. I think he is hotter than Taylor any day! (Laughs)
What do you think about your on-screen chemistry?
Harshad: I think we look cool on screen. Our chemistry has been great from day one because we get along really well. I keep cracking jokes and that makes her comfortable.
Ragini: I think we help each other with our roles and it shows in our scenes. We look fabulous together. It is reassuring to see your efforts bearing fruit.
How often do you guys take retakes?
Harshad : Well shooting with B.P. Singh, you will end up giving retakes even if you are a good actor. Comparatively, I think I take lesser retakes.
Ragini: There are many reasons why an actor takes retakes. Sometimes, it’s performance; sometimes, technical issues.
Is there any scene that’s made an impact on you?
Harshad: I would say that I have liked working on all the scenes but at the moment I’m doing a lot more stunts. It’s a lot of fun.
Ragini: I don’t have a favourite as yet, since I think we still have a long way to go.
Tell us one thing that you dislike about each other?
Harshad: I dislike the fact that she takes a lot of time to get my sense of humour. Tubelight hai bilkul.
Ragini: Harshad is a perfect co-star so I don’t dislike anything, as of now.
Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the sets?
Harshad: I don’t really like going to my vanity. I prefer being on sets.
Ragini: You will find me in my vanity van, reading books.
So, who is the gossip queen on the sets?
Harshad: Ragini, since she’s the one enjoys gossiping.
Ragini: Yes, he is right, it’s me.
Rapid Fire|
Your favourite corner on the sets?
Harshad: As I play werewolf in the show, my room is quite cool, so that’s my favourite place.
Ragini: My makeup room.
Your 2 am buddy on the sets?
Harshad: My script and black coffee.
Ragini: No one.
Things you cannot do without on the sets?
Harshad: My black coffee.
Ragini: I can’t do without my phone.
Your stress buster on the sets?
Harshad: Chilling with my on-screen dad Adi Irani.
Ragini: I love this song Closer by The Chainsmokers.
Your wildest fantasy?
Harshad: If I tell the readers, they will get scandalised.
Ragini: Well, that’s a secret.
Your dream date?
Harshad: It’s yet to come.
Ragini: I don’t believe in the concept of dates.
