Rishton Ka Saudagar Baazigar lead actors Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta were in the news recently because of the no-dating clause in their contract. Interestingly, the sizzling chemistry between the couple is noticeable off-screen as well. Going by the contract the two are bound by, the couple will have to entertain audiences with their chemistry only onscreen for the time being. In a freewheeling chat, Vatsal and Ishita tell us about what makes them click despite the no-dating clause.
So, how did you two break the ice when you met each other for the first time on the sets?
Vatsal: We started talking during the look test. We bonded over our similar choices in the past, and the Ajay Devgn connection we share. She is a chilled out girl.
Ishita: We met for the first time during the look test but we hardly spoke then. It was when we actually started shooting in Lucknow that we got talking to each other. We realised that we have a lot of things in common.
Was it awkward filming romantic scenes initially?
Vatsal: No, not really. We both are professional actors so there is no such awkward moment while shooting such scenes.
Ishita: Not at all. We were pretty comfortable with each other from the time we started shooting in Lucknow. In fact, we shot our first romantic scene in Lucknow itself. The scene went off well and everybody on the sets said that our chemistry already shows onscreen.
So, what makes your onscreen chemistry work?
Vatsal: I think the comfort level two individuals share plays an important role in building the chemistry. We started off as actors but today we are good friends. Our friendship translates onscreen.
Ishita: I think the comfort level does the trick as far as the chemistry between co-actors is concerned. I think our equation reflects in our chemistry. Vatsal and I are comfortable with each other which I think is helping us look good together onscreen.
Who is a better co-star among the two of you?
Vatsal: I am a better co-star (laughs) and Ishita is a better actress. I give credit to myself for this.
Ishita: Vatsal is definitely a better co-star. When we were shooting in Lucknow, my sari got stuck in the fan and because of which I was about to fall from a height. It was his presence of mind that saved me. He rushed and quickly pulled my sari from the fan and saved the moment. He is a brilliant actor and it’s fun shooting with him as you get to learn so much.
How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Vatsal: It was when we both were shooting for the tattoo sequence. Ishita and I both couldn’t control our laughter as my character Aarav was about to tattoo her name, Arundhati on his chest.
Ishita: Recently we were shooting a romantic scene. We just couldn’t stop laughing. I think our scene came out well because of that!
Is there any particular scene that has made its way to your heart?
Vatsal: It has to be the marriage scene — I gave it my best. I had to dance in the baraat. I went all out for the sequence so much so that by the end of it, my clothes were torn. My knee kept hurting. We were shooting the whole night. It was exhausting, both physically and mentally. But I enjoyed it.
Ishita: It’s difficult to choose one. But there’s a scene with my family and Aarav, which is my favourite. In fact, that episode will air soon.
Any scene that’s made you go ‘I wish I had done it better’?
Vatsal: Not really. I believe whatever we have done, we have given it our 110 per cent.
Ishita: As an actor, you tend to feel this way about every scene since there are always ways perform better. But what’s done is done, so whenever a particular scene is done, I always think about the next one.
One thing you like about each other and one thing you dislike?
Vatsal: She is a great actor. She gets cake on the sets every day, which is a little annoying (Laughs)
Ishita: Vatsal is helpful, observant and chivalrous. What I dislike is that he never experiments with food.
Is there any interesting fan comment about your jodi that’s caught your attention?
Vatsal: There is one comment, which everyone keeps passing on the sets. They keep saying, “Bhai-behen ki jodi looks good together.” I find that amusing.
Ishita: The most interesting comment that we received on our jodi is “Bhai-behen look good together.” I can’t help laughing out loud. There is a story to this — both Vatsal and I have played Ajay Devgn sir’s son and daughter in our respective movies. So the joke is that we are siblings and not lovers. But yes people are liking our jodi.
So, who is the jagga jasoos when on sets?
Vatsal: Ishita is the jagga jasoos of our set. She is the one who has knowledge about the happenings on the sets.
Ishita: I would like to believe that I am the jagga jasoos but it’s Vatsal who knows it all. I still don’t know how though! He just doesn’t reveal his sources. He will kill me for this! (Laughs)
Are there any annoying habits that you would like to reveal about each other?
Vatsal: Nobody can get annoyed with her. She is a damn sweet girl — like the ones in Sooraj Barjatya films. And the secret is that she is a foodie. She loves food and is always talking about food.
Ishita: Sometimes he is very quiet and I am the one yapping away to glory. But then again I don’t know what is more annoying.
Rapid fire
Your favourite corner on the sets?
Vatsal: The garden area.
Ishita: The garden, which is a part of Vatsal’s set. I also love the drawing room area which is a part of my house.
Your favourite food on the sets?
Vatsal: Maggi.
Ishita: Samosa. There is this guy who comes to the sets to sell tiny samosas which I absolutely cannot resist.
Things you cannot do without on the sets?
Vatsal: My lemongrass masala chai
Ishita: My make-up pouch, ghar ka khana, my phone and glycerin.(Laughs)
Your wildest fantasy?
Ishita: You think I would want to tell that to the world? (laughs)
Vatsal: It is too wild to talk about.
Your dream date?
Ishita: Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth
Vatsal: Taylor Swift
