Rakshanda played Cupid for us: Apurva Agnihotri and Shilpa Saklani

Apurva and Shilpa have never shied away from publicly confessing their love for each other. Their stint on Bigg Boss only further went on to show the strong bond they share. Here, the two spill the beans about each other.

How did you meet and what was your first impression of each other?
Apurva: We met at a coffee shop. A very dear friend and a brilliant actor, Rakshanda Khan introduced me to Shilpa.
Shilpa: I had a huge crush on Apurva since the time I first saw him in Pardes. I thought he was hot even when I first saw him at a coffee shop. Our mutual friend Rakshanda played Cupid for us.

What are the qualities you like about each other? Are there things you’d like to change?
A: Shilpa is a great human being and loves to spread love around her. But not everyone is as pure a person as she is, so I feel that she needs to analyse people to an extent before going all out to be good to them.
S: Apurva is a really nice guy who has nothing negative to say about anyone. He is the world’s best husband and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have him. What I’d like to change about him though, is his temper. He can be hot-headed at times.

Which one of you is more romantic? What are your nicknames for each other?
A: (Laughs) I address her as Bo and she in turn calls me Bo Bo. We’re both equally romantic I feel.
S: I think we’re both very romantic and it was Apurva’s romantic nature that made me fall for him in the first place.

What would you say is your most memorable moment or scene together? Why is it so close to your heart?
A: It was during our honeymoon in Canada. We’re both very adventurous, so we tried our hand at bungee jumping, and sky diving etc. When it was my turn for bungee, right before I took the leap, Shilpa was dead scared. She turned to me and said, ‘No matter what, I will always love you’. That was a very special moment for me and I’ll never forget it.
S: The most memorable day of my life is June 24, 2004 it is the day I got married to Apurva. I was the happiest bride.

What is the sweetest or the most romantic thing your partner has done for you?
A: I love bikes and Shilpa bought me a new Honda 600cc bike. It was very thoughtful of her.
S: Apurva does these small things that sweep me off my feet. Like when I am unwell, he takes care of me as if I were a baby.

What are the things that either of you or both of you can’t do without?
A: Our puppy Hollywood Agnihotri is our weakness.
S: My husband Apurva cannot do anything without me. He is a totally dependent husband and I am an independent wife. Although emotionally, I am very dependent on him.

What is the most memorable compliment that a fan has given to you both as a couple?
A. People always talk about the bond Shilpa and I share. That itself is a compliment.
S: People address us as a couple that is very kind and they always wish well for us. This in itself is a blessing for us and we are happy with the support we have been receiving so far.

Is there any scene performed by your partner that left you mesmerised or emotional?
A. Yes, I got really emotional when Shilpa played a mentally tormented woman in Savdhaan India. She had to look dull and ugly and she really got into the skin of the character. That is the best role she’s played in my view.
S: Apurva did an amazing job in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. And of course, in Pardes too. He gives every role his best.

Rapid Fire Round

What do you associate the following words with?

Guilty indulgences
A: Mud cake that’s full of sugar and calories.
S: I am a big time foodie and love eating junk and spicy stuff.

favourite couple in showbiz
A: Shilpa and I.
s: Hussain and Tina.

Apps you are addicted to
A: All kinds of photography apps.
s: I’m the coolest human being and don’t believe in social media. I am addicted to my husband (giggles).

dream date destination
A: New Zealand abroad and Goa in India.
s: Ditto.

All-time favourite romantic movie
A: Top Gun.
s: Hum Apke Hain Kaun.

Songs you are hooked to
A: All of Kishore da’s songs.
s: All the songs of Barfi.

Besties from the industry
A: Hussain and Tina.
s: Hussain, Tina and Rakshanda.

How you pamper yourself:
r: It’s usually by taking a vacation with my wife.
s: I love to cuddle our puppy Hollywood.

Favourite accessories
A: Watches.
s: The most important accessory is my wedding ring — which I never take off. Apart from that, my watch.