With Ekta Kapoor’s Kuch Toh Hai Tere Mere Darmiyan suffering from low TRPs barely a couple of months into its launch, two of the lead actors — Vibhav Roy (who played Raj) and Shritama Mukherjee (Koyal) have been replaced. Aly Goni (popular as Romi from Yeh Hai Mohabbatein) and the vivacious Asha Negi (of Pavitra Rishta fame) are stepping into those roles now. What they hope to bring to the show — apart from their sizeable fan followings — is their close off-screen friendship: Both Asha and Ali felt that the comfort factor they share will automatically reflect on screen and infuse their characters’ with some much needed sparkle. In a chat with us, Asha and Aly talk about their dosti, dramebaazi and more.
Asha, Aly, were you apprehensive about replacing Shritama and Vibhav in Kuch Toh Hai Tere Mere Darmiyan?
Asha: No, I wouldn’t say I was apprehensive. It’s obviously not the best feeling in the world to replace any actor and to play her character. But since it has happened, I will be giving this my best shot. When I heard about the offer, I was initially not interested in replacing anyone, but Rithvik (Dhanjani; Asha’s fiancé) convinced me that this is a good opportunity. And it’s a Balaji show, so it was like a homecoming for me.
Aly: To be honest, I felt really bad for Vibhav, because what happened was very sad… and I wish him all the very best for his future endeavours; I’m sure he’s going to do really well in life. Coming back to me, this will be my first show as a lead actor and I’m really hoping that the audience will accept me as Raj and give me all their love.
Asha, you and Aly are close friends off-screen, right?
Asha: Yes, in fact, we just went on a holiday to Della Adventure Park, with some friends.
Aly: I met Asha through Rithvik and we share a great bond. Usually, Asha, Rithvik, Anita (Hassanandani), Karan (Patel) and I vacation together.
Coming to your roles, what do you find most interesting about the Raj-Koyal relationship?
Asha: That they’re both such mastikhors!
Aly: The makers have changed the characters a little and a lot of interesting things are planned. I love the kind of relationship Raj and Koyal share: Despite going through so many ups and downs, they’re madly in love with each other. The chemistry built in the show is amazing.
Do you have a gameplan for building your on-screen chemistry and attracting more viewers to the show?
Asha: We haven’t planned anything but we are doing our best. Since we are already friends, it is easy for both of us to work together. That comfort level is there and I’m sure our fans will love us in this avatar!
Aly: Yeah, my fans have really supported me in my role as Romi, who’s a fun-loving guy but also emotional. And as Raj, they will see me play another emotional character. I’m sure they’re going to love it!
Okay, describe your co-star in a few words.
Asha: Aly is very cool and childish! He’s good to work with because of the masti he brings on to the sets.
Aly: Asha is a great actor. She’s a complete professional when it comes to work, but otherwise she’s very fun loving.
Rapid Fire
If I could be another celebrity for a day, I’d be:
Asha: Sakshi Tanwar, because she is my inspiration.
Aly: I would love to be Karan Patel’s character, Raman, if given a chance. I want to play the character of angry young man.
Off-screen I’m closest to:
Asha: Ridhi Dogra and Surabhi Jyoti
Aly: Right now, it’s Asha
What I find attractive in a person:
Asha: Good grooming and a great sense of humour
Aly: Positivity and good humour
One thing that puts me off in a person:
Asha: If they don’t present themselves well and have a bad sense of humour.
Aly: Bad behaviour. I also can’t stand people who talk just for the sake of talking.
I shop the most for:
Asha: Clothes and shoes
Aly: Sunglasses
Most memorable date:
Asha: I love going out on movie dates actually
Aly: My most memorable date was when I was in school. My girlfriend, who was three years my senior, and I, had bunked and we were caught by a professor. After that I was suspended from school for one whole week!
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