Zain-Aaliya unplugged

Mumbai: They are the new heart-throbs on the telly scene. Harshad Arora and Preetika Rao, who play the star-crossed lovers in the popular show Beintehaa, have managed to keep audience hooked on their every move. Mumbai girl Preetika may seem a bit of an introvert but the former journalist sure knows how to field questions. Meanwhile, Delhi boy and her co-star Harshad admits to being reserved in real life even as his onscreen avatar is in complete contrast to that. Excerpts from an exclusive chat with the duo:

What according to you makes your chemistry a hit?
Preetika: I guess we are destiny’s on-screen pair because we were chosen by another production house to be paired opposite each other but that show was delayed and we were co-incidentally chosen for Beintehaa. Also, we don’t really have to try hard to bring out the chemistry in the show. We just come together in one frame and people feel the magic.
Harshad: Also, it’s the passion and the emotional bond that our directors have captured so well.

How important is it for TV co-stars to get along off-screen?
Preetika: It is important to get along not only with your co-star but also all the other actors. It helps to create a healthy work atmosphere. Because it is really hard to work with actors who are nasty to you behind the scenes. I have gone through that grind too.
Harshad: It makes a lot of difference in the relationship between actors.

Things thing that make you happy?
Preetika: Music, rain, cute babies and fun-loving people.
Harshad: Good food, good sleep and of course a great on-screen performance.

Things that annoy you?
Preetika: Unfriendly people, jealousy, liars and cheats. Also, people who always have bad breath but don’t do anything about the problem.
Harshad: Nothing that I can think of right now.

Your favourite time of the year and why?
Preetika: I think it’s the Monsoons. The city is cool, looks refreshingly green and lush and it also brings in my birthday.  
Harshad: I love winters since I am from Delhi and I was born and brought up there. We have beautiful winters back home.

Your guilty indulgences?
Preetika: Nope, nothing that I’m guilty about. I wear my conscience on my sleeve. No food or beverage or substance-related guilt indulgences for me. I’m too satvik.
Harshad: I love eating sweets and chocolates of all kinds.

The places you love most abroad and why?
Preetika:: I love the US because it is a very tourist-friendly country. I have been to the West coast and seen many cities in California. I’ve also been to Arizona and to the east coast to New York City, Dallas and Orlando.
Harshad: I love Italy for its beautiful architecture.

Something fans don’t know about you?
Preetika: That I sing and that I’m single.
Harshad: That I’m an introvert.

Who do you share your secrets with?
Preetika: Family
Harshad: My mom

A compliment that made you blush...
Preetika: I have a lot of girls that write to me saying they have a girl crush on me. They also call me Muslim Barbie doll.
Harshad: When female fans say, ‘Please marry me’.