Bittersweet symphony: Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel

Mumbai: They may not be the perfect lovey-dovey couple on the small screen, but fans seem to have taken a huge liking to that bittersweet equation between Ishita and Raman from Yeh Hai Mohabbatein played by Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel. In an exclusive chat, the two actors tell us what makes them tick:

Fans enjoy the nokjhok between Raman-Ishita. What’s your favourite scene?
Divyanka: The nokjhok scenes are my favourite too. My favourite scene was the one when Raman has an upset tummy and he asks the hotel bellboys to send up a laxative but they deliver contraceptives instead, wondering what else could a man want on his wedding night. That’s where the confusion starts he asks for the package while he’s in the bathroom and my character is shocked as to how he can do such a thing.
Karan: There was a scene in which Ishita tells Raman, “Go to hell!” and Raman replies, “Chalo, peeche peeche aa raha hoon.”

Tell us about any funny or touching encounters you’ve had from fans.
Divyanka: I get very touching reactions from fans these days, especially from children who like the role. It’s funny and at same time touching how many of these kids tell their mums, “Look how loving and caring Ishima is… Why can’t you be like her?” So I feel many mothers envy the character. It’s difficult to touch children’s hearts and when you see that happening — it means you are doing your role well.
Karan: Recently fans wrote to me saying, “We love you irrespective of what anyone is saying about you.” That was really sweet.

How important is it to get along with your co-star off screen too?
Divyanka: It’s really important, kyunki taali ek haath se nahi bajti hai. If you get along off-screen, you are good... then on-screen you can be better.
Karan: It’s very important because we are part of one team.
 
What makes you happy?
Divyanka: Travelling, picnics, family, friends, a relaxing ocean view, nature trips, rains…
Karan: Early pack-ups on Saturday and late call times on Sundays!

Few things that annoy you?
Divyanka: I hate partiality and corruption, inhumanity and insensitivity. I get annoyed by rudeness, disrespect towards me or towards others, lying.
Karan: Late pack-ups on Saturday and early call time on Sundays!

What qualities do you look for in your partner?
Divyanka: My ideal man is the one who’ll walk hand in hand with me and be my support system. I really appreciate chivalry. Also, I would want my man to respect women. I don’t need PDA, but I do desire understanding. Sharad (Malhotra) has all these qualities, so he’s my ideal man.
Karan: She should be beautiful and smart. Intelligence attracts me. And I want someone who understands me.
 
Who are you closest to in your family?
Divyanka: I am pretty close to my parents. I can talk to them about anything — be it my love life or cribbing about something that’s bothering me.
Karan: I am close to everyone in my family. I have been brought up that way.
 
As a child, were you naughty?
Divyanka: I was adventurous. I would participate in extra-curricular activities. I was in the NCC too. I never bunked lectures for movies or anything.
Karan: I was not studious at all. I was always up to some masti.
 
Something fans don’t know about you?
Divyanka: My fans have always seen me being very sweet and nice but I do have other traits too. And when I’m angry, you can’t mess with me.
Karan: That I am very caring towards my loved ones and I am a yaaron ka yaar.