Zain Aliya bid fans adieu

The small screen’s darlings Aaliya aka Preetika Rao and Zain (played by Harshad Arora) bid adieu to fans this week, with Beintehaa going off air. We caught up with them for one last conversation and got them to answer questions sent in by some lucky readers:

What was your reaction when you found out that Beintehaa was going off air?
Preetika: The rumours had been on since August that the show will end in December, so we were mentally prepared. Then we got hit by a sudden bomb when in the first week of November, we were informed that the show is ending in eight-nine days. It’s a crazy feeling, as actors we were hoping the show runs till at least December 31 and completes a year, but I’m happy it’s ending on an interesting note.
Harshad: It was obviously an emotional moment. The actors and crew are like family now. Lots of memories come back and I know I’ll definitely miss the show a lot.

Have you been catching up on some rest during your break?
Preetika: I’ve been down with typhoid since the last three days. While shooting for the last two episodes, I was afraid I would collapse. Now I’m feeling a bit better. Instead of planning a holiday, I’m actually planning on catching up with friends. For the past one year I only travelled to the studio and back home in my car. Then in January, Harshad and I travel to Kolkata where we will receive the Kalakaar awards.
Harshad: I don’t have time for a break. I’m doing a new reality show on the same channel Colors, and I start working on that immediately. A break is in store, but after that.
 
Do you recall your first day of the Beintehaa shoot?
Preetika: Yes, cycling in Bhopal and shooting Zain-Aaliya’s first meeting. We shot at Gohar Mahal.
Harshad: I recall my introduction scene, in which I had to emerge out of freezing cold water!

Are you open to a sequel to Beintehaa?
Preetika: It is for the producers and channel to take a call, but as actors, Harshad and I may take up other projects, so we should be available, if and when Season Two is planned.

Some behind-the-scenes memories you’d like to share with fans?
Preetika: There was this scene where Zain and Aaliya try to shoo a snake away and we were shooting with an actual snake. The funny part was every time we would shoo the snake, it would actually move away, like it understood what we are saying. So the team had to keep getting the snake back. Also the latest scene where Aaliya slaps Zain’s humshakal Rocket! I was actually slapping Harshad for fun. I told the director, let me slap him, the scene will look funny. Then I also told the director ‘Iss scene ka retake karte hain’. Poor guy had to bear it all quietly!
Harshad: Yeah I said ‘Retake hi kyun rehearsal bhi kar lete hai, uske baad retake’. My favourite is the scene where Zain finds Aaliya after the riots and the following sweet moments.

Who/what will you miss most from the cast, crew and the sets?
Preetika: I will miss our directors Ankur and Maan. I look forward to working with them. Also, Suchitra (Pillai) and Harshad, since most of my scenes were with them. From the set, I will miss my room that I had decorated with fan mementos, like Buddha statues, cards etc. I had my room fully equipped with a bed, mosquito net and microwave! I will miss every nook and corner of the set, especially the backyard. I felt so peaceful sitting there in the sunlight.
Harshad: Everyone from Suchi to Vivek and others, everyone’s like family. Will miss the whole set and Barkat Villa.

How would you describe each other?
Preetika: Harshad is witty, hardworking and jovial. He had this habit of mocking me and I would whack him. In between romantic scenes, he would say, ‘Aaliyaji mood mein aa rahi hai’ and I would get annoyed and whack him.
Harshad: Preetika is patient, calm and composed. It’s rare to find a co-star so patient.
 
What do you feel about the names fans have given your jodi Zaya and Harshika?
Harshad: Zaya is nice, it shows the audiences love for Zain-Aaliya.

Preetika, would you do a show like Khatron Ke Khiladi, like Harshad is doing next? Or Bigg Boss?
Preetika: I wouldn’t do them. As for Bigg Boss, I wouldn’t compromise on my privacy even if I’m paid a million bucks. My personal space means the world to me. As for K3, I am adventurous. I have done rope climbing etc but I wouldn’t do it on TV. I am not open to risking my life and my face. I’m not that daring.