We think alike, says Shubhangi Atre

Call it instinct or experience, but when Shilpa Shinde quit Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, the show’s makers cast Shubhangi Atre in the lead role. Quite the casting coup, Shubhangi has won over audiences of the show already and her chemistry with her co-star Rohitash Gaud is being lauded too. A quick chat with one of the most popular pairs on television currently:

How did you guys break the ice the first time you met on the sets?
Rohitash: There was definitely animosity at the start but when she uttered the words ‘sahi pakde hain’. I felt she was perfect for the character and since then there has been no looking back.
Shubhangi: Rohitji saw me during the mock shoot and said he was really happy to see me there. So, that was the first interaction we had. And because he’s so positive and down-to-earth, he made me feel comfortable on the first day itself and we connected

Was it awkward filming romantic scenes at any point?
Rohitash: We don’t have any kind of those typical romantic scenes. But yes, if a scene required me to pull her cheeks, I would wonder how she would react. All these hesitations and assumptions have definitely changed by now.
Shubhangi: Yes it was! But of course after a few days it was fine. I vividly remember our first romantic scene, I had to play with the curtains and the curtain rod fell on my head. (Laughs)

What makes your on-screen chemistry work?
Rohitash: We think alike! There have been many instances where I was about to tell her that we could do the scene in a certain way and she would say that she was thinking the same. Spooky, isn’t it?
Shubhangi: We are very good friends now because we have been shooting together for quite some time. I pull his leg and tease him on the set, but he never gets irritated.

Who is the better co-star among the two of you?
Rohitash: How can I say I’m not better?   (laughs) Of course I’m the better co-star!
Shubhangi: Definitely Rohitji

Do you often burst out laughing while filming scenes?
Rohitash: I laugh during almost every scene. We recently shot for a scene where Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) becomes the inspector. The hilarious reason was that Vibhuti comes out of his house since he has a stomach problem, and farts. The thief he was after faints!
Shubhangi: I laugh at all scenes too. I laugh more amongst the two of us and I can’t stop once I start. Rohitji is a bit more reserved.

Who needs more retakes?
Rohitash: Me, since Shubhangi has worked in daily soaps and rarely takes retakes.
Shubhangi: Rohitji is being very modest. I usually need more retakes since he’s been working on this show for a year-and- a-half-now.

Any particular scene that’s made its way into your heart?
Rohitash: I think all bedroom scenes between Shubhangi and me. There’s a scene where I’m sleeping and end up snoring. Angoori asks, “Laddoo ke bhaiyya, ka hua?” and I say, “Kuch nai pagli, bhabhiji, hum tumhare baare mein soch rahe the!” That was special.
Shubhangi: I think my entry scene was special. Angoori is performing tulsi pooja and conversing with Saxena. They’re both crazy.

Any scene that’s made you go, “I wish I’d done it better”?
Rohitash: I feel that way after every scene. Sometimes I get home and think how I’d have done scenes differently and better. This is the case with all creative people; we’re never satisfied.
Subhangi: I feel that everyday and that’s why I make sure I watch the episodes and I realise I need to improve a lot. I feel that the day I get satisfied, I stop growing.

One thing you like and dislike about each other?
Rohitash: I like two things about her; positivity and punctuality. She never comes and says she can’t do something or won’t do something. She arrives on time, gets ready quickly and is always honest. There’s nothing I dislike about her.
Shubhangi: I like people who are real. He’s very down-to-earth and simple, which I feel is a rare quality. I only wish he would talk more!

What’s your off-screen equation like?
Rohitash: We’re very good friends. When she goes home post shoots, I occasionally call and ask her whereabouts.
Shubhangi: We’re great friends. He made me comfortable the first day itself. He always gives me constructive feedback like a true friend and that helps me deliver better.

Any interesting comment about your jodi that’s caught your eye?
Rohitash: Initially, when Shubhangi came on board, several people said our jodi wouldn’t work. However, in the past two months, I’m hearing good things about our pairing and the fans are liking it too.
Shubhangi: When I joined in, I read a comment that said, “Angooriji aap patli hoke aa gaye toh aap Tiwariji ko bhi fit kar dijiye (Angooriji, you’ve come back slimmer, now make Tiwariji fitter too).

Rapid Fire:

Your favourite corner on the set:
Rohitash: Chai ki dukaan.
Shubhangi: I love the mohalla.

Favourite food on the set:
Rohitash: Chicken biryani.
Shubhangi: I carry lunch everyday, otherwise masala dosas and kachori.

Your 2 am buddy on the set:
Rohitash: Pelu Chaurasia (Akshay Patil), the character who plays the dumb rickshaw puller.
Shubhangi: Saumya Tandon, Aasifji and Rohitji. Our director Shashank sir too.

Things you cannot do without on the set:
Rohitash: My eye-drops and reading glasses.
Shubhangi: Mouth-freshener.

Your favourite line on the set:
Rohitash: Arre yaar, bohot badi chirand ho tum.
Shubhangi: Sahi pakde hain!

Your stress-buster on set:
Rohitash: Aasif bhai.
Shubhangi: I love cooking on the sets and I’ve cooked many times for everyone here. I love listening to music as well.

Your wildest fantasy:
Rohitash: Romancing with Anita Bhabhi (Saumya).
Shubhangi: To do a movie with Salman Khan.

Your dream date:
Rohitash: Anita Bhabhi, again!
Shubhangi: I love nature a lot, and my dream date would be with my husband and daughter on a white sand beach.

Your first crush:
Rohitash: My history teacher from college.
Shubhangi: My first and last crush is Salman Khan.