We hardly rehearse our scenes: Karan Mehra

For seven long years, Hina Khan and Karan Mehra of Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai may have not had a great equation off screen but that never hindered their chemistry on the screen. But like all good things, this too has come to an end as leading man Karan quit the show a few days ago owing to some serious health issues. We caught up with the couple before Karan announced his exit from the show. In a freewheeling conversation, Hina and Karan recount their journey on the show:

So how did you guys break the ice when you two met for the first time on the sets of the show?
Karan: We met in Udaipur during the promo shoot for the show. This was way back in September 2008.  We spoke briefly and shot a couple of scenes together. That’s all.
Hina: We met the first time in Udaipur. Rajan (Shahi) Sir introduced us and that’s how we started talking.

Was it awkward filming romantic scenes?
Karan: Yes, at times it did get awkward and odd because I have always been shy.
Hina: It was a little difficult initially since you don’t know each other but it wasn’t awkward. With time, we got comfortable.

What made your onscreen chemistry work?
Karan: I think it’s sheer professionalism. We just come on the set and perform our scenes. In fact, at times we hardly rehearse our scenes. It’s been years since we functioned like this. We come, we do our shots and we go home. There was always a kind of affable chemistry between Akshara and Naitik and I think that’s why audiences loved us.
Hina: When the director says ‘Action’, we become Akshara and Naitik. I think it’s our dedication towards our roles that made our chemistry work.

How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Karan: This has happened so many times! In fact, I think this is the only way we can get through the day. It can get stressful otherwise.
Hina: So many times! In fact, there are times when some of the lines are so stupid that we can’t help but laugh!

Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far?
Karan: I remember my entry on the show. People said that my entry reminded them of Jeetendra since I was in a white suit. So many things have been special through the years. Then there was the time that I met Akshara for the first time, and married her. All these scenes have been memorable.
Hina: The scene where I deliver the baby. It is so emotional that I started crying while filming the scene!

Is there any scene that’s made you go ‘I wish I had done it better’?
Karan: None, actually. I think I gave my best to every scene.
Hina: There was this scene where I had to jump off the cliff. I was very scared during this scene. I kept hurting myself because I was so nervous. They asked me to get into the dirty water, so that made me more worried! I did not perform the scene as well as I could. I wish I could do it again.

What’s the one thing that you like and dislike about each other?
Karan: Hina is very professional and a good actor. I am comfortable shooting with her. There is nothing to dislike as such. She does get a little hyper at times but then it never affects our work.
Hina: I like Karan’s patience. Nothing affects him. Though I think he needs to open up a little more. He can be a little reserved at times, he needs to chill.

What’s your off-screen equation like?
Karan: I go into my zone after I am done shooting my scenes. If the two of us are doing a scene together, I will talk to her but otherwise I withdraw into my shell. I don’t get personal with anybody on the sets. We are not like best friends chilling out together but we are cordial.
Hina: Well, we are not best of friends.

Is there any interesting fan comment on your jodi that’s caught your eye?
Karan: A fan remarked our chemistry is like Shah Rukh and Kajol.
Hina: Many comments actually. They call us Naksh (an amalgamation of Naitik and Akshara). In fact, that’s how the first born, Naksh got his name. In fact, I have heard a lot of parents have named their kids Naksh after the show.

So, who is the jagga jasoos between the two of you?
Karan: Gossip keeps travelling all around the sets so you hear things you don’t want to!
Hina: I am the jagga jasoos of the set. I am close to everybody so I get all the information. I know everything that is happening around.

Rapid fire: 
Your favourite food on the sets:
Karan: I have nothing on the sets except for popcorn.
Hina: Samosas with chutney.

Your 2 am buddy on the sets:
Karan: It used to be Aayush Agrawal but he isn’t a part of the show anymore.
Hina: I’m not that close to anyone. But I can count on co-star Lata Seth and some people from the production house.   

Things you cannot do without on the sets:
Karan: My straightener, hair spray and perfume.
Hina: My mobile phone and script. I cannot function without a script.

Your stress-buster on the sets
Karan: I keep playing games on my phone.
Hina: We keep cracking jokes on the sets.

Your wildest fantasy:
Karan: I wouldn’t like to reveal this, since it may be too much for people to digest. Mere image ke saath nahin jaata.
Hina: Nothing yaar.