We chill with each other during our breaks: Shefali Sharma

It was Shefali Sharma’s infectious smile that got Gaurav Khanna’s attention, and got the leading stars of Tere Bin talking. Though their pairing is new, their chemistry has successfully managed to strike a chord with viewers. In a candid chat, the two share what makes the pair a hit.

How did you two break the ice when you met for the first time on the sets?  
Gaurav: I was in deep conversation with my creative director about why I need to step out in a towel in one of the scenes, since my character isn’t someone who would want to flaunt his physique. That’s when Shefali decided to smile and get talking. Her smile was definitely an ice-breaker.
Shefali: There wasn’t a typical ice-breaking moment, since Gaurav is so talkative. But we have managed to become good friends in a short time.

Did filming the romantic scenes get awkward at any point?
Gaurav: I haven’t shot any romantic scenes with Shefali until now, since we aren’t romantically linked together as yet. However, both of us have previously worked on TV shows; I don’t think it will be awkward.
Shefali: We haven’t shot any romantic scenes as yet. Even if there were to be romantic scenes in the future, I don’t think there will be any awkwardness between us.

So, what makes your on screen chemistry work?
Gaurav: We are impromptu with our scenes. We have our own process while working. I guess people who watch the show appreciate it. I think audiences are enjoying the tension between the two characters.
Shefali: Our camaraderie makes our chemistry work. We are good friends and get along really well.

Who is a better co-star between the two of you?
Gaurav: I think Shefali is a better co-star; she is friendlier than me.
Shefali: Gaurav. I can share anything with him.  

 How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Gaurav: Every day. Recently, both of us were shooting a scene and we couldn’t stop laughing.
Shefali: This has happened way too many times! In fact, now our director is so fed up of us that he even screams at us.

Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart?
Gaurav: There was this scene where Nandini (Khushboo Tawde) taunts Akshay (played by Gaurav) about him eyeing other women. Akshay retorts saying, “Main nahi karta hoon, ladkiyan mujse karwati hai. Aur jab se tum mujhe mili ho mein kisi aur ko nazar uthaake nahi dekta hoon. (I haven’t done anything. Since I have met you, I don’t eye anybody else). Surprisingly I used the same line when I was talking to my partner. So when I read the script, I was amused.
Shefali: There was this one scene where I was telling my mother to get rid of Nilesh’s (my ex-lover) photograph at home since it is a barrier between my character and Akshay.

Is there any scene that’s made you go ‘Oh wish I had done it better’?
Gaurav: I’m my biggest critic. I always feel that I could do every scene better. In fact, I would want to perform each of them again. But this will make it difficult for my co-stars.
Shefali: There are many scenes.

Can you share one thing you like and dislike about each other?
Gaurav: She is fun-loving and can take a joke. One thing I don’t like about her is that she can sleep anywhere. She can sleep on the sets between scenes, even if it is just a 15-minute break.
Shefali: He understands me well, which is why I like him. At the same time, he teases me a lot, which I don’t like about him.

What’s your off-screen equation like?
Gaurav: Our food habits, music choices are similar. So it is fun to be with her.
Shefali: We are really good friends. We chill with each other during our breaks. We both are usually found in each other’s makeup room. In fact, he even steals my food even when I am sleeping.

Who is the jagga jasoos on the sets of who gets all the gossip — you or her?
Gaurav: Obviously Shefali.
Shefali: Gaurav!

Are there any annoying habits you would like to reveal about each other?
Gaurav: It’s not only about Shefali but all the co-actors I have worked with. Every time there is a cut, they start with their touchups. But then again, there is a need for them to look good onscreen as well.
Shefali: His eating habits.

Rapid Fire

Your favourite corner on the sets:
Gaurav: Sofa.
Shefali: In the drawing room.

Your favourite food on the sets:
Gaurav: Punjabi food.
Shefali: Home-cooked food.

Your 2 am buddy on the sets:
Gaurav: My production head Nilesh — he is my go to guy for everything.
Shefali: Gaurav.

Things you cannot do without on the sets:
Gaurav: Food, since I am hungry every few hours.
Shefali: I carry a small photograph of Lord Shiva without fail, since I don’t get the time to perform a pooja.

Your favourite line on the sets:
Gaurav: Kyun thak rahi hai (Why are you getting tired?)
Shefali: Tu bas kar!    

Your stress buster on the sets:
Gaurav: Shefali is fun-loving. So yes, she is the stress buster.
Shefali: Neeti, who plays my daughter on the show.

Your dream date:
Gaurav: At home, with my partner. I will cook her a nice meal.  
Shefali: Salman Khan.