A divine' couple

Playing a couple as “divine” as Lord Ram and Sita can’t be the easiest of tasks. And yet, Ashish Sharma and Madirakshi Mundle manage to do it with ease on Siya Ke Ram.

The two actors bring something special to their roles, and with the swayamvar track on the show currently heating up, audiences are glued to the magic Ashish and Madirakshi bring to their scenes. The actors share notes from the sets, working together and more.  

You have been paired opposite each other for the first time. How easy or difficult was it for you to build that all-important chemistry?
Madirakshi: Ashish and I have only recently started shooting together, but it has been good so far. Until now, we would shoot on different sets because Ram is in Ayodhya and Sita in Mithila. But now that the swayamvar has happened, we will have more scenes together and I am looking forward to shooting what we call the significant Sita and Ram scenes.
Ashish: More than us as actors, it is our characters that are working wonders when it comes to the chemistry. Sita and Ram were two strong individuals and their love for each other is an example for lovers across the globe. With the swayamvar happening, Sita and Ram are now on their journey of togetherness and it should be good.

So, what has worked for the two of you on screen?
Madirakshi: I think we have an advantage because we are playing Sita and Ram — a couple who symbolised immortal love for the world. Sita and Ram always had chemistry because of their compassionate natures and through Siya Ke Ram you’re getting to see the unseen facets of them getting together, their journey and their union.
Ashish: I agree with Madirakshi completely. It has to be our characters that help us strike a chord with the audience, and (which creates) our chemistry too.

How do you rate each other as co-stars?
Madirakshi: Ashish has been in the industry for a long time now. He is extremely serious and passionate about his work. You can make that out when you watch him shoot. This being my first show, I take this quality away from him. He’s been extremely co-operative and fun to work with.
Ashish: Madirakshi is extremely hard working and is always calm. I have never heard her crib or complain about anything.
Madirakshi has been an extremely co-operative and adjusting co-star.

Have you ever had an uncontrollable fit of the giggles while shooting a serious scene together?
Madirakshi: Actually this hasn’t happened with Ashish and me because the scenes that we have shot for are more about the building up of Sita and Ram’s feelings towards each other; that too separately, on most occasions. But I’ve had many such moments with my onscreen mother and sisters. We all get along like a house on fire and often start laughing and giggling in between shots!
Ashish: Same here. Both our scenes are full of love and passion and we’re into our characters so there isn’t much space for any tomfoolery. But yes, with Manish Wadhwa (Vishwamitra) and Karan Suchak (Lakshman), we have a ball of a time in between shots.

What’s your equation like off-screen?
Madirakshi: We’re just the way two co-stars are supposed to be. We respect each other and are extremely cordial.
Ashish: I respect her for the work she has done and the success she has gathered in such a small span of time.

What according to you has been a memorable moment for your jodi?
Madirakshi: I think such moments will now begin because we’ve now turned into a couple on screen. So waiting to see the response.
Ashish: In our show, Sita and Ram have just, almost become a couple, so I guess all the memorable moments will now follow.

What’s one thing you like about your co-star and one thing you dislike?
Madirakshi: Nothing about him annoys me. The fact that he is extremely serious and passionate about his work is something I really like about Ashish.
Ashish: I don’t know her well enough to judge her. She is an amazing actor to work with and is a fun person to be around.

Have there been any funny, memorable moments on the set?
Madirakshi: We are an ensemble cast. So every time the entire cast is together, we have a wonderful time, laughing, cracking jokes and enjoying ourselves to the fullest.
Ashish: Yes, many. One has to be when in between shots, Karthik Jayaram (Raavan), Manish, Karan, the crew and I started playing cricket spontaneously on the sets. It was fun!

Rapid fire:

Your favourite corner on the set:
Madirakshi: Sita’s room in the kingdom of Mithila. Whenever I shoot there, I feel as though I am really a princess from that era.
Ashish: My vanity van. For that is where I can unwind, relax and take a break from the shoot.

Your favourite food on the set:
Madirakshi: I can eat anything and everything.
Ashish: Anything cooked by my mom or my wife, Archana.

Who’s your 2 am friend on the set?
Madirakshi: My on-screen mother and sisters. They’re all an extremely sweet bunch of people who I can count on.
Ashish: Actually, it has to be my wife.

Things you cannot do without on the set
Madirakshi: The make-up and hairstylist and dress man. My costume is so heavy and the look is so complicated that I need them by my side all the time to help me get up, sit or get into position to shoot!
Ashish: My coffee mug.

Last movie you enjoyed
Madirakshi: I haven’t watched any movie recently, but I’ve heard a lot about Bajirao Mastani and can’t wait to watch it.
Ashish: Let’s just say I am enjoying watching Siya Ke Ram.

Any phobias
Madirakshi: Insects.
Ashish: None.

Any disaster dates?
Madirakshi: That’s for me to know and people to wonder (about)!
Ashish: Fortunately, never.

Your idea of masti
Madirakshi: Listen to songs, watch movies, be yourself and do whatever you enjoy.
Ashish: Chilling with my wife and dogs.