Opposites attract: Amar, Tanya talks about their trials and tribulations
Their age difference makes them an unusual pair on screen but somehow the gamble seems to have worked. Amar Upadhyay and Tanya Sharma’s chemistry took a little while to settle and it is only getting better with time.
The audience has finally warmed up to oddest couple on screen — Amar and Tanya. The couple who play the characters of Dharam Suryavanshi and Meera in Sath Nibhana Sathiya talk about their trials and tribulations and journey together as the odd couple on television.
How did you guys break the ice when you guys met on the sets for the first time?
Amar: When I got onboard, I had an idea what my character would be like. But I was a little taken aback when I learnt that Tanya Sharma would play the role of my wife, since it is an unusual pairing. I’ve never met her previously but after working with her I realised that she is sincere towards her work. Gradually, we started talking and knowing each other.
Tanya: When I got to know I’m playing a character opposite Amarji, I was excited. In fact when I met him on the day of the shoot, I told him that I used to follow Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. When he died in the show, I stopped watching it for some time. Working with him today is like a dream come true.
Was it awkward initially filming the romantic scene?
Amar: I have done so many romantic scenes earlier that it wasn’t something that is new for me. Besides, it is a part of my job so I am ok with it. But this little girl Tanya was getting little worried so I made her comfortable and explained to her not to be nervous. Then I told her we are all here to help each other and at the end of the day it is teamwork. My words helped and there was no awkwardness between us during the shoot.
Tanya: Of course it was too awkward. I am not a romantic person in real life, so filming a romantic scene did pose to be a challenge. Amar Sir is kind; he keeps telling me not to worry. His words and assurance made me comfortable.
So what do you think makes your on screen chemistry work ?
Amar: Dharam and Meera are both strong characters so when they come together, the chemistry comes very easily on the screen.
Tanya: Meera is a stubborn, spoilt brat whereas Dharam is a mature, strong, balanced man. I think the contrast between us also makes our onscreen chemistry fantastic.
Who is a better co-star among the two of you?
Amar: It won’t be fair to answer this as Tanya has just started and she is a hard working girl and I really can’t compare.
Tanya: I think we both are good in our own way, so I can’t really comment on this.
How many times have you burst out laughing while filming a scene?
Amar: A lot of times! Especially when we are doing a serious scene. It’s difficult to keep a straight face.
Tanya: Many times actually. I cry a lot in the show, so normally I use glycerine. So Amarji always keeps pulling my leg by saying ‘Yeh toh glycerine ki tanki hai’. So whenever there is an emotional scene, he always cracks jokes and makes me giggle.
So who takes more retakes?
Amar: Meera, of course!
Tanya: Amarji is a seasoned actor so it obviously has to be me.
Is there any particular scene that’s made its way to your heart so far?
Amar: Honestly, none so far. Hopefully in the future we shoot something great and perhaps it will be special.
Tanya: There is a scene where Amarji wrote Meera on his hand with a knife. Even today when I think about it I get goosebumps. The scene will always remain special for me.
Any scene that’s made you wish, ‘I wish I had done it better’?
Amar: I don’t recall such an instance really. I try to give my best in all the scenes I do.
Tanya: Yes. There was a scene where I was drunk in the bedroom and had to do a lot of drama. I really wish I had done it better because even after doing it for three hours, I just could not get it right.
What is the one quality you like and dislike about each other?
Amar: I like the way she works hard to keep performing better all the time. I dislike the fact that she gets distracted very easily.
Tanya: I like the fact that he makes me feel comfortable while filming awkward scenes. I dislike when he does weird things to distract me while filming emotional scenes.
What’s your off screen equation like?
Amar: We are good
colleagues, Meera is good to work with.
Tanya: We are friends but he is more like a mentor to me.
Is there any interesting fan comment on your jodi that’s caught your eye?
Amar: Yes, I just heard sometime ago that our fans have given us a name, Dheera. That’s quite interesting.
Who is crazier between the two of you?
Amar: Meera, of course!
Tanya: Me! Amarji is reserved and quieter. This question doesn’t apply to him.
Where are you most likely to be found during breaks on the set?
Amar: In my room.
Tanya: In my saasumaa, Gaura’s room.
So, who is the jagga jasoos of the set who gets all the gossip?
Amar: Tanya is the jasoos on the set. I don’t like to gossip. I come on time to work and leave.
Tanya: This has to be me. When Gauraji and I sit together, we keep gossiping in our free time.
Any annoying habits/secrets you would like to reveal about each other?
Amar: I don’t think so.
Tanya: Hmmm, no. I can’t remember anything.
Rapid-fire:
Your favourite corner on the set:
Amar: My bedroom on set.
Tanya: Jhula on the set.
Your favourite food on the set:
Amar: Home-cooked food.
Tanya: Vada pav.
Your 2 am buddy on the set:
Amar: Nobody.
Tanya: Gauraji
A few things you cannot do without:
Amar: The dialogue sheet
Tanya: Glycerine
Your favourite line on the sets:
Amar: Sir, aaj ke liye packup ho gaya.
Tanya: Understand? You better understand.
Your wildest fantasy:
Amar: None.
Tanya: I haven’t thought about it yet.
Your dream date:
Amar: Scarlett Johansson
Tanya: Shah Rukh Khan
Your first crush:
Amar: A pretty girl in school during the ninth grade.
Tanya: My senior in college.
