When Raqesh Bapat replaced Karan V Grover as the new leading man on the show Bahu Humari Rajni_kant, there was apprehension as to whether or not he would fit into Karan’s shoes. But Raqesh has won the audiences over with his performance as Shaan. His friendship with co-star Ridhima Pandit too has helped their chemistry. In a candid chat, the pair tells us about their journey as co-stars.
We heard that you guys took a look test to check the compatibility quotient. How did that turn out?
Raqesh: Yes, indeed. In fact, it is here that I first met Ridhima. I am sure Ridhima met a couple of other candidates before me, but her enthusiasm was consistent. She is a warm person. We connected because we both are Maharashtrian and share the same culture. We started communicating with each other in the same language. I think our connection worked in my favour and I got the role.
Ridhima: Well the ice broke right when I was auditioning with him. We started talking and he told me how he likes my work. Raqesh and I have similar backgrounds. We look good on-screen. I think that’s how Raqesh came on-board.
Ridhima plays a robot in the show. How easy or difficult is it for you, (Raqesh) to romance her?
Raqesh: There are hardly any romantic scenes between us because our equation is that of a mentor and his robot. It’s pretty weird to romance a robot, if you ask me. We had this one romantic scene where I had to chase her and exchange a look. I think the scene came up pretty well.
It is easy to shoot romantic scenes with her because of our comfort level with each other. Everything becomes easy when you gel as co-stars. When we are working together, we even try to improvise our scenes.
Your on-screen chemistry looks great. What’s the secret behind it?
Raqesh: Our chemistry works because we aren’t those actors who shoot a scene and go back to their respective rooms. Even after a shot, we are in each other’s room. We even have our lunch and dinner together. Building a chemistry came easily to us because we are friends.
Ridhima: Good chemistry depends a lot on how comfortable you are with your co-star. I think it also helps that we always rehearse the scenes before giving the final shot. I think this helps our chemistry.
Who would you call a better co-star among the two of you?
Raqesh: I think Ridhima is definitely a better co-star. It’s difficult to play a robot and have always your tone on the same pitch. She has absorbed the robotic gestures so well that I keep telling her that I have to touch her to see if she is a human being or not. (Laughs)
Ridhima: It’s difficult to say who is a better co-star among both of us. Raqesh gets so much food for everyone that it’s ruining my habit of eating healthy food.
Is there any scene that has struck an emotional chord with you?
Raqesh: There isn’t any scene for me since I am still trying to understand the role.
Ridhima: There was this scene between Shaan and Rajni where Rajni gifts Shaan a pair of specs. There was an emotional connect between the two by the end of the episode.
Ridhima keeps complaining about how you eat all the desserts on the sets. Is it true?
Raqesh: Oh yes I have a sweet tooth. I cannot resist desserts. I hate Ridhima for blurting it all out. (Laughs)
Raqesh, the audience has accepted you as Shaan. That must have come as a huge relief to you...
Raqesh: Yes, it has just been a few days since I have joined the team as Shaan. People have been accepting of me, so it is overwhelming.
So, Raqesh your eating habits have made you notorious, and Riddhima you are infamous on the sets because you trouble your co-stars...
Raqesh: When I came on-board, people were shocked with my appetite. I can eat random things at random times. I am forever hungry and even dig into my co-star’s tiffin box. They keep wondering how is it that I don’t put on any weight.
I keep troubling Ridhima. I have two Riddhis (referring to wife, Riddhi Dogra) in my life. Both of them love nagging. I think Riddhima is equally notorious.
Ridhima: I think Raqesh is rather quiet while I am the one who keeps troubling others. So much so that it has made me infamous.
So, who is the gossip king/queen — you or her?
Raqesh: I think Mehul Nisar who plays the role of Gyaan in the show is the one who gets us all the gossip. He keeps us updated on what’s happening, who’s doing what etc. Mehul is fun to be around
Ridhima: We have many gossip kings and queens on the sets. Raqesh and I like to listen to the gossip. But we don’t discuss it — we keep it to ourselves.
Rapid Fire
Your favourite corner on the sets:
Raqesh: I am yet to discover my favourite corner.
Ridhima: The hall area has a table. I like sitting there a lot of times.
Things you cannot do without on the sets:
Raqesh: My coffee machine and the microwave.
Ridhima: My vanity kit and my cell phone
Your favourite line on the sets:
Raqesh: “Pack up!”
Ridhima: “Ready Sir!”
Your stress buster on the sets:
Raqesh: My co-actors
Ridhima: My co-actors
Your wildest fantasy:
Raqesh: I will only share it with the person I’d like to live that fantasy with.
Ridhima: I don’t have a fantasy!
Your dream date:
Raqesh: Wife Riddhi Dogra
Ridhima: Ryan Gosling
