Debina understands our job as actors, we aren't real-life lovers : Drashti Dhami

If you thought television had a void of a good on-screen couple, then you haven’t seen Geet the popular youthful-yet-family drama on Star One. The show has given viewers someone to talk about – angry young man, Maan Singh Khurana (played by Gurmeet Choudhary) and Geet (Drashti Dhami) are warming the hearts of couch potatoes. TellyChakkar spoke to Drashti on her success and feelings.

How has Geet changed your life in the last few months?
I feel I am blessed. Geet has changed a lot of things in my life and for the better. I have got a lot of love and appreciation from my fans. I have got fame, name…what else can one expect? And to top it all, I got a chance to play a lovely character. I don’t think I have anything to complain about. Life is good, thanks to Geet.

In April, Geet completes one year. Are you comfortable with the daily soap actress tag?
Honestly speaking, when I started with the television show I never ever realised that I would be doing daily soaps. During Dill Mill Gayye, I was slowly getting used to the grind and now during Geet, I am getting used to it more and more.

When I used to model, I often wondered how could actors work so much. But now that I am one of them, I have no regrets. Dill Mill Gayye gave me an identity, while Geet gave me recognition.

In your opinion, what makes this show click?
Star One is primarily known as a young channel. Shows are conceptualized and made for them. Geet was no different. But I think the element of family drama in the show has made elderly people like it as well. I think the right balance of everything makes it tick.

What about your chemistry with Gurmeet? Isn’t that a reason as well?
(Smiles) Yes, certainly! Geet-Maan as a couple has created their place in the viewers’ heart. Gurmeet and I have put in our best to reach this stage. And I must say I do feel overwhelmed knowing what viewers think about us.

What is the secret behind your fantastic chemistry with Gurmeet?
(Smiles) I do agree the scenes we enact are quite intense. But our job is to get the right emotions and expressions. But believe me, Gurmeet and I are just friends off screen, we do not talk much besides work.

In fact, whenever I get some free time I hang out with my friends who are not from the television industry. In a daily soap when you are working and spending the entire day and a large part of the night with actors and technicians, somehow I want to come out of that atmosphere. So I guess the answer to your question is good acting!

Few people know that when I started Geet, I used to be very sad. Most of the scenes which I used to enact were emotional and there was a lot of emotional stress I had to undergo because of that. I want to take this opportunity to thank my first director Nisaar Parvez. He played the role of a catalyst and helped me give my best for this show.

Gurmeet is engaged to Debina. Do you think she feels odd seeing the intense scenes you do with her fiance?
No way! She is also an actor and knows that this is part of our work. There is nothing more to it. At the end of the day, Gurmeet and I are Geet and Maan and not real-life lovers.

What are your thoughts on getting married (a la Ratan Rajput) in a reality show?
Well… I am not really reality show material. I love dancing though, so a dance reality show may get a thumbs up from me. But getting married on a show is too much! At the same time, I have no problem with people who are doing it. Hats off to them!

Who is your biggest critic?
Undoubtedly, my mother. Whenever I used to cry on screen in Geet, she used to criticise me a lot and always ask me to improve my acting skills. A year down the line, she is proud about me.