"'Paalkhi' is special"- Karishma Tanna and Abhay Vakil

The leads in Zee's Paalkhi seem to have an uncanny resemblance to one another as far as their career graphs are

Karishma and her 'dude' Abhay

concerned. Both Abhay and Karishma have played leads in Balaji's Kaarthika and Koi Dil Mein Hain respectively. Both actors are part of other Balaji shows as well --- Abhay plays Parth in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Karishma plays Indu in Kyunki... With Paalkhi these young actors are trying to foray into unknown territory.

Paalkhi is a story set against a Gujarati family backdrop. It is the story of Palak (Karishma Tanna), Pranjal (Abhay Vakil) and Daksh. Palak meets Pranjal and they fall in love. But their joy however is short lived because they realize that Pranjal's twin brother Daksh too has developed an obsession for Palak. The story unfolds through a labyrinth of complex emotions as the characters find a way to love and share. Ananya Sengupta spoke to Abhay Vakil and Karishma Tanna about Paalkhi and life beyond the K's in their careers.

So how is the experience playing the lead…

Karishma: I have played the lead before…but technically this is my solo lead….first time, you know it really feels great!
Abhay: I too have played the lead, but on Hungama. I guess, this will mean more exposure.

Tell us a little bit about Paalkhi ?

Karishma: It's a love story, you know about the first flush of love. I play a girl who comes down from London and is very sensible and mature. It's nothing that I have done before.
Abhay: It's about love, passion and obsession. I play a very complex character, with lots of shades --- both positive and negative.

How was it working with each other?

Karishma: It's been great working with him. He is very good at what he does and it is fun working with him.
Abhay: Oh, she is great to work with. But you know she is taller than me so I have to wear heels… (laughs)

What about Indu and Parth...where are your respective characters going...how is Paalkhi different?

Karishma and Abhay in a scene from 'Paalkhi'

Karishma: Indu is the comic relief in Kyunki...and in case you are wondering, I am not getting married to Chaitanya's character, because then Indu would lose her charm! Balaji serials have made me popular, and Indu is very close to my heart, but Paalkhi is very different, it is not a saas-bahu story.
Abhay: The track with Parth in Kahaani...is not running presently. He is in jail, but since he is innocent and not dead; he will surely come back in the track. I started my career with Balaji. I did Kahanii...I had also auditioned for a role in Ayushman and then Paalkhi happened. The show has a very different kind of style and the attitude of characters is very definitely etched. I am very lucky that I have got this role so early in my career. This is special.

What about films?

Karishma: I have shot for Dosti. It's a small role, but it was fun.
Abhay: I want to do meaningful roles; I am open to Bollywood only when I get good offers.

Pics by Ananya Sengupta