Dev and Koel played non-stop pranks on each other at the t2 photo shoot at Park Plaza. Pictures: Pabitra Das

They are a hit screen couple because they get into mock fights off it all the time. Their next outing, Rangbaaz, is slated for Saptami release and the tu tu main main between Dev and Koel Mallick has already started. Here’s what they fought about in an adda with t2...

One reason why Rangbaaz is special for both of you...

Dev: Rangbaaz is special because I’ve worked very hard for it. I have put my heart and soul into it. There are so many things I have done in the film which I have never done in my life. I put my life at risk and believe you me, if my Ma sees the film she will kill me for the daring stunts! When my sister first saw the trailer, she said, ‘Looks like a Hindi film!’ We’ve done stuff that nobody has ever attempted in a Bengali film. I am lucky that I got the opportunity. I have seen Hollywood actors like Van Damme and Sylvester Stallone do these kinds of stunts. Rane (Nispal Singh, producer of Rangbaaz) has spent a huge amount on the film.

Koel: For the first time in my life, as an actress, I’ve done life-threatening stunts. From jumping off a chopper to Jet-skiing and nursing a leg injury, we’ve all worked really hard.

One reason why Dev and Koel are a great screen jodi...

Dev: Because Premer Kahini, Mon Mane Na, Paglu and Paglu2 were blockbusters. Koel is my favourite co-star. Our mutual understanding is very good. Because we play a romantic couple we have a lot of naughty scenes for Rangbaaz and in those scenes we excel because we are pranksters.

Koel: We are very comfortable with each other.

One reason why Rangbaaz is different from the other Dev-Koel films...

Dev: Because Rangbaaz is Koel’s first film after marriage!

Koel: No, no. We are not talking about this. Let’s concentrate on the film nah! Rubbish!

Dev: Because the name is Rangbaaz and not Paglu!

Koel: Dev is a true rangbaaz.

Dev: Yes, I never got the opportunity to show it off. Rangbaaz gave me that scope!

Koel: When we did Premer Kahini, Dev was a newcomer and I did all the rangbaazi with him! Finally he got an opportunity and he went all out!

Dev: Arrey, say how much I’ve worked hard, so many rehearsals...

Koel: That you did. For Rangbaaz Dev went to Bangkok thrice for a recce and did somersaults! Jokes apart, Rangbaaz is more of brains and less of brawn.... In my first film with Dev (Premer Kahini), I had a huge problem with Dev and that still continues! He distracts me in all my serious shots. When he has his back to the camera and I’m giving a shot, he talks gibberish and I can’t stop laughing. Hence, too many NG (not good) shots. So working with Dev is a huge challenge!

Dev, what’s the best compliment Koel has given you for Rangbaaz...

Dev: Koel gives everyone the same compliment, so no point in asking her! (Laughs)

Koel: Arrey! Dev has a hunger for achievement. He has a dream and he is immensely dedicated.

...And the best compliment Dev has given you...

Dev: Actually, I didn’t expect Koel to do such daring stunts in Rangbaaz. I thought she would use a body double. But she proved me wrong, and despite the injury she went on shooting. I have never seen this Koel before. And Koel is sensitive but also diplomatic! If I have learnt anything from Koel, then it’s diplomacy! She handles everybody with a smile.

One reason why Koel is the sexiest heroine in Tollywood...

Koel: Babba!

Dev: Give me a glass of water please?

Koel: I too need water!

Dev: I won’t say sexy but she is the sweetest girl I’ve ever met. I love Koel for who she is. The way she maintains her stardom, I really salute. I can bet that in Calcutta nobody can handle stardom like the way Koel does. (Turns to Koel) I think you are 10 years old in this industry now?

Koel: Yes.

Dev: And she still is the same. After Ritudi (Rituparna Sengupta), she is the one.

One reason why Dev is the sexiest hero in Tollywood...

Koel: Dev is one of the sweetest guys I have come across. He always tries his best. I still remember while shooting for Premer Kahini, Dev was made to stand on the edge of a huge waterfall in Karnataka... and he has height phobia. I could see he was scared but he still gave his best. Girls go ga-ga over him and at the same time parents would say they wished they had a son like him. So he’s got everything.

One thing about Koel we don’t know...

Dev: Koel has become a producer!

Koel: Dhyat, are you mad? I don’t know about anything except for my remuneration.

Dev: She is getting very angry! You can’t make out when Koel is angry. The more she giggles, the more she is angry!

One thing about Dev we don’t know...

Koel: He calls a spade a spade. It’s a lovely quality that he has.

How much has Koel changed after marriage...

Dev: Well, I can go on and on. Tell me, how much space would you give to this answer?! I think she has changed for the better. Earlier nobody would get to eat fish in Rane’s unit!

Koel: Chhi chhi.... Don’t say bad things about my husband!

Dev: Post pack-up in Bangkok, Rane took us out for dinner, which never happened before! Earlier, only they would go out together. I think these changes have taken place only after Koel married Rane. He has become generous now. Jokes apart, she has also become a better human being.

FIRST LOOK

Rangbaazi in Rome: He screamed Love you Soniyo and she chirped Tui amar hero.... Dev and Koel got off on the right foot on the streets of Rome, shooting three song sequences. “Rane and I had gone on a Europe trip for our honeymoon in February.... I love Europe. Shooting outside the Vatican City and the Colosseum in Rome was quite a task because getting permission is very difficult, but I am glad Rane managed it and we had a blast! After every shot, we would sit at the roadside cafes and have espresso shots,” recounted Koel.