It is the love of our fans that made our chemistry come out so strong,” says Shaheb Bhattacherjee, with Susmita Dey by his side, during t2’s fall/winter wedding lookbook shoot at The Astor on a crisp November morning. The actor duo’s reel chemistry translates as much in reality, or maybe it’s the other way around! They don’t explicitly acknowledge it nor do they deny, but the spark — whether on-screen or off — is hard to miss. Their playful banter and mutual trust as co-performers shine through, whether they’re portraying characters or posing for us. Hand-in-hand they keep the air of mystery around them strong and charmingly keep their fans guessing about the possibility of a wedding! Tying the knot or not, the two were game to deck up for a wedding lookbook capturing the season’s colours, trendy styles, and traditional wedding looks, against some vibrant and some iconic backdrops.

A t2 chat with Shaheb and Susmita: First Meeting:

Susmita: We met on the look set of our first TV serial together Kothaa. I thought he would have a lot of attitude and would be a bit strict…
Shaheb: She also thought I would look as prim and proper as I look on the screen but then she found me with my messy hair entering the make-up room…
Susmita: I actually Googled his picture to see if it was him! (Both laugh)

Ice-breaker Moment:

Shaheb: The look set was fine but I started facing the problem when we started shooting. She was very introverted. After the scenes, she would go back to the make-up room without a word. I thought I have to break the ice, otherwise we would look cold towards each other in the romantic scenes. I was actually catching a cold with the cold in her heart! (Laughs). Our ice-breaking moment was the get-togethers at my house, all at my expense! If we gelled in the studio itself, it would not be necessary for me to host the parties! But even then she was a glacier for a long time. Later, we kicked off really well.
Susmita: So well that he had to often ask me to keep quiet!

Love and Annoyance:

Susmita: I love the fact that he is very focused in his work, has a good heart, and is very helpful. He is a good person. The only irritating thing is he is very short-tempered.
Shaheb: Yes! That’s true but my name is Soumya, and my nickname Shaheb. I am very soumya, shanto… justifying my name.

What I really love about her is she is very focused and has a hunger to learn. She learns fast. What annoys me is she is always smiling.
Susmita: That’s my name! Susmita means a smiling face always. I have to justify my name, no?! (Both laugh)

Dream Person to Marry:

Susmita: Long pause...
Shaheb: Tell them it is a secret.
Susmita: It is a secret! (On our insistence) Should be humble, good human being, and should love me.
Shaheb: Should be someone like Jennifer Lopez! Can dance, will have a house in Los Angeles, and lots of money! Just kidding! Should be simple, humble, good at heart, a good human, and always smiling. If you know, you know!

Head over Heels:

Susmita: Not at all! I never fell head over heels with him!
Shaheb: That’s a lie! I think she was more scared than head over heels because I used to scold her a lot, because the maturity level as actors is very different. They were a bunch of young actors constantly chattering and were being told what to do. I used to say that we are running a child training centre!
Susmita: But I learnt a lot.
Shaheb: For me, I never fall!

Favourite Way to
Spend Time with
Each Other:

Shaheb: I love working with her. I think the best energy comes from us while we are working together, be it for television or macha shows.
Susmita: I love working with him and watching films with him on Netflix.
Shaheb: With me?!
Susmita: Yes, we watch films in the make-up room during the shot breaks!

Rediscovering Self:

Shaheb: Susmita helped me realise that I have a lot of patience. She is never rude to anyone and I think that’s a beautiful quality to pick up from her. It takes nothing to just be nice.
Susmita: He helped me realise that I can do everything… he helped me discover my confidence and strength.

Wedding Dreams:

Susmita: I want my look to be traditional and purely Bengali. I will be wearing a red Benarasi…
Shaheb: Only women put so much thought on their outfits, looks and venues…
Susmita: Nowadays, women plan the man to marry later but the looks much ahead!
Shaheb: From my home they will want traditional, but I would love a tux! (Laughs) I am not too picky about it but Bangaliana look is also fine. I just don’t know who made this rule that the man has to sit (for the wedding rituals) in a ganji and dhoti! We could also wear nice outfits!

Minimal or Grand Wedding?

Susmita: I want a minimal wedding. But I love wedding rituals…
Shaheb: She is a bridal queen! She already married ten times in the serials and with me also she married thrice! She knows all mantras and rituals and is looking so apt in this bridal get-up.

Rumour or Reality?

Shaheb: This is something we would like the readers and viewers to decide!
Susmita: Our fans love seeing us together and love to see us work together.