“Do Aur Do Pyar'', is an upcoming Indian and romantic comedy film releasing on 19 April 2024. The film stars Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy. The film centres on Kavya and Ani, a married couple in their late thirties. They engage in affairs to spice up their marriage but find themselves reconnected during a trip to Kavya's hometown. As they strive to salvage their relationship, they must navigate the complexities of their extramarital affairs.
In an interview with Asian Voice, actors Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi spoke about their character portrayal, working with co actors and much more.
Can you tell us about your character in "Do Aur Do Pyar" and what drew you to this role?
Pratik: In "Do Aur Do Pyar," I play Anirudh (Ani) Banerjee, a completely goofy character who tends to unintentionally land himself in various messes. He's a goofball who avoids confrontation and keeps his feelings bottled up inside, leading to complex love situations in his life.
Vidya: I portray Kavya, a dentist who has been married to Ani for the past 12 years. However, she desires more from life and finds herself involved with Vikram, portrayed by Senthil Ramamoorthy, on the side. Kavya comes across as uncomplicated and straightforward, driven by a hunger for love.
What was it like working with Shirsha Guha, who is making her directorial debut with "Do Aur Do Pyar"?
Vidya: As an accomplished filmmaker, Shirsha brings a refreshing approach to directing. What I appreciated most was her ability to keep things authentic and grounded without overdoing anything. She infused the film with a sense of fun and maintained a light touch throughout. She's definitely a director who knows how to strike the right balance, and I found that aspect of her style particularly enjoyable.
Pratik: After watching "Do Aur Do Pyar," it's evident that Shirsha's directorial debut doesn't feel like her first movie. That's the main point I wanted to make about her.
What was your experience like working with your other fellow co-actors on the film?
Vidya: It was a fantastic experience working with Sendhil. I must say, he is a wonderful actor. Beyond his looks, he exudes a charming, reserved demeanour that was delightful to witness. Despite his background in international work, he remained humble and easy to work with. I truly enjoyed this aspect of our collaboration.
Pratik: It was brilliant working with Ileana D’ Cruz (portrays the character Nora) because she effortlessly embodies her character in the film. She not only looks stunning but also portrays a role that will tug at your heartstrings. Similarly, Sendhil delivers standout performances, especially in the scenes shared with us. Despite portraying characters entangled in complex relationships, they evoke genuine empathy from the audience.
What was the most challenging aspect of portraying your character's emotional journey in "Do Aur Do Pyar," and can you share any memorable moments from the set?
Vidya: One of the challenges on set was trying not to laugh during certain scenes, despite the characters being in sticky situations. The delicate delivery of some lines made it hard to contain our amusement at times. For example, there's a scene where we discuss stainless steel, and it's remarkable how it unfolds, taking the couple through a range of emotions. It was both challenging and fulfilling to navigate those moments. As for memorable experiences, there are too many to count from filming "Do Aur Do Pyar."
Pratik: The entire sequence we shot in Ooty was incredibly beautiful. Personally, the challenge for me was acting alongside accomplished actors, especially since it was my first rom-com and a significant Bollywood film. Working with actors I've admired for so long presented the challenge of not letting my admiration show on my face, but rather staying true to my character and delivering my performance.
How do you think audiences will respond to a romantic comedy like "Do Aur Do Pyar" in a time dominated by action-packed blockbusters?
Pratik: In an era flooded with adrenaline-pumping, action-packed blockbusters, the audience craves variety. They miss the lighthearted storytelling and good comedy that romantic comedies offer. While action films dominate the scene, not every viewer is constantly seeking explosions and high-octane sequences. Many want moments of laughter and love woven into their cinematic experience. "Do Aur Do Pyar" fills this gap, providing audiences with a refreshing change of pace.
Vidya: As an audience member, I'm tired of the same type of films. "Do Aur Do Pyar" offers a refreshing change of pace. In a landscape where romance on screen has been scarce, this film provides a much-needed dose of lightheartedness. It's a welcome break from intense, adrenaline-inducing movies, offering viewers a chance to relax and enjoy a story centred around love and romance.
