'Both of us are over the moon about the whole thing.'
Vivek Dahiya can't stop gushing about his July wedding to Divyanka Tripathi.
Vivek Dahiya is in a happy space.
He's bagged his first ever lead role in a television serial called Kawach... Kaali Shaktiyon Se, a supernatural saga, where he's centered Mona Singh and Mahek Chahal.
On the personal front, he's ready to marry actress Divyanka Tripathi, on July 8 in Bhopal after a beautiful engagement.
Vivek, who won the Mr Chandigarh title in 2011, came to Mumbai to further his acting career. He met Divyanka on the sets of their serial Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.
Vivek talks to Rediff.com contributor Rajul Hegde about his wedding plans and his new series Kawach.
What was Divyanka's reaction after watching the promos of Kawach?
She was very excited and she said it's amazing. Somewhere deep inside, I look for her validation for whatever I do because she is a decade older than me in the industry.
She has mastered this business. It is amazing to have a fiancé who is an expert in the same profession as you.
Since you are relatively new in the TV industry and Divyanka is a star, is there any insecurity when the two of you step out together?
I have been asked this question a lot by fans as well as family, and I say, 'No.'
I am 10 years younger in terms of experience because I was working in a corporate. I cannot compare myself to her at this juncture of my career. I still have a long way to go.
It's great that I have a mentor at home; she is a very positive critic. She will not bring you down. She is very sensitive in conveying the message.
Mona Singh said you were nervous before your first intimate scene in Kawach. Was it because you are getting married?
No, it's not that. I have never enacted an intimate scene on screen before. Most importantly, I did not know how Mona Singh would react. I thought she would throw tantrums, which are generally attached to a star.
But those were just my inhibitions. She made me comfortable with her jokes. Within five minutes, we broke the ice and it was all cool.
Have you seen Divyanka's earlier shows?
No. Even before I was signed on for Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, I had not heard of it.
I wanted to be a TV actor but had a very limited knowledge about actors and TV shows in general.
I still feel stupid in parties when somebody greets me. He may be a renowned actor and I am looking at him and thinking, 'Are you going to introduce yourself because I have no idea who you are'!
I am that bad. If any actors are reading this, I am really sorry.
I still feel like an outsider to a certain extent. I think I am still corporate at heart.
How are you preparing for the wedding?
I have limited responsibilities. My family knows that I am completely tied up with shooting. So, everything is happening on WhatsApp, be it approving the venue or the music.
It will be a traditional wedding as Divyanka wants the baraat to receive her, and that's why the wedding will be held in Bhopal. Both our families belong to the same place.
Are you guys excited or nervous?
She is super excited. Both of us are over the moon about the whole thing.
We are just counting the days. I am getting the jitters because I am not getting the jitters! (laughs)
I haven't had much time to think about the wedding because of my busy schedule.
Generally, I am a spontaneous person. I don't plan much. I just live in the moment and cherish it.
Are you two colour-coordinating your wedding attire?
My wedding costumes will be done by Tisa, a designer based in Vile Parle (a western suburb in Mumbai).
Divyanka is getting her trousseau done from different places. She is coordinating with my mother.
We aim to be colour coordinated for the wedding. I am letting her decide on the colours, I'll match mine with a pocket square, tie or some other accessory.
What are your honeymoon plans?
We won't get a break immediately. I am only getting a week, and she is getting 10 days off.
I have decided on a few locations but cannot share that now.
You are playing the lead role for the first time in Kawach. What prompted you to take up a supernatural show?
I got super excited when I heard the script. I always wanted to do a show with a supernatural element. But I did not expect it to come so early in my career as these kinds of shows are not made every day.
It was a big opportunity. I am grateful to Ekta Kapoor for having faith in me to pull off this role.
Don't you think that the ladies in the show -- Mona Singh and Mahek Chahel -- will steal the limelight?
No, I don't think so. I am the centre of the story.
Moreover, I don't really believe in having less or more exposure. Even if I have a two-minute scene in a one-hour show, I should seem convincing enough.
Have you left Yeh Hai Mohabbatein?
Not at all, I am still a part of it.
I feel it is a lucky charm for me. It has given me a professional and personal high. Since it is the same production house, they have managed my dates.
