In 2011, Himansh Kohli and Heli Daruwala made their acting debut with the television show Humse Hai Liife. 10 years after the show, they reunited for the Bhushan Kumar-produced music video titled Meri Tarah. Shot in Rajasthan, the story revolves around a young couple who experience heartbreak. Co-starring Gautam Gulati, Jubin Nautiyal is the singer of Meri Tarah, which is composed by Payal Dev and directed by Navjit Buttar. Kunaal Vermaa has penned the lyrics.   

Now, as Meri Tarah continues to captivate the listeners, Himansh and Heli spoke to PeepingMoon about the song. Talking to us, the actors opened up about reuniting after 10 years, the reason behind their effortless chemistry, and what makes the music video special.

Excerpts from the interview:

How was the experience working with each other after 10 years?  

Himansh: There is so much to learn from Heli. Be it her grace, acting skills or ability to work calmly. Not just Heli, there was so much to learn from the entire team. 

Heli: I share a very special bond with Himansh. Over the years, he has evolved as an actor and person. When we faced the cameras for the first time, we were so naive and didn’t know much about acting. Now, he has become such a good performer. Even after the show, we were in touch. 

What was your reaction when you got to know about this collaboration? 

Himansh: When I heard that Heli is my co-star, I was excited as I have already worked with her. We made our debut together in Humse Hai Liife.

Heli: I was excited to reunite with him after 10 years. After our first show, we both had our different journeys. I was waiting for the show’s second season. Finally, after a long wait, we got the chance to work together. 

What makes Meri Tarah special?

Himansh: Meri Tarah is special because it is the story of real people. It is inspired by a time when emotions were direct. We saw such love stories in the '90s and that's what makes it stand out. I have lived as a '90s kid and I was ready to roll when I learnt the story was planned to bring alive that era. 

Heli: Firstly, Meri Tarah is special for me as it is my first music video with T-Series. It has a '90s touch and the music is upbeat and emotional, something that I would like to listen to. The video is refreshing too. 

What went behind making your on-screen pairing look unique?

Himansh: We were just being ourselves. Since we have worked before, we were comfortable with each other. Our first television show was about young love but the characters were different. We got compliments for our chemistry from the team. 

Heli: I think it was just effortless as we share a comfort zone. While doing the song, we would give our inputs and come up with ideas. I always wanted to work with Navjit Buttar. As actors, we surrendered to him.    

Himansh, you have done romantic films in the past. Did your experience help in enhancing Meri Tarah? 

Songs are a part of films. Throughout my journey in films, I have done a variety of films. I feel every new project sharpens my skills. I believe whatever I am doing currently will help me in future.

Himansh injured himself while shooting for Meri Tarah. Can you share what happened on the set that day?

Himansh: Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai (laughs). Chotein toh lagti rehti hai, this is part and parcel of life. Such adventures make shoot schedules fun. I am ready for such adventures. 

Heli: There is a sequence in Meri Tarah where Himansh walks on glass (Sugar glass) and that’s when he got injured. Himansh didn’t panic and said, "Chot toh lagti rehti hai." But I got scared and as a doctor, I wanted him to not neglect it. 

As actors, what’s the key to making a successful music video?

Himansh: I would like to credit Bhushan Kumar for the success of Meri Tarah. I came on board and did my job. He knows what works best. 

Heli: There is no formula to a successful music video. As actors, we can only do justice to the song. I try to give my 100% to every project I do. It is the '90s set-up that got me excited.

Himansh, what makes T-Series your go-to production house?

I am blessed to get opportunities to work with T-Series. We have been associated for almost 10-11 years. The family welcomed me warmly. There is so much to do and learn from them.

Heli, Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. Did you indulge in retail therapy?

Yes of course. In fact, some of the scenes were shot on the streets. I purchased bags, jewellery and a lot more.