Yeh Ishq Haaye hits a century!

How would you sum up your journey on YIH so far?

Manjari: It's wonderful to be a part of the show, and I am glad that I am quite similar to my character. The show has been a great morale booster and has helped me grow into a better professional and individual. It feels great to be appreciated.

Akshay: I have grown as an actor with Yeh Ishq Haaye, and I am thankful to STAR One and the production team for this wonderful opportunity. The role has been different from the other characters I have played in the past. And it's a great high to complete 100 episodes. Now, I want Yeh Ishq Haaye to cross 1000 episodes!!

Puja: It has been superb. I got Yeh Ishq Haaye after a lot of struggle. STAR One is one of the leading channels in the country, so Yeh Ishq Haaye has been incredible for me. I got the opportunity to play a character I had never expected.

How has YIH changed you as a person?

Manjari: Personally, I don't think Manjari has changed my real self Sristy even a little bit. But I have adapted her dressing style. Manjari is a very neat dresser and has a distinct style. I love it.

Akshay: I have matured and become more responsible. As for my acting abilities, I have to say I learnt a lot on the show, and it helped me groom myself as well.

Puja: Bahut change aaya! Right from my behaviour, to communication with people to my attitude in life. I was a sensible, mature person, and now, I have become serious about my career as well.

How is it working with Akshay aka Raunaq?

Manjari: We have had our share of fun, pranks and jokes. Moreover, being jovial on the sets helps when you shoot long hours. It is always interesting shooting with him.

Puja: Akshay is a very humble, polite character, but off-screen, Raunaq is completely the opposite. He always cracks jokes and plays pranks on everyone.

How are Manjari and Pooja as co-stars?

Akshay: Both of them are wonderful to work with. Manjari is funny and chatty both on-screen and off-screen. Puja aka Neetu Singh is a sweet, hard-working girl.

Tell us about a memorable incident with your fans?

Manjari: When we were shooting in Agra, a lot of people surrounded us and kept staring non-stop. It felt very eerie. Once, I met a cute girl in Inorbit Mall, Mumbai, and she brought a whole bunch of friends to me, who wanted snaps and autographs. She told me they all watch YIH religiously, and talked to me about what they love in the show. It was sweet.

Akshay: Once, I was shooting in Madh Island, and a group of kids had gathered nearby. Every once in a while, they would shout 'Akshay, Akshay!' I have to tell you it felt great to be recognized and to see your work appreciated.

Puja: I don't have any fans as such, but I was very touched when I browsed a website and read a comment by a fan, who wrote that he loved my scene and my dance sequences in the show.

How is the rapport between you and Manjari's on-screen dad aka Pankaj Berry?

Manjari: Pankajji is a veteran actor, and it's lovely to work with him, but in the show, I share a better rapport with my on-screen mother. I am missing her a lot, as I am not shooting with her these days.

Akshay: He is a very well-known and experienced actor, and it's nice to work him.

Puja: He is a wonderful actor and works diligently on every scene. His sincere efforts come across in the final take.

Don't forget to watch Yeh Ishq Haaye every Monday to Saturday, at 8 PM, only on STAR One.