Aping her favourite movie star and playing the cool dude is passé. When it comes to wooing their dream girl, our television actors swear by old-school rules like chivalry, honesty and gift of the gag. So, if you are looking for the best way to capture a woman's heart, here's your chance to learn some tricks from these charmers:

DON'T PRETEND:
Women stay away from pretentious men, observes Ashish Chowdhry. He advises men to be themselves, adding, “Simplicity with a dash of humour is the best way to impress a girl. If you are honest and genuine, you can never go wrong. A little financial indulgence also helps. Girls like surprises, so springing one on my date would be my style of wooing. I would also plan a romantic holiday to an undisclosed exotic location and pamper her to no end. That's the best way to make her feel like a queen.“


LOVE IS IN THE AIR:
Arjan Bajwa wants his woman to feel on top of the world, literally. He says, “I'm very fond of flying and so, I would like to take her on a short joyride with me in the cockpit. Fly over the hills and lakes and serene vineyards. Who doesn't like wading through the clouds while you are with that special someone?“


BE A GOOD LISTENER:
It is simple: Women love to talk and be heard. If you ignore either of these facts, it can nip the very possibility of a relationship in the bud. Says Rajniesh Duggall, “It is a must to shower her with compliments. Honesty, loyalty and most importantly, lending an ear to everything she says, do the trick. Gifts sure are a part of it, but striking a good conversation and paying undivided attention are even more important.“


CHIVALRY ISN'T DEAD:
Rithvik Dhanjani disagrees with guys who think it's okay to skip good manners with a potential girlfriend. He says, “There is a lack of chivalry in guys today. For women, it is often small things that matter most. So, treat her like an equal and be chivalrous at the same time. Both can go hand-in-hand.“


IGNORANCE IS BLISS:
Shivin Narang feels fawning over a girl and overdoing it can spoil the scene. It's best to try and gauge if the woman is even remotely interested before going all out with your feelings, he cautions, or you may end up with an egg on the face. He says, “I'm unusually shy and find it odd to express my feelings. But when I want to woo a girl, I use my old-school technique, which is to ignore her in the beginning. It gives me time to understand if she is interested in me. Also, women love men who play hard to get.“

 
BE SINCERE:
A guy's looks and monies do matter to a woman. But a real woman would look deeper. “If you want to woo a woman, you should be honest, sincere and loyal towards her. Give her importance and keep showering love and affection upon her. I think these things would matter more than looks and money,“ says Sahil Anand.


WAY TO A WOMAN'S HEART IS ALSO THROUGH HER STOMACH:
Today's women adore men who can keep up with her even in the kitchen. Your cooking chops can give you an edge over your contemporaries. Vivian Dsena says, “I am a good cook and would impress my girlfriend by cooking for her. Anyone can take his girl to an expensive restaurant, but going that extra mile and cooking for your lady will make her feel extra special. Besides cooking dishes of her choice, I would also prepare my signature dish, a special dessert - kesar dry fruit rabdi - for her. It is said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but it holds true for women, too.“

CLEANLINESS MATTERS:
A man should not be overbearing while wooing a woman, says Gautam Rode, adding that cleanliness can help him score a few brownie points. “Don't make it obvious that you are vying for her attention. If you overdo it, she will back off. Being yourself is the ultimate deal maker. Being presentable and smelling good will also attract women. Body and mouth odour are big turn-offs.“