The idea that opposites attract is hardly novel, but it became endearing when we witnessed it in 2020, as Mismatched became a runaway hit. People loved the chemistry between Dimple and Rishi, played by Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf respectively. The second season saw the much-loved couple part ways, find new love interests, only to find their way back to each other. While the journey seemed effortless on screen, behind the camera, things were not that simple, at least for Saraf.

Koli says that despite the two-year gap between the two seasons, Dimple’s character never left her, owing to “the constant love that slipped into our social media”. “In the time that we spent apart, I watched Mismatched too many times. So, in a way she never left me,” says Koli, adding, “Dimple is personally dear to me because I relate to her, and I am always rooting for her irrespective of whether she is right or wrong.”

Of course, the attachment also scares the actor, but she wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since it was her acting debut. Saraf, who came back to the show after several projects in the interim, says he couldn’t relate to the 22-year-old protagonist anymore, especially more so post the Coronavirus pandemic.

“During a lunch meet organized for the cast and crew, we read a few lines. I was perplexed about playing Rishi again, because I was no longer the person I was when I did the first season. The pandemic had changed too much in my life —  not just professionally, but personally too. We lost people and family dynamics had changed. I was suddenly an emotional wreck, which I didn’t think was possible,” reminisces Saraf, who finally found relief when he noticed that director Akarsh Khurana was in the same boat.

“I wasn’t the only one feeling like that. It did take hard work to come back to Rishi, which was exciting and challenging. After the pandemic, people came back with more sensitivity and actors brought in more depth to their characters,” he adds.

Since the second edition focused on their individual trajectories, did Saraf feel envious of the chemistry between Vihaan Samat, who played the character of Harsh, and Koli? “Initially, I did feel threatened as an actor when I saw Vihaan perform.” says Saraf, while reassuring himself that it is okay for the project to be bigger than himself.

“I feel if the show gets more attention because people like a certain track that doesn’t involve me, so be it. I remember being on set and watching a beautifully written scene between Vihaan and Prajakta. What he brought to the table that day was exceptional. I heard Akarsh, who is usually a man of few words, say, ‘Outstanding’. While I was proud that this scene was going to be part of our show and that Vihaan was getting the opportunity to do it, I wondered why I haven’t got it. It was challenging and that pushed me to work harder.”