Actress Archana Puran Singh has recalled an improvised scene she created with actor Rakesh Bedi for the Doordarshan serial Jaane Bhi Do Paro, saying their understanding as co-artists helped them turn an unsatisfactory scripted sequence into a memorable performance.
Sharing the anecdote, Archana said she had served as both director and actor on the serial, while Bedi played her husband. She said the opening scene had been written and was ready to be shot, but neither of them was satisfied after rehearsing it.
Archana said she and Bedi then decided to abandon the written dialogue after the opening line and respond spontaneously to each other.
She recalled that the resulting two-and-a-half-minute scene was performed with only the first line predetermined, while the rest was improvised. Archana credited Bedi’s theatre background for his ability to create such moments.
“He is a theatre artist and still does theatre even today, and that is why he is so wonderful,” she said.
Responding to Archana’s recollection, Bedi spoke about the importance of finding the right co-artist and recalled their years of working together on Shreeman Shreemati and Jaane Bhi Do Paro.
He said some actors become such good co-artists that their work together remains memorable. Bedi noted that the two had worked together for four to five years on Shreeman Shreemati and another one to two years on Jaane Bhi Do Paro.
Bedi went on to describe Archana as the best co-artist he had worked with.
He explained that comedy works best when actors do not try to take away from each other, but instead contribute in ways that allow the other performer’s scene to become stronger.
Archana agreed, recalling how the two would regularly build on each other’s performances by exchanging “punches” and ideas during their scenes.
She said that whenever either of them came up with a strong line or comic beat for the other, they would offer it to their co-star, knowing that both performances coming together would make the scene come alive.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you,” Archana told Bedi.
Archana and Bedi are currently associated with Family Full House with Rohit Sharma, which airs on Sony Entertainment Television and is also available on Sony LIV.