From inter-religion to marrying into a family of 33 people, a look at Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Nikhil Sharma-Tina Philip's love story

Actors Tina Philip and Nikhil Sharma essayed the roles of on-screen siblings in the show Ek Aastha Aisi Bhee. But as destiny would have it, the reel siblings are now all set to tie the knot in real life. Photo- Instagram.

The couple, in conversation with Bombay Times, spoke in-depth about their relationship and how despite being from different castes do not feel any kind of pressure from families and consider their love above everything else. "The families are so loving and despite coming from two different cultures, religions and even countries, our families have supported us from day one,” says Tina. Nikhil says, “Culture and religion are secondary. Jab dil mil gaye toh baaki sab side mein ho jaata hai.” Photo- Instagram.

Talking about Nikhil's family, Tina said, " I met his family last year on Diwali, and fell in love with them. What I like about him and his family is that all 33 members stay together in one house, which is rare in today’s day and age." Photo- Instagram.

The couple is all set to get engaged on August 4 in Nikhil’s hometown, Delhi. Tina said, “My parents, who are based in the UK, will reach on August 1. We plan to get married early next year, and it will mostly be a destination wedding.” Photo- Instagram.

Talking about falling in love, Tina said, “In my defence, we barely had scenes together because he shot on another set. During the only scene that we shot together, he had to lift me after I fainted. Though it wasn’t mentioned in the script, he kissed me on my forehead. I was in utter shock (laughs!). Having said that, I, too played a prank on him on the first day of his shoot; he had joined the show midway. However, he took it really well. I fell for his simplicity and sense of humour.” Nikhil added, “Tina is a pure soul and has a beautiful heart. Mujhe logo ki pehchaan ho jaati hai and I realised that she is the one for me.” Photo- Instagram.

The two hit it off instantly and became friends. It took almost four months of chasing and wooing for Nikhil’s before Tina said a Yes. “I was quite upset when 'EAAB' ended, as it was my first show. Nikhil ne mujhe sahaara diya aur maine phir usko pakad liya hamesha ke liye. Jokes aside, we weren’t dating during the course of the show. Love blossomed months after it ended. We stayed in touch and one day, he asked me out for a film. I had already watched it but decided to accompany him. Later, I learnt that he, too, had already watched it. He just wanted us to spend some time together. Tired of chasing and wooing me for four months, he directly proposed marriage to me. I refused, as I wanted to go for an arranged match. But as they say, the best things are unplanned. Photo- Instagram.

Talking about being more romantic and Tina said, “I think both of us are, but in different ways. Nikhil says that I’m more like a school-going girl in love. That could be because I never dated anyone in school or college, so for me, the journey has just begun. His love is more mature. Nikhil is honest and has an amazing sense of humour. There is no pretence when it comes to him. He is family-oriented, loyal and supportive.” Photo- Instagram.