From talking about how they first met during an ad shoot to working again in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan get candid about their journey

Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan, who became household names as Karan and Nandini Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, recently in a podcast opened about their early television journey. The real-life couple, who tied the knot in 2004, first crossed paths while shooting for a commercial. Destiny brought them together again on the sets of Kutumb, where their on-screen chemistry slowly turned into real love. Later, they reunited in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, becoming one of the most iconic televisions jodis of all time. In a candid chat, Hiten and Gauri not only revisited how it all began but also shared their experiences of balancing personal and professional life as a couple in the same industry. (Photo Instagram)

Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan believe their meeting was written in destiny. Long before Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kutumb, they first worked together in a Breaze soap advertisement. Hiten recalls how the shoot was very professional, and they barely interacted. Their real journey began when they met again on the sets of Kutumb, where they played the lead roles. Hiten also shared that for a long time, Gauri didn’t speak to him, but later, food brought them closer. He would even bring tiffin for her while filming, and that’s how their bond slowly grew. (Photo Instagram)

Talking about their time in Kutumb, Hiten revealed that he and Gauri hardly spoke off-screen. “People never believed us when we said we don’t talk,” he shared. Their chemistry looked so natural that fans assumed they were very close in real life too. Hiten explained that they didn’t have to put in much effort for their chemistry—it came naturally despite being very different as people. Over time, the silence turned into friendship, and soon after, they began dating. Their relationship eventually led to marriage, completing their fairytale journey. (Photo Instagram)

When asked if they had to think twice before saying yes to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, Gauri responded immediately. She said, “Soachne ki kya baat hai, it is like our family so we agreed immediately.” For Hiten, things were always simpler. He added, “Gauri wants to know much more about the character and she has always been like that. But I never ask. Phone aata hai toh mein kehta hu chalo kab karna hai?” Both agreed that being part of the show again was a natural decision. (Photo Instagram)

On how the new season is different from the first, Gauri mentioned that except for social media, much remains the same. Hiten added that the first season reflected the early 2000s, while the new one connects with today’s changing times and issues. Gauri further explained, “Time ke hisaab se storyline progressive ho gaya hai after 20 years but it feels like humne 20 years ka break leke wapis shuru kiya hai.” Both agreed that while the essence is intact, the storytelling has evolved with time. (Photo Instagram)

When asked about TV actors facing challenges in films, Gauri Pradhan said that many of today’s successful stars started with television. She called it a myth that TV actors cannot do well in films. “If you are talented, you will shine anywhere,” she added. Hiten Tejwani agreed that earlier, the transition from TV to films was tough, but OTT platforms have now bridged the gap. He also stressed that he would never leave television, as it keeps him in practice daily with his voice and acting skills, something films cannot provide regularly. (Photo Instagram)

Hiten shared that he has been fortunate to work continuously in popular shows for many years. He never limited himself to playing only lead roles. “Mujhe acche roles karne hai, important character karunga, important roles karunga. Necessary nahi hai ki woh lead hi hoga,” he said. Hiten explained that what matters most is the strength of the role, not just the title. Even when he is not working, he keeps learning new skills or practicing, because, as he believes, those efforts might help him in a future character. (Photo Instagram)

Talking about his role in Pavitra Rishta, Hiten said playing Manav was both challenging and rewarding. His entry in the show happened after it had already become a big success, which made him nervous at first. However, he gave the role his best and remains thankful to Ekta Kapoor for trusting him. He also expressed gratitude to the audience, saying many fans still identify him as “Manav” even today. For him, that character will always be special. (Photo Instagram)

When asked about Ekta Kapoor’s working style, Hiten and Gauri recalled how dedicated she was on set. They confirmed that she would often stay for days at a stretch to make sure a scene was perfect. Hiten mentioned that Ekta’s narrations were always detailed and important, and actors were often told to listen closely to how she explained a scene. Sometimes she even instructed them to deliver a line in a specific way to match her vision. Both agreed her eye for detail made a big difference. (Photo Instagram)