Aamna and Rajeev

By Subhash K Jha

"She's born on 16 July. I'm born on October 16. I guess the common birth date could've something to do with our compatibility," laughs Rajiv a day after all of the channel is talking about their "very special bonding" on the game show Deal Ya No Deal.

"Yeah I recorded an episode of the game show with Aamna yesterday (Tuesday). It was the channel's special request that I do so. Everyone thought if there was one guest I must have on the show, it's Aamna.

So I went the whole hog. I did flirt with her outrageously. But I also screamed at Aamna because she just wouldn't let me talk. I'm so warm and comfortable with her that I can flirt with her even her mother is around," laughs Rajiv.

That's exactly what he did on the game show. He flirted till it hurt. He cracked jokes, stared meaningfully at her and offered himself to Aamna as part of the deal.

Laughs Rajiv, "I could do all this in front of Aamna's mom because her mom knows my intentions are noble. In fact when her mother was wheeled in it was a wonderful moment of surprise for me. I had no idea she was coming."

Does Rajiv realize that their exceptional camaraderie on screen will fuel more speculation on their relationship? "It can't be helped," shrugs Rajiv.

"If people think we're a real-life couple, so be it. I think they're still reacting to us as Sujal and Kashish the characters we played in the soap Kahiin To Hoga. I'm not denying Aamna and I are very close friends. It's there for everyone to see on Deal Ya No Deal."

Incidentally, Aamna's birthday is 16 July, Rajiv's birthday is 16 October and their together episode of Deal Ya No Deal is being telecast on 16 June.