A Perfect Score (Article)

A perfect score

Tanaaz Lal and Bakhtyar Iraani are driven by a passion, for each other

Sulakshana Gupta

Pune, November 29:I should be all tied up, and Bakhtyar should untie me with his teeth, it'll be really hot," an excited Tanaaz Lal shrieks to her bemused choreographer Mini. Fianc and Nach Baliye partner Bakhtyar Iraani refutes, they'd score more points descending on a plank from above entangled in a passionate embrace.

As the couple bounces provocative ideas to their guide, I perch in a corner of Hollywood Hall, Andheri, their rehearsal space, and rummage through a pile of CDs that will inspire their next track. For now, they've settled on Kambakht Ishq to complement their exhibitionism.

The couple who met on the sets of Celebrity Fame Gurukul last year, still nuzzle and hold hands like honeymooners. Yet in their performances so far, they've exuded more energy than chemistry. "We came in with a lot of confidence but we're also improving and trying to put in more expressions," says Lal.

The last time I interviewed Iraani on the sets of Batliwala House No 43, he was nervous, unsure and eager to please, like all debutantes. In a year, he's aged a decade. "When you know that you're responsible for 57 kilos, it matures you," says Iraani, seven years younger than his lover. And Lal seems to have really let her hair down. But some things haven't changed, Iraani's still waiting for Ekta Kapoor to lay out a role for him.

They recently moved into a new house in Jogeshwari but have postponed their wedding because of her dad's demise and mother's ill health. But Lal knows she's going to sing him a song on their big day. She also wants her shooting schedule clear. Iraani isn't too happy with the delay, but has grudgingly accepted. "We've both promised ourselves we're going to be together forever. So I want this day to be really special. Sometimes men don't get it," says Lal, rolling her eyes at Iraani's crestfallen face.

Watching Jodi No 10 on stage, you'd never guess that Nach Baliye is the first time they've boogied together. They rarely go clubbing even though Lal loves to dance. "I don't dance for free," smirks Iraani. In that case, we hope you win.