Exclusive – Pooja Banerjee: Agreeing to do Nach Baliye 9 is the craziest thing we have done after saying yes to each other for marriage

The makers have signed on Pooja Banerjee, who is currently seen as Nivedita Basu in 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2', and her husband Sandeep Sejwal, a national-level swimmer, to contest in the show as the wild-card participants. In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, the couple speaks up about their excitement to be on the show, performing despite injuries and more. By: Sukarna Mondal

On the rate of 1-10, 20! It was a revelation for us as we have never danced together. But I had that level of confidence. I was like, ‘kar lenge yeh’. In my heart, I felt we could do this. We have never performed liked this on stage before after school and college. Sandeep says, “This platform is very new to me and I am doing this for her.” Photo: Instagram

For one week it was a ‘no’ from his side. I was like, ‘Come on Sandeep! Try something different. We can do this.`` He was apprehensive to come on stage. We have never danced like that. We both have different working schedules. Finally, one day at the dinner table he said, ‘Ok let’s do this.’ Sandeep says, “I was very nervous when I started then slowly became comfortable. The couples have been very friendly and welcoming.” Photo: Instagram

Sandeep performed with a twisted ankle and I performed with a badly injured toe. It is paining and how. My back is also in pain because while we were practicing with a harness, it hurt my spinal cord. So I can’t do anything which involves my back like lifting or falling on my back. Photo: Instagram

While the couple has been practicing rigorously for the act revealed that they got injured during the rehearsals. And due to this, the actress had a difficult time shooting for Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where she is seen in the role of Nivedita. Pooja said, “It was injurious. I got bruised and how! You know my look in Kasautii. The camera person had a difficult time trying to find a proper angle to shoot my scenes. He was like, ‘Maa’m kaise chhupau kaha se chhupau?’ Even make-up couldn’t cover the bruise marks.” She also added, “My ankle and toe got twisted and told them not to give me scenes which requires me to walk. I was limping. I would just say my lines.” Photo: Instagram

Pooja aka Nivedita of Kasautii says, "Working with Balaji has been a blessing. They have been very accommodating and understanding. Even if I tell them that I need one-hour sleep, they allow me to do so. I have also balanced 2-3 shows together." Photo: Instagram

Pooja says, "We see a winning streak in Prince-Yuvika, Shantanu-Nityaami and they see a winning streak in us. They have been telling us, “You guys are born winners. You have won so many medals. You have a competitive spirit.” Photo: Instagram

Sandeep reveals, “Most of the couples this season have one partner, who comes from the non-dancing background. The difficult part is acting and expressions because we have no experience and all of them are doing pretty good. So I don’t feel left out. We are all equal.” Photo: Instagram

Pooja says, “We both are very happy and feel blessed to spend time together. I was telling a friend that the craziest thing Sandeep and I have done together after getting married is to say yes to Nach Baliye.” Sandeep says, “That’s a positive thing. It’s always either she is on shoot or I am working. But now we are spending 8-9 hours dancing together and criticizing together.” Photo: Instagram

We have just performed once. I have learnt about Urvashi’s comments. But if I feel something like this happens, of course I will be vocal about it. Photo: Instagram