Tempers flare up and emotions run high between Raja and Mampi (played by Rahul and Rooqma Ray) in the serial 'Desher Mati' on Star Jalsha (the episodes are also streaming on Disney+ Hotstar). And after battling egos and suppressing feelings for a long time, they finally give in to each other, sharing moments that have made us believe in their love. On occasions insults are hurled, leaving each other heartbroken. They sort out their differences again. But Raja tries his best to push Mampi away and gives in to a moment of weakness. Again, he strengthens his resolve. But as their relationship — fraught with misunderstandings — grows, so do the roadblocks. Will they remain as star-crossed lovers? The Telegraph tries to get the answers from Rooqma and Rahul...

Rahul and Rooqma Ray in 'Desher Mati'. The Telegraph

Tell us about your character Mampi in Desher Mati. She was quite scathing earlier but now she has undergone a change...
Desher Mati narrows down to one theme — our roots. Here we have a set of characters who believe in serving their underdeveloped home town while there is another set of characters who believe that successful career is achievable in well-developed cities or abroad. My character belongs to the second category. Mampi is highly qualified, extremely good in her studies and has high ambitions. At the same time she is in love with Rahulda’s character (Raja), who happens to be a very talented doctor, who despite getting many offers from abroad, chose to stay back and serve his hometown. There is a clash of ideology and ambition between the two.

Rooqma

Rooqma Ray. The Telegraph

The last few episodes have centred around the turbulent relationship between Mampi and Raja. The pair has become very popular. How’s the feedback for those episodes till now?
It is amazing, huge... and quite unexpected... I really didn’t know that our pair would become so popular. Of course, Leenadi’s (Gangopadhyay) writing is really powerful and connects with a huge number of viewers. Her dialogues are so natural, so effortless... just going through the script transports me and I slip into the skin of the character. Her choice of words and the emotions they carry are so profound, powerful and apt. The transformation becomes smooth. And then there’s Rahulda, who is a brilliant actor. The scenes are shaping up really well.

On social media, everyone is saying that Raja-Mumpi’s pairing is fantastic. They are sharing screenshots and pouring their hearts out. I guess the audience can relate to this kind of love.

Can you relate with this on some level?
On a few occasions, maybe... we all have heard stories of relationships not being acknowledged or accepted by family members. People go through really tough times then.

The last few episodes saw both of you going through this emotional roller-coaster ride... Mampi is also vulnerable and has a lot of pain and anger in her. She gets upset and acts out.
I would get completely drained out... on occasions it felt like I had no strength to stand on my feet and I would just fall down if someone had gently pushed me!

The emotional scenes are so heavy that it is taking me a little while to come out of it. And this has never happened with me before. Often both of us motivate each other to carry on, gain strength and give it our all.

Could you ever imagine that moments of romance between Raja and Mampi would play out to classic songs by Nachiketa?
All of us love those songs. I was introduced to Nachiketa’s music when I was in school maybe... the song Nilanjana has given the romance in the serial a new dimension.

And the classic Nachiketa song Tumi ashbe boley marked a new beginning on the Poila Baisakh episode...
In fact I had gone for one of Nachiketa’s concerts in Golf Green... it was a memorable experience... and I had no way of knowing that one day his songs would give meaning and magic to scenes featuring me.

What is the secret to this screen chemistry?
I guess it is the respect we have for each other!

Rahul

Rahul in 'Zulfiqar'. The Telegraph

How’s the feedback?
It is really amazing. We did not expect this deluge of audience love for the pair. The dialogues are immensely strong... with that kind of dialogue 50 per cent of your job is done. Also, I think the audience really appreciated our character graphs and where it took us... from harbouring feelings of animosity, how they fell in love. No one actually expected this turn of events.

Raja is a doctor who has this quality of being honest and has strong moral principles. He does not compromise...
Raja is an author-backed role. I have portrayed the character with a lot of honesty and belief. One has to have belief in that particular moment when you are acting. I have tried to do that. Every character in the serial has his or her own space.
How is Rooqma as a co-actor?
She is an extremely intelligent actress, very hard-working... and she has a great sense of humour. She can mimic really well... there is never a dull moment around her.

Nachiketa. The Telegraph

Nachiketa’s songs form the background of the romantic scenes...
This was predestined. He is really an important figure in my life. I share a close bond with him. In Zulfiqar also, his song has a very crucial role. One of my very popular serials, Tumi Ashbe Boley, was named after his song (and the song underscores an important moment in Desher Mati too). In my film Katakuti, Nachida was the singer, music director and had a guest appearance too.

How does his songs resonate with you?
See, we have grown up on songs by Suman, Nachiketa and Anjan Dutt. And I am a huge Chandrabindoo fan too. Nachida is Nachida, and I am really emotionally attached to his songs. And I feel proud about it. They are so meaningful.