We were in denial: Rithvik Dhanjani

Lead actors on TV shows spend hours working together — shooting intimate scenes, spouting mushy lines and generally acting in love for the camera. Though many end up dating in real life as well, they rarely accept their relationship in public

Lead actors on TV shows spend hours working together — shooting intimate scenes, spouting mushy lines and generally acting in love for the camera. Though many end up dating in real life as well, they rarely accept their relationship in public. Rithvik Dhanjani and Asha Negi have been co-stars for almost two years, and their chemistry in Pavitra Rishta also fanned rumours that the two were seeing each other. But the actors kept insisting that they were “just good friends”. Now, the duo has finally decided to declare their love for each other and admit they are in a relationship.

However, this declaration has raised doubts that they did it only to be part of the celebrity dance show, Nach Baliye 6. Rithvik denies this, saying, “Let people think what they want. When the offer came to us, people in the industry and close friends already knew we were dating. We’ve been good friends since we began working. But, a few months ago, we realised there was more to it. We didn’t want to admit it as the relationship was too new. We were in denial about our feelings for each other. We would have told everyone irrespective of the show.”

He adds he agreed to tell the world as he wanted Asha to participate in the show. “I’ve been on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and I know it does wonders for your career. Keeping Asha’s progress in mind, it would be great for her too,” he says.