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With the highly anticipated Abir Gulaal just weeks from release, its stars, Vaani Kapoor and Fawad Khan, have been setting the internet ablaze with their promotional appearances. In a delightful Instagram live on Monday, the duo offered fans a glimpse into their off-screen rapport and shared details of their upcoming film.

Khan, who’s making his long-awaited return to Bollywood, shared what it was like working with Kapoor during their stream. “It was amazing working with Vaani; it’s been an amazing experience.”

Kapoor admitted she “tortured” him. To this, Khan replied, “I’m lying, of course. It’s been an absolute pleasure!” he chuckled. In all seriousness, Khan went on to call her “a very good human and a gem of a person,” leaving fans collectively awww-ing.

When a fan asked if Abir Gulaal would be an “intense” love story, Kapoor said, “I think it’s a feel-good, lighthearted love story.” Regarding their favourite song from the film, both actors agreed that ‘Khudaya Ishq’ was it.

Kapoor, known for her roles in Befikre and Shuddh Desi Romance, didn’t hold back when asked about her experience working with Khan. “One of a kind. I’m getting greedy but I hope I get this opportunity some day again,” she gushed, her eyes lighting up like someone who’s just discovered her co-star is actually as nice as he looks.

She went on to describe what makes Khan such a great performer. “He’s easy, no ego, no hassle. He’s just so gifted that you have to level up. One thing I haven’t said through all these interviews we’ve been doing all day, is that I love how organically you say your lines,” she said looking at Khan. “It never looks rehearsed or performative. It doesn’t feel like scripted dialogue.”

Not to be outdone, Khan returned the compliment, “I think you do the same thing, I think you’re very spontaneous with your dialogue.”

When a fan asked if Abir Gulaal would be anything like Shudh Desi Romance, Kapoor said, “The only thing similar is that my characters in both films are from Jaipur. But as people, both are very different.”

About their favourite scenes from the film, without revealing too much, Kapoor said there’s a scene where her character, Gulaal, educates Khan’s Abir about Gen-Z lingo — “his Gen-Z lingo in real life also requires some brushing,” she quipped.

The actor then asked him what ‘jomo’ is, and he accurately answered, “joy of missing out!”

“Well done!” said Kapoor, the proud teacher.

At this point, another fan asked Kapoor about her experience working with Khan. This time, she said, “I got lucky yaar, what else do I say? I got lucky with the film, with a great co-actor.” She praised the effortless chemistry the two shared on-screen, attributing it to their aligned “energies and frequencies.” She added, “It didn’t feel forced at all, like, I really enjoyed it.”

Kapoor wasn’t done handing out compliments just yet. She cheekily applauded Khan’s saint-level patience. “He has some patience to take my b******t because I yap a lot, chapad chapad. He’s a good listener!” she laughed.

“What drew you to the script?” another fan asked. “It’s simplicity,” replied Khan.

Kapoor said the film is about two opposite people who come together and it’s a very unexpected pairing. “It’s their journey of finding each other and finding that love for each other.”

Towards the end of their stream, Kapoor asked Khan, “One thing that you like about me and one thing that you tolerate about me.” Khan assured, “I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I take my time to open up. So, in the begining, if you felt like I was tolerating you, then I’d like to apologise for that. But otherwise, I like that you keep the energy up on set.”

Kapoor insisted he share one thing he feels she could change or tweak about herself as an actor or person. “I think you could be less critical of yourself,” said Khan. “Self analysis is good but you could tone it down.”

The two signed off with Khan calling the live stream an “educational experience.” Kapoor said she’ll make him a pro “until nex time”.

While the internet is lapping up this sweet exchange, Abir Gulaal hasn’t had the smoothest ride. The film has been facing backlash from certain political quarters in India due to Khan being a Pakistani, with some groups calling for a ban. Still, the team remains undeterred.

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal is set to release on May 9 in India and around the world.

Are you excited for Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood? Tell us which moment from the Vaani-Fawad live chat made you smile the most!