'Nach Baliye reality couple' denies cheating in lie-test

Actors Karishma Tanna and Upen Patel, who are lovingly called the "reality couple" of dance-based TV show "Nach Baliye 7", have denied allegations that they cheated in a polygraph test, an activity which was part of the show.

'Sach Baliye love challenge', a task on Star Plus's "Nach Baliye 7" required one partner among the participating duo to undergo a lie detector test. But Karishma and Upen have been accused of cheating in the test.

The couple is among the 'jodis' to have reached the finals of the competition.

Here in the capital to promote the show, Upen told IANS: "How can you cheat in such challenges? They aren't really challenges wherein you can cheat."

"Had we cheated, we would have won and we didn't even win. So what is the point of cheating and not winning. It's easy to target us because we are a known couple," added Karishma.

While in the show, the duo has been appreciated for multiple acts -- be it a sensuous dance covered in chocolate or their robotic dance.

Are they happy with the "Nach Baliye 7" panel of judges -- actress Preity Zinta, author Chetan Bhagat and choreographer Marzi Pestonji?

Upen said: "When you are in a competition, you work very hard, you have high expectations... sometimes you don't get the merit for the work you have done.

"But we humbly accept it because they are the judges, we don't have to agree with their point of view, but we try to take their advice and improve our performances. That's why we have been able to reach the finals...."

The show's finale will be aired on July 19. While they said they were nervous, they were also confident that their fans will support them through the voting.