Thread #10: Barun as Advay, Shivani as Chandu & IPK3 discuss TH11 - Page 93

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Barun Sobti, who is returning to the small screen with Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3 after a gap of four years is paired with Shivani Tomar this time. In an exclusive conversation with the TimesOfIndia.com, the actor spoke about his comeback, delayed projects and fan following.

Ques: Did you ever imagine that after moving out of IPKKND, you will eventually come back to the season 3?

Barun: No never. The channel actually came up with the idea. They thought the makers are ready, I was available and they wanted to make a romantic show so they came up with season 3.



Ques: How is Advay different from Arnab?

Barun: He is not an angry young man. We are not trying to replicate the earlier character that I played. This is a hostile, dark and unapologetic character. This is different realm altogether.

Ques: Was it a conscious decision from your side to not be seen on TV for sometime?

Barun: No it's nothing like that. Acting is not a contractual job. We are freelancers and I picked up what I liked doing according to the commitment and time that I had.

Ques: Why are you not very active on social media despite having such a huge fan following?

Barun: I am worst when it comes to social media. I feel why people will be interested in knowing about me. Also I feel people tend to get very personal on social media. I am not a big fan of one person holding a mic and everybody listening. I believe social media gives away a lot to people. I got this impression long time back when my friend was on Twitter and he got trolled because he posted his opinion about something. He was very upset about it as he didn't expect that people will reply in such a nasty way. That's when I realised that social media is a bug demon and I want to stay away from it.

Ques: Do you have any regrets because of the delay your other projects saw? Like your previous show Satya Ki Kiran got scrapped and your film with John Abraham Productions never happened?

Barun: When I quit Iss Pyaar Ko Kyaa Naam Doon 1, I left the show because I wanted to travel with my wife and spend time with her. Obviously, things didn't happen the way I wanted, but I am in a happy space. I believe if the projects would have been really good it would have definitely come out.

Ques: Why not experimenting with mythological or historical shows?

Barun: I always feel to do mythological and horror shows you need to be terrific actors. I am not that good. If I am don't fit into a character in my mind when I am told about it, I don't do it.

Ques: How comfortable are you doing a same daily soap and same characters for years?

Barun: I am not and that's the reason we thought of doing a finite series like this. Another reason was that it gets difficult after a certain period of time to write characters. So, if it is a finite series it becomes better entertainment wise for everyone.

Ques: Do you think your choice of films went wrong?

Barun: For Main Aur Mr Right, yes I think I was not a very good judge of script at that time but only with that film. The remaining two films that I have done have got tremendous response where ever we have gone. Tu Hai Mera Sunday has gone all around the world and we have got amazing response and standing ovation like at BFI, Cinequest. We have completed 22 Yards that's looking awesome.

Ques: Do you believe in the concept of big screen and small screen?

Barun: I think this thinking needs to be changed. In the US one of the most respected entertainment industry there is one city called Hollywood where they make films and that's why the city is called Hollywood. Our city is Mumbai I don't know why this division is done between TV and Bollywood. I would have really loved if there was none which is happening now slowly and gradually.

Ques: What matters to you good script or good money?

Barun: I don't know if you guys have followed my career or not. I had a huge opportunity of making all kinds of money, but you people didn't see me doing those shows because I was never interested in money. I always wanted to do good characters that I believe in.

Ques: What do you want to say about your amazing fan following?

Barun: I feel grateful and lucky, I don't want to surround my entire life around saying oh my god I am so popular. Instead I feel I want to do better next time.

Ques: Recently, there was an International survey which declared you as the most sexiest man. How do you look at these titles?

Barun: I don't take them seriously. Whatever day these kind of list comes out there is no party at my place.

Ques: What about reality shows? Are you open to doing any?

Barun: I am not a big fan of reality shows. I don't know about future, but reality shows make me nervous.

Ques: How do you unwind yourself?

Barun: I sleep, read books and party with my family and friends.

Ques: When do you plan to start a family?

Barun: My wife is going to kill me for saying this but we will start a family sometime this year.