Showing posts with label Barun Sobti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barun Sobti. Show all posts
Aditi Rao Hydari, Barun Sobti are my new favourite people-Konkona Sen Sharma
8:16 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 14, 2026)
Actor-director Konkona Sen Sharma is stepping into long-format storytelling with her first web series, describing the experience as significantly more demanding than filmmaking. “It takes a lot to direct a web series. The scale is large, it’s like making three films,” she says.
The series, Welcome To Khoya Mahal, co-directed with Jaydeep Sarkar, is set in South Delhi and stars Aditi Rao Hydari and Barun Sobti. Konkona, who has previously directed A Death In The Gunj and acted in series such as Mumbai Diaries 26/11 and Killer Soup, shares that the project required extended schedules and time away from home.
“It’s a lot of work and I had to be away from home for a long time. But I loved working with both Barun and Aditi. They’re complete sweethearts and my new favourite people.”
Away from work, Konkona was recently seen at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium with ex husband Ranvir Shorey and their son Haroon, attending an Indian Premier League match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. Ranvir later shared a selfie from the outing on Instagram, captioning his joy over Mumbai Indians’ win. The moment drew praise for their “cool co-parenting”.
Ask Konkona about that and she says, “I wanted Haroon to have that experience of watching a match at the stadium. Haroon likes to watch cricket and I enjoy a match once in a while too. He also enjoys football.”
It’s evident that men have a problem with stronger women-Barun Sobti
3:33 PM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 18, 2026)
Actor Barun Sobti recently reprised his role in a web series (Kohrra) where he plays a cop reporting to a new commanding officer, a female superior played by actor Mona Singh. The new season of the show delves into the discomfort some men feel about working under women in positions of authority, a theme Barun believes reflects reality, including within the film industry.
He shares, “It’s evident that men have a problem with stronger women. To a certain extent, it depends on the family you’ve grown up in, but we cannot deny it. Taking orders from them is still a huge thing. Even if a woman makes a strong point in an argument, I see men getting uncomfortable.”
The first season of Kohrra marked a turning point in Barun’s career, earning him significant recognition. Reflecting on its impact, the 41-year-old says, “In terms of viewership, there are shows that people watch and then there are shows that the industry watches. What happened with Kohrra was that the industry watched the show, and that’s why I started getting more work.”
To share screen with Chunky Pandey, Barun Sobti, Divyenndu was a great experience for me-Parul Gulati
10:31 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 10, 2025)
Parul Gulati, who was last seen in Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout (2024), is set to explore the action genre in her next project. Confirming the development to us, the actor shares that she will be seen doing intense action in the upcoming web series Dunali.
Set against the backdrop of Chambal in the 1960s, Dunali will see Parul play the role of a dacoit. “My character is quite layered and fierce, and I am looking forward to showcasing a new side of me to the audience through this character,” she shares.
Helmed by Eeshwar Nivas, the series will also feature actors Chunky Panday, Divyenndu, Barun Sobti and Sandhya Mridul, and Parul is excited about this opportunity to learn from them. “Dunali is quite close to Eeshwar sir’s heart. And to share screen with actors like Chunky sir, Barun and Divyenndu promises a great experience for me as an artiste too,” she says, adding, “This story has a very emotional angle to it as well, and I am excited to explore it.”
Like Malgudi Days, I wanted to narrate Raat Jawaan Hai with tasalli-Sumeet Vyas
8:12 AM
First-time director Vyas says he wanted to capture the simplicity of life in Raat Jawaan Hai
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 15, 2024)
It had been actor-writer Sumeet Vyas’ long-time dream to start directing. The opportunity presented itself when he met writer Khyati Anand Puthran at their kids’ playgroup. Their collaboration, Raat Jawaan Hai, is a story about three best friends who are new to parenthood. To Vyas, the Barun Sobti, Priya Bapat and Anjali Anand-starrer is about the smaller things in life. In conversation with mid-day, the first-time director talks about the Sony LIV show, his own experiences with parenthood, the interesting casting and more.
Edited excerpt from the interview.
After writing and fronting road trip shows and dark shows, what prompted you to direct something on parenthood and friendship?
The show’s writer is Khyati Anand [Puthran]. It was a coincidence that our kids were friends, and played together at a nearby park. In March 2022, she told me she was writing a script about early parenthood and friendship. She asked me whether I’d like to direct it. I read the script and liked it. She had written two episodes, and we began working together from there. Moreover, we were both going through the phase, so we could bring in our personal experiences. As we developed the story, the plot became more about friendship. We realized that friendship is the first victim of [parenthood] as one is not able to give their friends the same time as they did before.
Do you feel it is tougher for women compared to men?
Of course! If two partners are actively involved in parenting, then it becomes difficult. For example, my wife [Ekta Kaul] has taken a break from work. She is taking care of the child, so how can I go off to party somewhere? I finish my work and go home. I have very little time to spend with Ved, so I’d rather do that. Male or female, whichever parent decides to stay back and take care of the child, it affects them the most. Their social life is as good as non-existent.
While making the show, did anything surprise you?
The one thing I’ve understood about parenting is that it is very similar yet different. Every person’s right and wrong is different. So when they become parents, their rules differ. You cannot generalize parenting because we’ve all grown up in varied circumstances and economic backgrounds.
In an episode, Barun Sobti’s character says that dogs are better than children. Did you get any flak for it?
Avinash [Sobti’s character] is around friends, so he doesn’t have to filter what he says. He has a child and now, he wants to have a dog. When Suman [Bapat] reprimands him, asking whether it’s the same, Radhika [Anand] says that the animal doesn’t have the responsibility to grow up, take care of his elders. From the time kids are born, they are told they have to come first in class, learn tennis, become a scientist and what not! [laughs].
A lot of people now are opting to not have babies. Your take?
To each his own. I don’t think any aspect of life completes you. I always wanted to have a child, and I have friends who didn’t; either option is fine. No matter what decision you take, the grass is always greener on the other side. If your kid is crying in the night, while your friends are chilling, you may miss it. On the other hand, they may feel that you are lucky to get to play with a child. In India, we shouldn’t be worried about this. We have an abundant population [laughs].
What made you zero in on this cast?
The first actor we approached was Priya, she is also Khyati’s friend. When Khyati was writing the part, she had Priya in mind. When we approached her, she was more than excited to be a part of it. She is exceptional in the show. Anjali was a complete surprise. I had never seen her previous work. Sony recommended that we meet her. The ease with which she carries herself is quite something. Barun’s casting was out of the blue. We were struggling to find Avinash. I saw Kohrra [2023] around that time, called him and suggested the role. He is a desi guy, and loads of fun.
Did you ever feel the urge to be on the other side of the camera?
Not with this show. From the onset, I always wanted to direct it. There is a certain pace that I wanted for it. Like when we watched Malgudi Days, [even though] the episodes were all 30-minute-long. I wanted to narrate a story with tasalli. If someone cannot watch the show for 30 minutes also, and he has to watch five reels, then he may not watch it. I didn’t want to compromise on the temperament. If people can relate to the story, they will watch it.
Being a first-time director, did you feel you had to prove yourself?
No, I thought I would. But from the second or third day, I found my groove. We shot for close to 40-45 days at a stretch. I didn’t feel I had to prove a point to anyone. I wanted to tell the story as honestly as I could. The story demands a certain pace because it is about smaller things [in life], there is no melodrama to it. One reference point I had is of a film that I had acted in many years ago, English Vinglish [2012]. There is innocence in this narrative, which is why it connects with a larger audience.
After Munjya’s success, Mona Singh joins cast of Kohrra 2
9:18 AM
After Munjya’s success, Singh joins cast of Kohrra 2; sources say actor shooting Barun-led crime thriller in Punjab
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 26, 2024)
Look at the past year and Mona Singh’s choice of projects has been impressive, from Made In Heaven 2 (2023) to Kaala Paani (2023), from Munjya to an upcoming Aamir Khan production. Now, the actor has added another acclaimed project to her résumé. Sources tell us that Singh has joined the second season of Kohrra, created by Sudip Sharma.
The Netflix crime thriller, starring Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti and Harleen Sethi, opened to rave reviews last year. Sharma, who had co-written the first season while Randeep Jha took on directorial duties, began filming the second edition last month.
A source reveals, “Mona is the latest addition to the second season, which is being shot in Punjab. The team is excited to have an actor of her calibre on board, and her fluency in Punjabi makes her the perfect fit. Mona too is thrilled to work with Sudip, who is known to create rich and complex characters.”
The details around Singh’s character have been kept under wraps.
It has been learnt that Singh and Sobti are part of the ongoing schedule. “It’s unclear whether Suvinder, who was Kohrra’s breakout star, is also part of the second season. The makers are taking the story forward with a fresh case,” adds the insider.
Sumeet Vyas turns web series director with Raat Jawaan Hai
8:35 AM
Helming his first web series Raat Jawaan Hai, Sumeet Vyas draws from his own experiences to show how young parents juggle new role and existing friendships
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; March 13, 2024)
At heart, Sumeet Vyas is a storyteller. His passion for stories comes out in different roles—sometimes, as an actor, and at other times, as a writer. Directing then is a natural graduation. While Vyas previously helmed the short film, Haircut (2014), and mini-series Tankesh Diaries (2023), he is now directing his first web series, Raat Jawaan Hai. Starring Barun Sobti, Anjali Anand and Priya Bapat, the slice-of-life comedy looks at young parents embracing their new role while juggling their individual identity and friendships.
“The world tends to think of parenting as the end of youth. Raat Jawaan Hai refutes this theory. It is the story of three friends who are doing their best to keep their friendship, individuality and madness alive even after having kids,” says Vyas, who took the series on floors in Mumbai.
Be it Bang Baaja Baaraat or Tripling, the beauty of the actor-writer’s works lies in how he borrows from everyday life, giving us stories that we identify with. Raat Jawaan Hai is no different. Vyas, who is father to four-year-old Yug with wife Ekta Kaul, says he drew from his own parenting experiences for the SonyLIV offering.
“This show is like my creative playground. I have injected bits of my parenting saga into the mix, making it a rollercoaster ride of relatability. From time management tricks to surviving without a nanny, and the constant worrying about the kid, this series is a mirror to all modern parents.”
I’m fine without fame, these things don’t bother me-Barun Sobti
9:13 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 25, 2023)
Barun Sobti, who became a household name with the show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, is now enjoying being a part of the OTT space. Talking about the response to his two digital stints, Asur 2 and Kohrra, he says, “It fills me up with joy. Of course, it doesn’t change me as a person. I never waited for any validation. My process of picking up projects still hasn’t changed. Fame is a tricky thing. I deal with it by being in denial. I’m fine without fame. It has never bothered or changed me at all.”
‘I got my first show after Karan Wahi recommended my name’
At the age of 17, Barun started working in a telecom company, while secretly hoping to be an actor. He got the opportunity when his school friend Karan Wahi backed out of a TV show. “Karan was offered a show (Shraddha) and he asked for a certain amount. The makers didn’t have the budget, so they asked for a cheaper version of him. He recommended my name. I sent my pictures, and everything worked out,” Barun recalls.
‘I wanted to move to Australia with my wife’
Barun says he didn’t have to face a lot of struggle at the beginning of his career. “I didn’t even give a lot of auditions. The last show that I auditioned for was IPKKND. I didn’t even want to do the show, as I wanted to move to Australia with my wife,” he reminisces. Eventually, the show’s overnight success led to Barun dropping the idea of moving to another country. He adds, “I started making money and we realised that we could have a good life here.”
‘I was not a good actor when I started my career’
When Barun started his career, he was panned for his acting and was only called a good-looking guy. “I was not a good actor; I would not blame the people who were saying that,” he admits. With his recent performances, life has come full circle. “Looks are something you are gifted with. However, skill set is what can take credit for,” he says.
Averse to kissing on screen?
Interestingly, not many know that Barun has a no-kissing policy, courtesy of his sweet promise to his wife, Pashmeen Manchanda when they were 15. “The first time I told her that I wanted to be an actor, she jokingly said, ‘Now you will kiss every girl’. That’s when I decided I would not kiss on screen. To date, she tells me how stupid I am! There’s no clause as such, and I am not averse to it. If it makes sense and is essential, I will think about it,” he ends.
Earlier people only clicked pictures; after Kohrra, they talk to me about the show-Barun Sobti
8:36 AM
The actor, whose latest project Kohrra hit the bullseye, talks about the medium and why he took a pause from work to prep for the digital boom in India
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 5, 2023)
Barun Sobti entered the digital world with Tanhaiyan in 2017, when “OTT ka culture India mein nahin tha”. Cut to today, the actor has already had three web releases in the year so far, including the recent web series Kohrra. The 38-year-old, who was a known face on television around 2011 and had two cinematic releases, didn’t take much work until Tanhaiyan to prepare for the anticipated OTT boom.
“I didn’t do much work for some time before 2017. When the digital revolution happened in the US, I consumed a lot of content from the West. It was like a training ground for me, as I was certain that a digital revolution would happen in India too,” says the actor. In a chat with us, he opens up about his journey on the digital medium so far. Excerpts:
With back-to-back releases, 2023 has turned out great for you. Did you expect this?
I shot for five projects in two years. At one point, I was shooting for three shows simultaneously. So yes, I knew I’d have a flurry of projects coming out one after the other. I also knew that Asur 2, Badtameez Dil and Kohrra would do well.
The roles you’ve played have been quite diverse. Tell us about the prep involved.
Asur 2 felt like homecoming because I had already got into the skin of the character in the first season. Whereas, for Badtameez Dil, I did workshops, as the character was quite layered. But the preparation for Kohrra was most extensive. I did a lot of workshops in Punjab to get into the skin of my character [a cop], Amarpal Garundi.
Is there a lot of scope for characters to grow on the digital medium?
Aisa nahin hai ki OTT projects ko shoot karne ke liye aapko bahut time milta hai. The first scene that you shoot may not be the first scene of the show. So you have to dive in immediately. The great thing about web is that it gives the characters time to be etched out well in terms of writing. As an actor, if you know how the character is shaping up at the very outset, you put your heart into it.
What do you think about the growth of OTT in India?
We have just started understanding the value of the long format content. As an actor, you don’t feel the monotony as you get to do five different kinds of projects over two years. Also, the writers get so much time to write. For instance, writer Gunjit Chopra researched for Kohrra in Punjab for so long that whenever I asked him a question about my character, I got such valid answers that I didn’t have to go back to him with more queries.
Of late, some actors have expressed concerns about star culture taking over the web space too. What do you feel about it?
If a performance is good, it’s impossible for it to go unnoticed. As far as stars exploring the medium is concerned, the way audiences embrace a show plays a huge role. Like in my case, ever since the release of Kohrra, people who usually [just] clicked pictures with me, have started talking to me about the show. I feel this kind of appreciation makes everyone want to explore the medium.
I hate one-tone, intimidating cop characters-Barun Sobti
8:19 AM
Barun Sobti discusses bringing realism to his cop role in the series, Kohrra
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 16, 2023)
Barun Sobti always believed in pushing his boundaries as an actor. That is why, at the peak of his career in television, he quit the medium to find work that spoke to him. It was a decision he knew could make or break him. Since then, his journey has been gruelling, with several years of no work and sporadic releases. But 2023 seems like his year as he was seen in the second instalment of Asur and the rom-com Badtameez Dil and the Netflix series, Kohrra. Sobti believes it is his ability to say no that has gotten him so far.
“I had to make a few tough decisions in my life. Sitting back and not doing anything was difficult, but my wife [Pashmeen Manchanda] supported me a lot. I don’t know how far I have come, but I am happy in the space that I am in,” says the actor, who is receiving rave reviews for his performance in Kohrra.
In Sudip Sharma’s thriller, Sobti again found the perfect opportunity to challenge himself as an actor. Playing an investigative officer in the murder case of an NRI in Punjab, the actor says he got to bring realism to the screen.
“We wanted to make it as real as possible. In the first few days, I realized that sticking to the script would be the best thing to do. I hate one-tone, intimidating [cop] characters. That is image creation, not acting. The writing was real, so my attempt was to carry that essence,” he says.
Asked if he feels validated for taking risks with his career, Sobti says, “Even if I didn’t make it, I would have been at peace with it. That doesn’t make me a less ambitious person. I am a realist. I believe good things are difficult to hide. If you are good, you will be discovered. If you aren’t discovered, maybe you aren’t good enough,” he shares.
Now, I’ve become a little too careful. But earlier, I’ve made a fool of myself in love-Ridhi Dogra
8:40 AM
After Asur, Ridhi Dogra discusses taking on romantic drama Badtameez Dil, which also throws light on body-image issues
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 20, 2023)
“I am all about love,” says Ridhi Dogra gleefully, who has added a rom-com to her resume with Amazon miniTV’s Badtameez Dil. But it wasn’t only love in the air as the actor was juggling it with the shoot of the mythological thriller, Asur. While both shows were intense, the actor admits that playing a naïve romantic woman was tougher than playing a forensic officer. So, how did she straddle the two contrasting worlds? Over to Dogra as she talks about romance, roles and more.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Badtameez Dil revolves around modern-day love. What is your take on it?
I don’t think love is modern or old, it’s a universal emotion and is always relevant. Love is not so much about the things we do, but it’s about the values that we carry into a relationship. Be it GenZ or millennials or boomers, the key to love is to have the right set of values — integrity, loyalty, trust, friendship and respect. I don’t think swiping left and right [on dating apps] is love. But at the end of the day, everybody is looking for it. We have all become thick-skinned, independent and strong, but I guarantee you everybody is looking for a pair of eyes to connect with.
Would you make a fool of yourself in love?
Why not? Now, I’ve become a little too careful. But [earlier], I’ve made a fool of myself in love. I’ve seen only what I wanted to see. I see the good in people. I was just reading something that Oprah [Winfrey] said: When someone shows you the first time how good they are, why do you not believe them? Why do you have to see it 29 times to believe them? I give people — whether it is friends, colleagues or romantic [partners] — a lot of chances. I keep looking for the good in people.
Asur and Badtameez Dil were shot at different times. Was their back-to-back release a coincidence?
We started shooting Asur a little before Badtameez Dil, and then there was a bit of an overlap. Barun [Sobti] and I have known each other for a few years. When we went to shoot Badtameez Dil, it was as if a portal had opened up — we were laughing and improvising. When we went back to Asur’s shoot later, we would crack up. But since we are both professional, we could [slip into the roles] in a few minutes. We shot both series in 2021, but a lot of work was held back due to the pandemic. It was a bonus for Asur; the team got time to edit it, and by the time it dropped online, AI became a relevant subject.
Which show was more creatively satisfying?
Oh, come on! I am an actor, I can never say this was better than that. I’ve always played strong, opinionated women who stand up for something. [During my television years], channels used to take us to tier 2 and 3 towns where I used to meet a lot of women and homemakers. Early on, I had decided that even if I do less work, I want to play characters that stand for something. That is the way I thought when I did Maryada, Asur, or even A Married Woman.
If both show were creatively satisfying, which one was more challenging?
Badtameez Dil had a completely different lens. I have been around for a while, but I have never had a whole show seen through the lens of love. For me, this was more challenging. I have gone out of my way to make Liz [character’s name] look like she had body-image and self-worth issues. These were not said in dialogue, but reflected through the character. I wanted her to look uncomfortable [with herself], but a third person seeing her will find nothing wrong with her. If I am ever to do a rom-com again, I will do it only if I am able to break some norms with it. We have seen enough stories of women going from ugly duckling to a swan, and as soon as she became beautiful, she got the hero. But I didn’t want to do that.
Everyone is saying that Asur has done great, but I feel it is underrated-Barun Sobti
8:21 AM
Even as the second season of Asur wins praise, Barun Sobti on its “phenomenal writing” and his understanding of karma
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 6, 2023)
You won’t see too much of Barun Sobti on screen, and he likes it that way. After he shot to fame with his television show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, the actor didn’t go on a signing spree, instead choosing his projects carefully. He is playing by his own rules in digital entertainment too. Sobti reprised his role of Nikhil Nair in the second season of Jio Cinema’s Asur. In conversation with mid-day, he talks about being off the radar, the mythology thriller’s popularity, and his belief in karma.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Did things change for you after the first instalment’s success?
Not really. People took notice of me and said, ‘You can act’. But it wasn’t as if I got any phenomenal roles after that. That could also be because I am spoilt for choice, and only pick up roles that I want to do. The only show that I would credit for putting me on the map is Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. [After Asur], I was in the audience’s mind, but I was not offered mind-blowing roles. At the same time, itna mind-blowing kaam hota bhi nahin hai apne desh mein [laughs]. I am happy with how my career has shaped up, but I don’t know if it has happened because of Asur.
What did you think of the second season?
My wife and I watched it in two days straight. It’s so far ahead of the first season. I’d be lying if I said I was not looking at myself critically. If I see a series where I am good and everything else is bad, I will call [it out]. Conversely, if I were to see a show where I have not been good, but everybody else is phenomenal, I’d call that out too. With respect to Asur 2, everything was excellent.
What was your wife Pashmeen Manchanda’s reaction?
She is an influential person in my life. When she backs what I am thinking, it solidifies my [stance]. She instantly liked [the show] too.
The bathtub scene is among the most hard-hitting in the series. How did you go about it?
I read the whole script, then I prepare myself according to how I am placed in a [particular scene], and determine my road map. My character Nikhil Nair starts the second season with a lot of guilt. He is also the kind who doesn’t indulge much in vanity. He is focused on saving the world. That is why he sacrifices his daughter [in the previous season]. The show is about a national crisis more than how a family is affected by the [death of a child]. The bathtub sequence was consuming. I have a daughter, so [it helped me understand the nuances of the scene].
Asur stands out as much for its writing as for its performances.
Gaurav Shukla is a phenomenal writer. The scale in the first season was much lower; the genius of the writing was that it could accommodate the [low] budget. In the second season, the show became quite big and could go anywhere. So, one could make a lot of mistakes too. Gaurav upgraded [the show] to [tackle] a bigger problem, instead of writing himself into a corner. I am not a big fan of [mythology], but it’s remarkable how Gaurav aligned it all together. Everyone is saying that Asur has done great, but I feel it is underrated.
Do you believe in karma?
I believe in time. I was taught in childhood, ‘Neki kar, dariya mein daal.’ That’s where I stand. I think people who believe in karma are the ones who are waiting for good things to happen to them because they did good.
What’s next?
I have three shows coming back-to-back — a romantic comedy called Badtameez Dil on Amazon miniTV, a crime thriller called Kohrra on Netflix, and a coming-of-drama Bawandar.
E Niwas directs an eight-episode web series Donali with Barun Sobti, Chunky Panday
9:59 PM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 23, 2022)
After two successful seasons of Sony LIV’s Your Honor, National Award-winning director E Niwas has quietly moved on to his next. Word is that the director is helming a web series, titled Donali, a revenge drama about the Chambal dacoits in the 1960s. The eight-part drama features Chunky Panday, Divyenndu, Sandhya Mridul with Barun Sobti playing a pivotal role.
A trade source reveals that Niwas shot a major chunk of the Applause Entertainment and Juggernaut-backed production in Chambal intermittently over the past two years. “The team started shooting in the ravines of Chambals after the first wave had waned in 2020 and the lockdown was lifted, followed by a few more schedules in 2021. Almost 80 per cent of the series is now complete. The next stint will kick off on January 25 in Mumbai. Post that, the team will head to Wai and Gwalior before calling it a wrap on the project,” says the source.
Through the digital offering, the director will show how the dacoits—called baaghis (rebels) in the area—became a force unto themselves and what led them to pick up arms. “The show is being made on a massive scale. While Chunky has played negative characters before in Begum Jaan [2017] and Saaho [2019], here his character is edgy and unpredictable. Shooting in the Chambals is a challenge, more so, because the unit had to follow strict COVID safety protocols. He filmed it around Chambal, in the regions of Sabalgarh, Seondha and the Chambal river,” added the source.
When mid-day reached out to Niwas, he confirmed the development, but refused to divulge details.
Majority of actors are busy building their image rather than working on their craft-Barun Sobti
8:07 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 18, 2021)
With two web projects, Asur and Halahal, last year, Barun Sobti was noticed by “the mainstream industry”, but his transition to films wasn’t smooth. After gaining popularity with TV show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? in 2011, his Main Aur Mr. Riight (2014), Tu Hai Mera Sunday (2017) and 22 Yards (2019) were stuck for the longest time.
Talking about his experience, Sobti says, “I won’t say I am a victim of the industry… Here, you have to dig your well every day. In fact, today I have a lot of work but it is still not easy... just that today my set of problems are different.”
His chocolate boy image got a total makeover with his web roles last year. “Image matters a lot, and majority of actors are busy building their image rather than working on their craft… these are sensible people, who know how the industry functions. And, at the same time, there [are those who] see potential in an actor beyond their looks or their image. That’s how I was cast in Asur and Halahal,” he explains.
Sobti, 36, admits there was a lot of resistance while casting him in Asur and Halahal, but producers Tanveer Bookwala and Zeishan Quadri were sure about him. “Their confidence gave me confidence… I am thankful to them that they pushed for me. They are visionaries,” he says.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay: Ekta Kapoor begins search for a new Anurag?
8:24 AM
As Parth Samthaan’s disinterest on the set becomes evident following a reported resignation from the show, producer Ekta Kapoor searching for new Anurag Basu
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2020)
Ever since Ekta Kapoor’s Kasautii Zindagii Kay returned after a four-month hiatus brought on by the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown, the soap has been in the news. After around two weeks of shoot, Parth Samthaan, who plays Anurag Basu, tested Coronavirus positive and the unit was forced into another shorter break. The actor joined the team from August 4, but soon rumours were rife that he had told producer Ekta that he wanted to opt out.
According to a source close to the development, Parth resigned the same weekend he returned. “His health is his priority right now. Also, he has a Bollywood film coming up and wants to concentrate on that,” says the source, adding that Ekta has been trying to persuade him to stay on, given the TRPs he has been raking in for her. “Recently, she even roped in a third person known to both to help her convince Parth to continue with the show. But he is not keen.”
The source informs that the actor’s lack of interest is evident on the set too. “In the last week alone, he didn’t turn up on two days, Saturday and Monday, and on Tuesday, he shot for just two hours. He isn’t even interacting with the unit much and keeps to himself,” the source shares.
Meanwhile, according to the source, Ekta has approached Zain Imam, Vijayendra Kumeria and Barun Sobti. Talks are also on with Vishal Aditya Singh, Harshad Chopda and Aashim Gulati to replace him. Zain played Yuvraj Luthra in Tashan-E-Ishq, Neil Khanna in Naamkarann and Kabir Mittal in Ek Bhram... Sarvagun Sampanna. Vijayendra became a household name as Suraj Rajvanshi in Udaan and Dev Parikh in Naagin: Bhagya Ka Zehreela Khel. Barun has done TV shows like Dill Mill Gayye, Baat Hamari Pakki Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? and a couple of films, Main Aur Mr Riight and Tu Hai Mera Sunday. Vishal was the second runner-up on Nach Baliye 9 and was in Bigg Boss last year. Harshad is best remembered as Cadet Ali Baig in Left Right Left, Anurag Ganguly in Tere Liye and Aditya Hooda in Bepannah while Aashim played Rehaan Khanna in Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara and the titular role in Karn Sangini.
The source concludes, saying, “Parth has found a huge following and Anurag is an iconic character. Ekta is clear that if he doesn’t stay and she can’t find a worthy replacement, she will end the show.”
I felt envious, and kept wondering why I couldn't write something like Asur-Barun Sobti
8:44 AM
Dividing his time between acting and writing, Barun Sobti discusses facing the camera for his latest release, Asur
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; March 31, 2020)
Asur, which recently dropped on Voot Select, is winning praise. Barun Sobti, known as the heartthrob of Indian television, is glad that his gamble with the mythological thriller has paid off. A writer in the making, Sobti insists that he recognised the merit of the story in the first narration itself. Edited excerpts from the interview.
Mythological thrillers are rare to come by. Is that what made you greenlight Asur?
The producer [Shashi Shekhar Vempati], who is a good friend, called and told me that he has a kick**s show. I didn't [pay heed to] it as everyone raves about their own projects. The eight-episode series talks about an era that is mythologically influenced. [At the start of the narration] I realised that the subject [serial killer] is unique, but I feared that they won't delve deep into it and will only operate at the surface. However, I was blown away with the narration of the first episode. I felt envious, and kept wondering why I couldn't write something like this.
You play a socially awkward but efficient forensic expert in the show.
My character Nikhil has a weird fetish to solve murders. In a scene, his wife tells him that he likes being around dead bodies. He is a highly intelligent person whose mind is constantly working.
Your Bollywood releases did not meet expectations. What do you think is the industry's perception of you?
I don't think anyone has a perception about me. I believe I am not [restricted to] only one industry; I [don't want to be bracketed as] film actor or television actor. I only look at the content irrespective of the medium. The industry's perception does not change anything.
Doesn't it affect the kind of offers you get?
I don't think perception does that; only reality can change that. Perceptions are usually misleading. Even if someone cast me assuming [a stereotype] and I perform inadequately, I will not get cast again. So, only my work on the set will speak for me.
When choosing projects, you seem to be steering clear of romance dramas even though your fans love to see you in them. Why?
There is no hard and fast rule. I have even written a romantic drama. That said, I am exploring other aspects of romance. I have grown up, and with time, my thought process has evolved. My experiences have proved that love is a million things and romance is not the only form of love. So, [that understanding reflects] in my shows.
You divide your time between acting and writing. How did you begin writing?
My wife [Pashmeen Manchanda] pointed out to me that I seem to have an issue with every script that comes my way. She suggested I write something that I see myself doing. Writing has been a passion since school. Back then, I used to write poems. Now, I have developed a script that a friend will be producing.
You are now a parent to a beautiful daughter, Sifat. How has the learning been?
I am spending time with my eight-month-old daughter. People say I am an obsessive parent, but then again, I love her too much.
It’s not possible to predict TRPs every week-Barun Sobti
7:41 AM
Barun Sobti on keeping social media at an arm’s length and how his daily soap does not pander to ratings
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 20, 2017)
Barun Sobti is one of the most popular actors on TV at the moment and he knows it, even if he actively abstains from the social media. “I am not active on social media. I only have a Twitter account but I don’t read all reactions and comments from fans,” the actor says, quick to add that he does, however, keep track of his show’s (Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2) popularity graph.
The 33-year-old actor is also gearing up for a big screen outing with the film Tu Hai Mera Sunday soon, that narrates the story of five friends and their quest for a football-friendly space in Mumbai. “I love playing all kinds of sports, especially football and cricket, basketball is the only one I am not good at. For this film, we trained under Dinesh Nair of the Mumbai Football Club. I would look forward to the training. It didn’t feel like a shoot. We shot the film in Mumbai and Goa,” Barun says, adding that his co-star Shahana Goswami’s infectious laughter on the sets tops his list of memorable takeaways from the film’s shoot.
And while he has little to no time to watch TV shows as he goes about shooting for his own and promoting the film, Barun admits that he loves the American thriller Fargo. “I don’t watch it anymore though. Friends, Orange is the New Black, The Good Wife are among my other favourites,” he offers. Recently, there were rumours of his show changing narrative tracks for want of better TRPs. Barun denies it, arguing, “It’s not possible to predict TRPs every week. Yes, the story is impacted from week to week but the larger storyline remains the same.”
Barun Sobti and Sapna Pabbi-starrer Satra Ko Shaadi Hai shelved?
11:04 AM
Lead pair of John Abraham's long-in-the-making 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai', Barun Sobti and Sapna Pabbi, hints at the film not seeing the light of the day
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 23, 2017)
John Abraham's big fat wedding on reel, 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai', seems to have been called off for good. In the making for the past four years, the project stars 50-odd actors, with Barun Sobti and Sapna Pabbi in the lead. However, the duo have hinted that the film will not see the light of the day.
Barun, who is making a comeback to television with the third instalment of 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon', says, "I don't exactly know the status of that film, but I doubt it's ever going to come out. I finished shooting for it long ago."
His co-star Sapna says now may be 'too late' for a release given that it was initially slated to hit screens in 2015. "Earlier, I used to follow up with the director [Arshad Sayed] and the production house to find out the status of the film, but gave up after a point. Now it's too late, no? We had a lot of fun shooting, but I don't know the current status," she adds.
The film was supposed to be co-produced by UTV-Disney, but sources claim after the company folded up its Bollywood production arm, John has apparently not been able to arrange for funds for its release.
At the time of going to press, John remained unavailable for comment.
The happy misfits: Shahana Goswami and Barun Sobti aren't 'Bollywood material'
1:51 PM
Actors Shahana Goswami and Barun Sobti, co-actors in a film that discusses Mumbai's lack of public space, say they are not Bollywood material (and it hardly matters)
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; October 16, 2016)
"I don't want to do Bollywood," Rock On actress Shahana Goswami says emphatically. Her smile reflects the happiness behind her decision. "Once you make up your mind about what kind of movies you want to do, what work interests you, you are going to find it hard to bag work you like anyway," pipes in actor Barun Sobti, 30, who got famous as Arnav Raizada in the romantic television show, Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon.
We meet at a Bandra café right before the two take off to London. Goswami is in Mumbai to shoot a bit role in Rock On!! 2, before watching how the audience receives their indie film Tu Hai Mera Sunday at the BFI London Film Festival. In it, Sobti plays a football lover struggling to find space to kick ball every weekend. Goswami's character is the daughter of an old man who becomes a part of this bunch inadvertently.
After London, Mumbai will get to watch it at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. Over coffee, the talk centres around why it's significant to take on a tiny indie film that discusses the lack of public spaces in Mumbai over a mega- commercial movie. "It's not about people, this movie; it's about Mumbai. There is this amazing scene where two kids play badminton using a parked car as net. Milind (Dhaimade, the director) has portrayed the city's everyday life so beautifully. That we can discuss this through our movie makes it great."
For the actress, who now lives in Paris as "life is better there", the charm of independent cinema lies in that an actor can be himself, and not change anything. "When we started prepping [for Tu Hai…], we thought, let's go to the gym, let's groom ourselves. But Milind said, 'don't you dare! I have cast you for who you are, the personalities you are'. So, in the movie, I talk exactly the way I, Shahana does. I talk in Hindi, I talk in English," she shares, gesturing to Sobti, "I was surprised when he cast this one, though! Popular TV star! Kyun, bhai?" Sobti is unperturbed. "Of course, they must have thought I can't act. I haven't done any work in a while. So, this movie is important for me. I'm certain people will read this and think, oh! Isko kaam nahin mila…" he laughs, hinting at the way indie cinema actors are perceived.
Goswami says she is trying to build a career in Paris. "If I need to do that, I can't keep coming back. I need to be there, available for work. So unless a movie like this crops up, I am pretty much out of the mainstream."
Sobti, on the other hand, is prepping for another TV show, one that he insists isn't "that mainstream". But it is a romantic one. "Of course, he will always be the romantic hero," Goswami takes a jibe. Curious about the web format, he hopes he can cultivate a standing there because it may allow him space to be more than the typical romantic. "I don't want to limit myself. I can do web, movies and TV. We, as makers, have to find a way to deliver smart stuff to the audience. If they get used to quality content, they will crave it. That's our responsibility, isn't it?"
Zoya Akhtar is my movie mama-Ridhima Sud
7:50 AM
Dil Dhadakne Do girl, Ridhima Sud comes on board Reema Kagti's Mr Chaalu, also featuring Fawad Khan; will be seen in John Abraham's wedding drama too
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2015)
Ridhima Sud remembers getting off a long and tiring flight, after an exhausting 20-hour schedule on a set, to make it in time for Zoya Akhtar's script-reading session of Dil Dhadakne Do. The actress was seen as Noori Sood in the film.
Recalling her first interaction with her director, she says, "Zoya told me that she was my movie mama and she still is! She has always made herself accessible to me. I have a family in Bombay and it's Zoya's," she says, adding that she mumbled a thank you, battering her eyelashes in confusion when Javed Akhtar walked up to her at the DDD premiere, praising her mazedar performance. "He has worked with actresses across five generations and for him to say something nice about my work meant a lot to me," she says.
The actress, who refuses to reveal her age, says that Bollywood's leading ladies can only ever be as old as they look. "I just auditioned for a role of the 16-year-old girl. So I'm as old as they think I am," she guffaws. The actress will next be seen as journalist Meera Sharma in Kajariya, a docu-feature by Madhurima Anand, which addresses several social issues, prominently, female foeticide. "I play a reporter who finds herself chasing a story she is not ready to handle. The movie will tour film festivals in Europe soon," she points out.
Ridhima has also shot portions for Satra Ko Shaadi Hai, a John Abraham production, which also features the actor in the lead. "It's not a love story, but a full-fledged wedding melodrama," she says, adding that she plays Cookie Hirani, a bindaas Bombay kudi, who's been dragged to a particular wedding in Bhopal and mayhem follows. "I am paired opposite Harshvardhan Rane and I never knew he was such a big heartthrob down South. TV star Barun Sobti too is a part of the cast, and I never knew the amount of fan-following he had either. I thought these boys were nobodies," she insists, adding that her only A-list co-star so far has been Ranveer Singh, in DDD.
Ridhima confirms that she has just finished reading the script for Reema Kagti's Mr Chaalu, also featuring Fawad Khan. "Yes! I am very excited about the film and have finished a reading for it," Ridhima told Mirror. The actress had moved to Italy at 17 and went to New York to study liberal arts and films, only to return, hoping to make it big in Bollywood. "You can never predict anything that's going to happen with a film until you're on the set, giving your shot," she smiles.
Main Aur Mr Riight trailer gets a positive response
7:47 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2014)
Barun Sobti is all set to
recreate the magic of his glorious TV days on the big screen with Main
Aur Mr Riight, the trailer of which has been uploaded online. Joining him
is Shenaz Treasurywala, who's back after a hiatus. The movie revolves
around Aliya Raj, a casting agent, whose quest for Mr Right is laden
with comic instances and sugar-coated romance. The theatrical trailer
has been attached with Saif Ali Khan's romcom Happy Ending, which
releases today.
Director Adeeb Rais says that he was confident that their trailer would strike a chord with the urban audience. He enthuses, “I think this film is a quality date flick. It's encouraging that after seeing the trailer, people are comparing it with other small movies that have been successful. It also puts pressure on us to deliver a product that matches up to people's expectations.“
Producer Pooja Gujral adds, “John Abraham, who has roped in Barun for his film, has loved the trailer.I'm sure that everyone who watches the film will relate to one of the characters in the film.“
Main Aur Mr Riight, produced by Madmidaas Films, releases December 12.
Director Adeeb Rais says that he was confident that their trailer would strike a chord with the urban audience. He enthuses, “I think this film is a quality date flick. It's encouraging that after seeing the trailer, people are comparing it with other small movies that have been successful. It also puts pressure on us to deliver a product that matches up to people's expectations.“
Producer Pooja Gujral adds, “John Abraham, who has roped in Barun for his film, has loved the trailer.I'm sure that everyone who watches the film will relate to one of the characters in the film.“
Main Aur Mr Riight, produced by Madmidaas Films, releases December 12.
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