‘I AM NOT FEELING PRESSURED’

Says actor Barun Sobti who returns to television after a break of five years; adds that the medium doesn’t matter to him

I only focus on doing my best. I don’t worry about whether the project will be aired on TV or in a theatre or online.

BARUN SOBTI, ACTOR

Alot of things are happening this year,” says Barun Sobti, who returns to the small screen with the new season of his hit 2011 TV show Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon (IPKKND). The actor, who is busy with the shoot of the serial, is looking forward to two of his movies hitting the marquee this year. However, Barun says the medium he works in doesn’t matter, as he only wants to do quality work. Excerpts from the interview:

Do you feel life has come a full circle, as you quit TV with IPKKND and are returning with it?

I hope the circle is not complete yet (laughs). I am happy, but I have a long way to go. I have got many reactions on social networking sites. There is a lot of anticipation. I am not feeling pressured though. I’ve always wanted to work in a show that has good content. I am looking forward to the anti-hero role. I hope people don’t hate me. This will be a one-year long show and I have been a fan of finite shows. An actor can play a character in a different manner every day and even a director can shoot a scene differently, but a writer can’t write a different thing daily for a very long time. Finite shows will help content on TV get better.

You quit TV for films and have now returned. Are you worried about people’s perceptions?

I don’t want to change anyone’s perception (laughs). I wanted a break, as I had worked hard for four-five years. I took care of my health. My approach to work has always been the same and the medium doesn’t matter to me. I only focus on doing my best. I don’t worry about whether the project will be aired on TV or in a theatre or online. My honesty to my work matters the most. I am like a labourer (laughs). I go on the sets and do my work to the best of my ability.

How do you feel about your career?

This year, I feel I am in a good space workwise. I have two films releasing. Earlier this year, my web series Tanhaiyan released and it did well. Another movie, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, made it to many film festivals around the world; it received an overwhelming response. I am waiting for it to release in India now. So, this year looks promising.

How different was it to do a web series?

Tanhaiyan was testament to the fact that when you hire good professionals, you don’t have to worry about anything else. The experience was fantastic. It was short and sweet, and we could tell a story without any censorship. Not that we had any bold scenes or adult content, but it was liberating with respect to creativity.