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Star appeal

TELEVISION TENDS to create larger than life characters, who become an inseparable part of an actor’s identity even if the series in question is short-lived.

A classic example of this phenomenon is Barun Sobti, whose career took off when he starred as the arrogant yet charming Arnav Singh Raizada in Star TV’s Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon, an extremely popular show that catapulted him to superstardom and was reportedly discontinued when he quit.

UAE fans will no doubt be pleased to know that Sobti can be seen in a new play, Do Fool Chaar Maali, to be performed in Dubai on Saturday, April 20, at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School.

Despite having left Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon, his connection with the show continues, as the play itself was the outcome of an idea that bore fruit on set, according to www.tellychakkar.com, and features cast members Akshay Dogra, Utkarsha Naik, Deepali Pansare and Pyumori Mehta.

Do Fool Chaar Maali is a comedy that revolves around two quarrelling spinsters who thwart the attempts of two ‘desi boys’ to con two young girls in Dubai .

In a chat prior to his Dubai visit, Sobti told City Times what attracted him to the play was “the cast, as they’re my friends.” Surprisingly, he did not reveal anything about his role though we hear that he is the narrator. He also denied that theatre is something he is actively pursuing. “We feel good about bringing this play to Dubai and we expect people to take away smiles,” he said.

Sobti admitted that people tend to confuse him with the character he played on the show but is not bothered by it.

“I am recognised as Arnav; I’m not trying to break away from that image.”

The actor has made a recent foray into Bollywood and said acting was always on the cards for him.

“I’ve never had time to plan things but somewhere deep down I wanted to act, the urge was never as strong as it is now. If I wasn’t an actor, I’d be working in a call center or I’d be a football coach.”

His first film is called Main aur Mr. Right and he hopes “people like it.”

A fan of Ranbir Kapoor, Sobti cites Barfi! as one of his favourite contemporary films.

When asked if he faced any struggles during the early stages of his career, he said, “With the kind generosity God’s shown to me, I don’t think I should be complaining. And for people who wish to become actors, I’ll say this: if I can be where I am, then anyone can be.

Pehla Media & Entertainent (PME) has lined up a surprise star home visit for Pehla audiences in the UAE - Barun Sobti will drop in to the selected home and share a cup of tea with the family on April 21 while another lucky viewer gets a dream date with one of the Iss Pyar Kya Naam Doon star cast, who are being flown down for the play Do Fool Chaar Maali. Pehla has also given away tickets to some lucky subscribers, a few of whom will get to interact with the cast after the play.

Event details

• What: Do Fool Chaar Maali (Hindi play)
• When: Saturday, April 20
• Where: Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, The Indian High School

Tickets: Dhs50, 100, 200 and 300. Call Rangmanch on 055-4945439

enid@khaleejtimes.com