From Barun Sobti to Jay Bhanushali: Nine TV heartthrobs to debut in Bollywood TIMESOFINDIA TOI Jun 17, 2014

Barun Sobti's part only

This could go down as Tellytown's year in Bollywood. In 2014, nine of small screen's hottest heartthrobs with Bollywood stardust in their eyes are all set to make swift inroads in B-Town armed with lead roles in big ticket films. 

For these telly hotties who've just joined the B-Town rat race, making the big splash on celluloid is a career-defining decision, which means a deliberate and enforced sabbatical from television projects (to wipe out the over-familiarity that comes with the territory of being a TV star and create an element of curiosity about them), working hard to get fab physiques and slipping into the shoes of their reel characters. Will small screen's most loved imports strike BO gold in Bollywood too?

Barun Sobti:
A BPO exec to TV heartthrob Delhi dude Barun Sobti's career graph sounds like a film-script! The man who catapulted to telly stardom with Iss Pyaar Ko Kyaa Naam Doon? created history when the channel had to pull the plug on his show when he opted out of it in 2012. While Barun's wrapped up Main Aur Mr Right and 22 Yards, he might have landed his big ticket in John Abraham's home production, Satra Ko Shaadi Hai, slated for a year-end release. Can he be TV's 'big' import to B-Town though is the big question.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/From-Barun-Sobti-to-Jay-Bhanushali-Nine-TV-heartthrobs-to-debut-in-Bollywood/articleshow/36664565.cms?

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Exclusive: Barun Sobti talks about his movies, John Abraham and Indian marriages PINKVILLA MAG May 22, 2014

The good looking and heart throb of several female fans Barun Sobti is ready to embark a new journey of his career. TV actor turned Bollywood actor Barun has recently finished the shooting of his film 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai'. This movie is produced by John Abraham who also gave break to TV personality Ayushman Khurana, now a well-known name in Bollywood as well.

Barun Sobti talks to Pinkvilla about his upcoming movies, working with John Abraham and his take on Indian marriages. Here are the excerpts from the interview-

Tell us something about your role in 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai'?

Well, I play a regular IT Professional guy from Mumbai. My character is very similar to any current day boy you would meet.

How did you get selected for this role? Did Shoojit saw any of your work before?

I had auditioned with the casting director of the film (Jogi ji) for another film, so while casting for this film, the tape of that audition came up. Arshad (writer & director of SKSH) was familiar with my work and he showed intent to cast me. They called me for a meeting then, Arshad narrated the script to me and I Said Yes. As for Shoojit sir, I don’t know if he’s seen any of my work but the whole team showed a lot of confidence in me, which was heartening.

What made you feel that this is the perfect movie for you since it has big stars like John Abraham?

I think I’ll be making wrong choices if I choose keeping my co-actors in my mind; I just worry about my part. And by the way, John Abraham is playing a cameo in the film; his bigger role is as a producer.

How was your chemistry with John Abraham, did you feel uncomfortable at any point?

It was really nice shooting with him. Uncomfortable, Not at all! He doesn't look like the kind’s who’ll make you feel uncomfortable.

How was working with Harshavardhan Rane who is playing an equally important role as a hero since it is a two hero movie?

Harsh is an absolute darling and a very talented guy. He has immense respect for his work, his privacy and people. He doesn't go around making friends with everyone but never will you see him disrespect people and I like that!

Tell us something about Sapna Pabbi, how did you two gel along during the shoot?

Sapna is an actor who’s always worried about doing her scenes right. If there’s something she doesn't understand, she’ll question it again and again until she finds out why that’s being done. Both of us got a long fine, she’s very sweet and apologetic. She constantly asked me if there was something I wanted her to do during the scenes, that’d make me comfortable!

How has been the transformation from small screen to the big screen for you? Is there any one thing which you miss about Television?

I miss my friends from television.

In 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai', hero-heroine meet on the matrimonial website, do you believe in marriages like these or you believe in love marriage like yours?

It doesn't matter if I believe in them or no. They’re happening out there, that means there are people that believe in such arrangements and that’s what matters.

Indian weddings are too hyped and expensive, do you think it is necessary to spend so much just to show your status in the society?

We can’t comment on why people do it, I’m sure different people do it for different reasons. I personally think that people should spend more time and money on their marriages instead of weddings.

As a Bollywood hero, what do you think are the qualities one should have to succeed since the competition is too tough now as many TV stars are venturing into this industry?

You can’t change what time has in store for you as the only constant that I’ve known is change. Other than that, I think being yourself helps.

Your movie 'Main aur Mr. Right' is still not released, what is the issue with the movie?

No comments.

Tell us something about your role in '22 Yards', what kind of look do you have in that?

It’s based on the life of a cricket agent and a cricketer with the cricket industry as the background. I have 2 looks that I have to maintain in that film.

You once said that you will not do any intimate scenes, do you still stick to your words?

I have no idea when I said that, considering that I've done so many already.

What do you do to unwind yourself?

Watch films, Play football, listen to music, etc.

What is Barun’s prized possession?

People tell me that it’s my eyes.

What are your next projects?

Right now, only '22 yards'.

Any plan to come back to Television? Will you like to work with Sanaya Irani again if offered a role as you both are audience’s favorite couple?

The content has to be good, medium doesn't matter to me. I’d want to work with Sanaya because she’s a great friend more than I’d like to work with her because it’s a safe bet!

How do you handle pressure from fans to satisfy their demands?

Luckily, the whole lot that likes me doesn't have a lot demands!

You have tremendous fan base, how do you feel about it?

I can’t feel anything else but great.

One message for your fans

You surprise me!

http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/barun-sobti/exclusive-barun-sobti-talks-about-his-movies-john-abraham-and-indian-m

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I am a bulls**t dancer: Barun Sobti TIMESOFINDIA TOI May 15, 2014

Barun Sobti

Barun Sobti, the heartthrob of millions across the globe, just finished shooting for John Abraham and Shoojit Sircar's Satra Ko Shaadi Hai. He spoke to TOI about shooting for the movie in extreme heat in Bhopal, his latest addiction and more in a freewheeling chat.

How did you land this role?
The casting director of this film Jogi ji had auditioned me for some other film. The tapes were with him and he showed it to John and Shoojit sometime around February. They liked the tapes and finalized me. This was a one schedule film. So we started in March and finished it in around one and half months. Now we are just awaiting the release in the first quarter of next year.

So what made you take up a movie, with an ensemble cast...
The script was very nice. I liked it the very first time Arshad Syed (the director) read it to me. Right from the time I started out, I have just focused on the script and have associated myself with movies that are heavy on content, so that when people see I am starring in it, they know that it's a good movie.

But were you apprehensive, considering this is Arshad's first movie?
No it didn't concern me. If everybody had 100% record of hits and flops, there would have been no surprises. There's not one director with 100% success rate. You have to take your decision based on the content you are being considered for.

How was it working with John Abraham? Did you learn anything from him?
Nice yaar. We did a few scenes together and the shoot passed away in no time. He is a chilled out guy and we had some very serious discussions. Sapna Pabbi, who is cast opposite me, pulled a few pranks on me and John. As for learning, the shoot was so small that it was too quick to learn from anyone.

Having seen some off-screen pictures of cast and crew, looks like it was really hot in Bhopal!
It was extremely hot and dry, to the point that it turned unbearable. So many times, so many people fainted on sets and got heat strokes. I used to have at least 4-5 litres of water every day. What made it difficult was the fact that most of the shoot was outdoors. Also with 50 people shooting for the scenes, even if you want, you can't go back to the vanity after every shot, because if the team takes even one minute to get all the 50 people again from their vanity vans, it would mean wasting 50 minutes before every shot. So you have to take the initiative to be available on the sets every time the direction team needs you.

If you were to write Bhopal Diaries, what would be some of the highlights you would include?
It was hectic from the word go. I don't remember anything apart from the story. It was a start to finish schedule, and that too in a differed city, so you can not take any chances. I made a few good friends, those I will be in touch with.

Tell us more about your character in Satra Ko Shaadi Hai
I play Naresh Sinhal, who is a regular Mumbai based IT professional. He is settled into his job and is of marriageable age. So he goes around looking for a girl and finds one called Suneha Garg (played by Sapna Pabbi) in Bhopal. The film is about the five days of wedding and how their match is at the mercy of a bunch of relatives.

So did the character of Naresh made you draw upon some of his memories and experiences from his working days as a IT professional?
The character does not have much detailing of an IT professional. It is about the five days of wedding madness.

How was it working with your new leading lady? Did you see 24, in which she was playing Anil Kapoor's daughter?
She was really nice. In fact the whole cast was — Harshvardhan Rane, Rahul Singh, Ekavali Khanna, Ridhima Sood among others. I did not see 24, but I saw her when she was acting with me, and she is good. As for Harsh and Rahul, we had a lot of boy time during the shoot. Nobody had any airs about them. While Rahul is into horse riding, Harsh is into photography. We got along like a house on fire.

Yes we saw some amazing pictures of yours taken by Harshvardhan...
Yes we went for a stroll as we had time to kill before a night shoot. So we were passing a golden field and there was this perfect light. So Harsh called for a camera, made me it down and pose. And after he was done, I just couldn't believe how good he was. He is brilliant.

A lot of local theatre talent has been cast in this film. Do you think theatre talent brings a different dimension to acting?
Totally. Being an actor in TV or movies is different. A film or TV actor, if put in theatre, won't know certain dimensions, while a theatre actor won't know certain things when he comes before the camera. So I think a film actor can learn emoting from this theatre counterpart, while the theatre actor can learn about camera techniques from the film actor.

Regret not doing theatre?
Not at all. I am happy the way I am.

Do we see you do a proper dance sequence in SKSH? Some of your co-stars have said that you are a pretty good dancer?
It's a full masti masala movie with the perfect doses of love and fight, so yes, it has dance sequences too. As for me being a good dancer, I am a bulls**t dancer. People who really love me, must be spreading rumours that am good. But yes, choreographer Punit Pathak was really sweet. We had one of the wedding sequences at night and he was giving instructions to everyone. So he came up to me and said, 'Bhai apki shaadi ho rahi hai, thoda to khush lag lo.'

What is your look for SKSH? Do we get to see you in a new avatar?
I dress exactly like a regular Mumbai guy. As regular people wear ethnic during weddings, so will I.

SKSH is about 'bit fat indian wedding'...something which you yourself did not get a chance to experience with Pashmeen. So how did you find the experience of all the rasams? Missing not doing it yourself in reality?
Shooting is very different from actually doing it. The shoot was as long and tiring like an Indian wedding. As for me, not at all. I am happy with the way we did it.

Do we get to see you in some bold scenes.
Not really. It is not about intimate relations, it is a whole family entertainer.

Your fans are expecting a lot from Satra Ko Shaadi Hai...
I am expecting a lot from every movie I am doing. In the last few years, I have done work, which is not good not bad. So I can't step up expectations from a film. I can just hope to do correct stuff rather than good or bad.

So what next after this shoot? Home or Kolkata for 22 Yards?
It has been around a week that we finished shooting. So am back home for now, and will resume the shoot of 22 Yards in a while.

Overall, which movie have you enjoyed shooting most — Main Aur Mr Right, 22 Yards or SKSH?
You can't say that, it is fundamentally wrong to rate a project. Each one was equally fun and difficult. They all have good content, so it will be unfair on my part to compare them.

Disappointed that your first project, Main Aur Mr Right, didn't turn out as expected and is still far from releasing?
I don't think like that. Whatever happens, happens for good.

What is happening with 22 Yards?
It is a long shoot and I have still got to shoot almost every sequence. Only 15% work has been done till now. It is not an easy film, we need to do country hopping for it. Also, the script has to be worked on a bit. By the end of the schedule that we are starting soon, almost 90% work should be done.

What are the other offers in your kitty?
I don't want to sound like a hot shot, so I will be honest. These are the only things I am doing now. When you have rubbish stuff coming your way, you have to let go.

So, we hear that your latest addiction is Candy Crush...
Yeah, I caught it from my wife. I am actually at level 356 now. Whenever I don't have anything to do, I play Candy Crush or Scrabble. We actors have time between shots, which we need to kill. And we cannot call friends or family as you are called at a moments notice. So you need to do something which you can dispose of immediately, when called for a shot.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Barun-Sobti-Just-finished-shooting-for-John-Abraham-and-Shoojit-Sircars-Satra-Ko-Shaadi-Hai-/articleshow/35152980.cms?

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Barun is like the brother I never had: Ekavali Khanna TIME OF INDIA TOI May 14, 2014

Ekavali Khanna wth Natasha Rastogi & Barun Sobti during the shoot of Satra Ko Shaadi Hai

It is said, reel often follows real. But sometimes, real follows the real too. Take the case of Ekavali Khanna, who portrays the character of Barun Sobti's elder sister in the John Abraham and Shoojit Sircar production Satra Ko Shaadi Hai.

The Kolkata-based actor said that, now she considers Barun as her actual brother. "I play the character of Niyati, who is married to Arjun Rathod, played by Rahul Singh. She is super sweet and shares a beautiful relation with her brother and to-be-bhabi, played by Sapna 

Pabbi. There was this common joke doing the rounds on the sets that Barun looked like Natasha Rastogi, who is playing our mother, and I looked like Pawan Chopra, who plays our father. So yes, the casting has been perfect."

She added that Barun is a thorough professional. "Even after that, we managed to strike up a good friendship. Ab asal zindagi mein bhi Barun mera bhai ban gaya hai." On his part, Barun added, "We spent a lot of time together. She is totally like an elder sister. Even though the shoot is over now, we keep in touch. Knowing my love for food, she has promised to take me out the next time I am in Kolkata. And I am looking forward to that."

During breaks between the shoot, the reel family (Barun, Ekavali, Pawan, Natasha, Harshvardhan Rane, Ridhima Sood and Rahul Singh) would play 21 questions and dumb charades.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/movies/news/Barun-is-like-the-brother-I-never-had-Ekavali-Khanna/articleshow/35111632.cms?

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