When Indian actor Barun Sobti decided to leave his massively popular TV show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? (What shall we call this love?) in 2012, it prompted an unprecedented reaction from fans never before seen in the country. So severe was the backlash –- there were reports of fans threatening to commit suicide -- that broadcaster Star Plus decided to shelve the show just a year into production and immediately dropped plans to continue the romantic series with another hero.
Cut to 2015 and Sobti, 30, is reliving it all over again, but with Middle Eastern fans.
A few months after a dubbed version of the show, Min Annazrah Thani, premiered on the pan-Arab channel MBC Bollywood, which airs Bollywood films and series dubbed in Arabic, the show’s swiftly climbing the popularity charts. And it’s turning Sobti’s into a household name in the Middle East.
“It never ceases to surprise me. But I guess it’s because our cultures are very similar so people connect to it,” he told tabloid! “But then I heard it’s also really popular in Russia. I’d be surprised if someone told me they’re watching it in China too.”
Sobti was in Dubai on Sunday (August 23) to meet fans and attend a special screening of an episode in Arabic at The Dubai Mall.
“This guy sounds really good. It’s funny to me but the guy’s doing a good job. The voice really matches the character,” he said laughing.
He’s getting used to be recognised by Arab fans, he said.
“They don’t talk much. They just want picture and they giggle a lot. It’s really sweet,” he said.
Min Annazrah Thani airs on MBC Bollywood daily at 10pm UAE. Catch the full interview in tabloid! soon.
