We have mostly seen Barun Sobti play the romantic guy on screen. For the first time, he has taken is chance with the action genre. The web series Asur streaming on Viacom18’s subscription-based streaming offering Voot Select is a mythological thriller that also marks Arshad Warsi's debut on the digital platform.
Barun says that when the makers approached him with the script, he wasn’t much interested. Sharing his reasons, he says, “I was told that it’s in the space of ‘mythology meets serial killer and forensic science expert’. To be honest, I have read a lot on psychology and seen all the documentaries made so I wasn't very kicked about it because this kind of stuff is not done properly. People don’t go deep into why this kind of stuff happens especially in India. But when I heard the script, it was such a terrific concept.” He added that it was an honour to be part of the series. “I had only heard the first episode and it was actually so good. I thought to myself, ‘why are they offering me the series, it’s so good’.” He adds that whatever questions he had in his mind were answered in the script. “In general, there is a problem with writing in the entertainment industry but they have done a terrific job.”
The series has been shot in Varanasi, Mumbai, USA and Delhi. Ask him if the series was an attempt to break the on screen image created because of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, and he says, “Those sitting at home don’t think about such things. This perception is made by the media. Everyone is looking for work. You do your job, go back home and done. Thankfully, I am in a better position because I am supported by my family well so I can choose my projects,” he says.
He adds that he wants to take care of his family but they are extremely supportive about his work. “They really believe in the choices that I make. There are stuff that I have let go, over the years because I want to try different things. I have collaborated with great people,” he says.
Barun and Arshad are sharing screen for the first time and the reason they connected so well is because of their struggles. “He has struggled so much and he use to share his experiences. He is a self-made man. Everyone thinks that Arshad does only comedy but he is a very sensible guy and understands things. But at the same time, he is a chilled out guy and likes to make people laugh,” he adds.
Barun is also turning writer, he informs. He says that he is developing a script for the producer of Asur. “My wife said, ‘you are so upset that no good work is happening, why don’t you write?’ The whole point of turning writer is that I can also act,” he says with a smile. But is there any particular genre he wants to write and he replies, “It depends on what kind of content you are watching. There are days when I am watching rom-com and so I am in that space. We are well equipped with that. Right now, I am more into thriller content . Having said that, there is space for all kind of genres. It would be very challenging to write psychological drama for family.” He adds that writing is difficult.
The actor who has recently acted in a short film titled Derma, will be next seen in a web film Halahal.
Ask him why he isn’t doing television which is a well-paying medium, and he says, “I am not a money-minded person. Content comes first for me and I can say this because I am being supported. In my situation, nine out of ten people would choose money. But I love acting because I can portray a character on screen.”
