It is often said lady luck does not shine twice. But the idiom seems to be bending for TV actor Barun Sobti.
Mystic, intense and king of fandom, the onetime superhit actor (courtesy Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon season 1), who left the small screen for alleged over work, has got another opportunity to reshow his wares in season 3 of the above franchise launching soon on Star Plus.
Barun, who was left in the wilderness ever since he quit his claim to fame project, having tried his hands at films (one sank, others yet to see the light of day) finally decided to come back home as the prodigal son returns. Barun was supposed to make a return with a Zee TV show, apparently, which did not see green light.
His return also revalidates the old adage that there are neither permanent friends nor enemies in the entertainment world. Star Plus, which must have had to take a huge hit financially when Barun quit the above show in a huff, has agreed to work with him again. This clearly means they appreciate the value of brand Barun which is synonymous with Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, so a win-win for all concerned.
As a media person, we would like to know what Barun will have to say when he will explain his return to the same platform, which he cold shouldered sometime back. One defense we might get to hear is that TV hours are less stressful now. Also, he might say this is a limited series.
Coming back to the moot point, Barun has managed to get a second chance while several other TV actors who too quit small screen aiming Bollywood, are twiddling their thumbs at home. This can be attributed to his talent and strong fan following which has not deserted him.
Barun also might have eventually realized after losing four precious years that Bollywood is not everybody’s cup of tea and there is time for everything. There are several other variables which decide what works or not. He came around to realize that time is ticking hence he better come back home and milk his still shining fame, lest it too fizzles out. He must have realized that TV is huge today and the money and fame TV actors earn is no laughing matter.
Barun and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon combination would help the show get initial traction and media attention. The first look and the pain anthem strike a chord. But eventfully it will boil down to content (which is not Barun’s call though). He can certainly add his unique personality. The brash brooding personality of Barun as Arnav Singh Raizada will have to continue in season 3 as well. So how different will he be this time around will be test of his acting prowess? Also the absence of Sanaya Irani (first season lead) might affect the show at the start and it all depends on the chemistry between Barun and new lead Shivani Tomar to make IPKKND 3 a cult series again.
Indianwikimedia welcomes Barun to the small screen world. Wish him power and success.