**CC#1 MOVIE THREAD **STRICTLY IO - Page 29

Says Barun Sobti, who feels there is no demarcation between film and TV actors

After winning over millions of hearts through his TV show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon (IPKKND), Barun Sobti is now switching gears. With his debut film Main Aur Mr Riight (MAMR) ready to release, this unassuming actor talks about his strengths and weaknesses. He also throws light on the acceptance of TV actors in the film industry. The only challenge was to keep awake as at that time I was simultaneously shooting for my show IPKKND and the film. The decision of working on both mediums at one point got bad. The transition from TV to films wasn't overwhelming since an actor's ultimate job is to act. I think people take acting way too seriously. In MAMR, I play a wannabe model who worships Salman Khan. It was funny as I look nothing like him and I had to imitate him. The criterion of dancing was true in the 1990s. Today, dancing is not an important element in films being made in India or the ones I want to be a part of. Personally, I know I'm not a good dancer. I'm not keen on doing films that require me to dance much anyway. I know I won't be offered R100 crore films right now or a song with 500 dancers. I've heard intriguing projects. People approach you for the work they have seen you do. I don't think people see me as a lover boy dancing around, so I haven't received a role of that kind. I'm going to do roles that appeal to me. I think people are coming-ofage now. Maybe the differentiation between film and TV stars is fading away. While you can be trained and groomed to be a better actor, seasoning happens only to TV actors. TV actors shoot every day and that makes a difference to the project. They are hard-working but that's not taking anything away from the film actors. Maybe. I left IPKKND as shooting a daily was consuming. Now I've been approached by producers for weeklies, so let's see. Filmmaking is a lengthy process. We were being ambitious to think we would be able to release early this year, but now we are coming soon. Post-production and other elements take time. These processes are not in our control.