Exclusive: Shivani Tomar's India Today Interview

Gul Khan's popular show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon's (IPKKND) third installment is all set to hit the small screen next month. The show marks the return of TV heartthrob Barun Sobti to Hindi soaps.

While Season 1 starred Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani, the new season will see Kasam actress Shivani Tomar as the female lead.

Shivani, who earlier worked as a graphic designer, is still warming up to the Indian television industry. Last seen as the female lead of Colors' show Kasam; Shivani was later replaced by Kratika Sengar, who made a return to the show on popular demand. Meanwhile in producer Gul Khan's IPKKND Season 3, Shivani has replaced TV star Sanaya Irani as Barun Sobti's romantic interest. While fans are sceptical about Shivani's chemistry with Barun, Shivani seems to have decided to stay unfazed by anything remotely negative.

"I am not concentrating on what people have to say. I am just trying to do my job as perfectly as I can. It is a fresh start for my career, and I want things to begin on a positive note. Even Gul ma'am (Producer) wanted me to be a part of this show. And Season 3 has nothing to do with Season 1. It is a new story, a new chapter. You will see," the actress said.

In fact, Shivani was supposed to play a "parallel lead" in the second season of IPKKND, but things didn't work out, and she ended up appearing for just a small scene on the show.

However, Shivani has not watched previous seasons of the show; "I have just watched a couple of episodes of Season 1, that's all."

#IPKKND3

A post shared by Barun Sobti (@barunsobtisays) on May 23, 2017 at 1:28pm PDT

And what did she think of Barun and Sanaya's performance?

"They were great. Brilliant chemistry. I can see why the fans are crazy about them," said Shivani.

This is not the first time Shivani has been paired opposite Barun.

"We were supposed to do a show for Zee TV together called Satya ki Kiran, but things didn't pan out as we had hoped for, and the show never went on floor," said the actress.

"But he (Barun) is the best co-star. Very sweet, extremely supportive. And we are quite comfortable with each other," Shivani added.

Shivani has high hopes from Season 3, and thinks that people will appreciate her character Chandni; a sweet, innocent girl caught in Advay's (Barun's character) trap of revenge and romance.

"My character Chandni is the perfect blend of modern and traditional. She knows the Gita as well as she knows her name. She is charming, and can do nothing wrong," said Shivani on her character in the show.

But is Shivani Tomar (self-proclaimed fan of international shows like 13 Reasons Why and Vampire Diaries) game for playing a sweet bahu, or a self-righteous naagin?

"Oh God, no," said Shivani, while holding a hand to her mouth to hold back laughter.

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Season 3 will premiere on July 3 on Star Plus at 8 pm.