She might be an A-list celebrity in India, but soap star Sanaya Irani said she was not expecting much of a crowd when she visited Leicester this week.
Much to her surprise, hundreds of fans turned out to welcome the star to the Peepul Centre, in Belgrave, on Monday night.
Crowds had to be held back by bouncers as they attempted to catch a glimpse of the actress, who plays the lead role of Khushi Kumari Gupta in the Indian daily soap Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon – What Shall I Name This Love?
The Hindi-language show is watched by millions of people around the world every day.
The 28-year-old said the welcome was "overwhelming but amazing".
She said: "I am used to this in India, and while I have visited the UK before, I have never had anything like this. I was not expecting it.
"I love meeting the fans. They are always very kind and welcoming, and Leicester is so different.
"People have asked lots of questions – the most common has been about my favourite actors and actresses – I can never give an answer."
Sanaya met with fans at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, in Rothley Street, earlier in the afternoon. She then held a question-and-answer session at the Peepul Centre, in Orchardson Avenue, before signing autographs.
Teenager Shazina Sacranie could barely contain her excitement.
The 17-year-old, who lives in Highfields, Leicester, dressed as Sanaya's character Khushi for the occasion – with an immaculate bright sari, huge earrings and long, plaited hair covered with jewels. Her efforts earned her a hug from the star.
"I don't think I want to wash what I am wearing now," Shazina said.
"I can't believe I got to see her and meet her. She is so amazing. She was so polite and kind and said lovely things – I knew she would."
Mum Zarina, 45, said: "We were honoured to meet her, and I think she was honoured to meet her fans. Every day, when I come home from work, I cannot start cooking until I have watched her programme."
Sisters Diya and Megan Kumar, of Northfields, Leicester, got an autograph from the actress.
Seven-year-old Diya said: "It is my first time meeting someone famous. It was exciting. She was very pretty."
Little sister Megan, four, said: "She was nice to us. Her dress was lovely."
Mum Kanta, 38, said: "We wrote to her to tell her how we were big fans. She was not able to write back – but it was much more special to meet her personally here."
Priyanka Lodhia, 12, of Belgrave, said she watched Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon with her parents every day.
"We watch everything Sanaya is in," she said. "I got to shake hands with her. I'm so glad she came to visit Leicester."
Sanaya also visited Birmingham and London. She was due to return to India today.
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