| Smriti Z Iraani with Rassol Eman and Massoud Hashmi from Afghanistan | It's not everyday that an actor lands up on the set and meets fans from Afghanistan.
Smriti Z Iraani was pleasantly surprised when representatives of an Afghani media channel landed up on the Kyunki set to meet her and the rest of the cast.
"I had a great time interacting with these guys. I wasn't even aware that the show is being aired in that country. When I heard that local Afghanis are smitten by Kyunki and it's a rage there, it felt amazing." Dubbed in Persian
In Afghanistan, the show is being telecast not in Hindi, but in Persian. "It would be interesting to see myself speak that language. Also, the show is just six to seven episodes old there, so story-wise, they are way behind what we are seeing."
Massoud Hashmi, one of the representatives of Tolo TV who met Iraani, said, "Kyunki is the first Indian television drama to be aired in the country, and the response has been overwhelming. Afghanis have instantly taken a liking to the storyline and the characters, especially that of Tulsi." When asked about his meeting with Iraani, Hashmi said, "I have personally invited her to come and visit Kabul. There is no security problem now, and it's a very safe place to travel. In fact, that is another message I want to pass across to the film and television industry in India." Cultural similarity
Drawing parallels between what's shown in Kyunki and Afghani culture, he said, "The show is being aired daily, at 7.30 pm. I think the reason behind its popularity in Afghanistan is the identification of the audience with the values and culture of the Virani family. We were earlier thinking of airing it in Hindi, but there are some regions that only speak Persian, so we have dubbed it."
Apart from visiting the Kyunki set, Hashmi also met some Bollywood producers and industry people. "With Kabul Express being shot in Afghanistan, I think it has proved that the country is a safe place to work in. I hope more producers plan visits to Kabul."
Though Smriti would love to visit Afghanistan someday, at the moment, she's busy shuttling between the city and parts of Gujarat for her play, Maniben.com. "I have been flying in and out Mumbai and doing my play.
It's hectic and tiring, but the love of the audience keeps me going. I usually leave in the evenings and come back the next day, in the morning."
Tolo TV will air an interview with Smriti in their weekly entertainment show in Kabul. The Afghani visitors plan to make a trip back to India to meet more producers and directors from television and film industry.
Along with Smiriti, Baa (Sudha Shivpuri) and Savita (Apara Mehta) were also interviewed. |