'Cops are not superheroes'

'I have dealt with the cops in Delhi and I know that cops are nothing like that.'

Television actor Barun Sobti plays a cop for the first time in his career.

Barun, who shares the screen with Sachin Khedekar in the thriller Web series Halahal, tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor Radhika Rajamani how he made the role his own: "Everyone knows a cop is a human being and he can be in many vulnerable situations. So that's how I was able to portray this role."

What excited you to sign this project? Was it the script?

I don't consider any other factor while choosing a project.

It is only the script that I look at.

The script of this film was very gripping. I read it in one go.

You play a cop for the first time. How did you prep up for this role?

I have a very urban image.

I come from Delhi.

I have been critical of the cops' image prevalent in the cinematic world as superheroes.

I have dealt with the cops in Delhi and I know that cops are nothing like that.

I am not saying they are not heroes; they are absolute heroes for their courage.

There is a real aspect to the cops, mainly the ones from Haryana, they are very jovial.

The Jats are the funniest people on Earth.

It's very difficult to rattle them because they are calm.

At the same time, there can be a vulnerable aspect if you want to break through the cop.

Everyone knows a cop is a human being and he can be in many vulnerable situations. So that's how I was able to portray this role.

Did you really step out of your comfort zone for this particular role?

Everyone confuses me for my image. My image is not me.

I was very comfortable in this role.

I was most comfortable while acting.

I was looking forward to going out and performing every time.

No one knows this side of me. I knew I could do it.

How was it acting with Sachin Khedekar?

It was pretty refreshing.

For an actor of his stature, you would imagine he comes with baggage.

It was the absolute reverse.

He came with no baggage at all.

It is remarkable that an actor of his standing and stature would still want to reinvent himself.

He comes like a child, he will hear you out, try to adapt and deliver what you want.

I really hope I have that when I grow older.

Will you be straddling the big screen, television and Web series?

I take my day's job very seriously.

I know where I stand.

Thankfully, I am in a very good position with respect to the kind of character I want to choose.

A project should have a good script and character.

How do you find doing a Web series as compared to films and television?

The only difference in a movie or Web series is the length of the footage.

People, who are not good at learning long dialogues, have a difficult time in television.

Otherwise, it is exactly the same effort for all.

How do you unwind?

I love playing football, I love cricket.

I love watching content, reading books.

I love to spend time with my wife and daughter.