Surbhi Jyoti is one of the most sought-after faces in the television industry and the actress gives credit to her hugely popular show Qubool Hai. Prior to the 2012 romantic television drama, Surbhi appeared in a few Punjabi movies and shows like Ik Kudi Punjab Di, Raula Pai Gaya, Munde Patiala De, and Kach Diyan Wanga. But her turn as modern and outspoken, fun-loving Muslim woman, Zoya Farooqui, won her critical acclaim and caused an overnight sensation.
Subhi is super excited as the series returns with its reboot, titled Qubool Hai 2.0, also starring Karan Singh Grover, who was the lead male role of Qubool Hai. In this interview with us, Surbhi spoke about the show, his reunion with Karan, and how OTT platforms democratized the star system.
“Qubool Hai was definitely a turning point in my career. It was my first show and it was an overnight success. It lasted over three years and I was a star when it ended. The show literally changed my life. It was a very urban and progressive show and whatever is left of it, Naagin filled it because Naagin was a mass show. I only did two shows and one Tanhaiyan webcast, but luckily everything I did became popular – be it Qubool Hai or Naagin, ”Surbhi said.
“I created my fan base in the urban classroom through Qubool Hai because it was a very modern story and the masses really liked me as Naagin. So, I was lucky to have done two very different shows. It was very difficult to play Naagin too, but I’m so glad I did because it was a benchmark in my career.
The actress, who was last seen in Ekta Kapoor’s Naagin 3, said reprising her role as Zoya Farooqui was “extremely nostalgic” for her. “I have a different connection here because I’ve played this character before. And since it was my first show, so it’s always going to be the closest to my heart. When I found out that they were offering the OTT version of the series, I was very excited. In addition, the story is so amazing and interesting that it was not difficult to come on board. “
Speaking of collaborating with Karan again after eight years, Surbhi said, “It felt like we were filming continuously and we took a little break and here we are filming again in Europe. Karan was my first co-star. I had a nice warmth with him then and it’s the same. There was no ice to break. We have known each other for 7 to 8 years. So I pissed him off again and we were like Tom and Jerry again (laughs).
Surbhi said she felt lucky to have had the opportunity to work on OTT platforms where casting is done purely on the basis of an actor’s talent. She also added that streaming platforms have blurred the line between the film and television industries.
“There was a huge gap between the two (film and TV actors) but I never really understood why this gap was there, because the success rate we have on TV is much higher than in the movies. If there are 10 films, the success rate is 10%. On the other hand, if there are 10 TV shows, the success rate is 80%. No one comes out of their house just to see a movie, but every house has a TV. The reach of a television actor is much more than a movie actor. It is therefore unfortunate that we despise the small screen.
“But with the arrival of the OTT, there is a platform that can effectively make justifications to the players. If you fit the role and are a good actor, then you have a chance to shine on the OTT platform, whether you are a TV star or a movie actor, ”said Surbhi.
Qubool Hai 2.0 is currently streaming on ZEE5.