Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani's portrayal of Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta (respectively) in "Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon" put them on top spot. One of the most loved and followed shows of 2011, the hit daily soap was taken off air after Barun decided to quit a year later.

The good news is, Arnav and Khushi are back on small screen to charm fans with their infectious chemistry; just that the viewers will have to make some extra effort this time.

Dubbed in Arabic, the show now called "Min Annazrah Thani" premiered on the pan-Arab channel MBC Bollywood a few months ago. There too, the TV actor has become a household name and he was in the metropolis on Sunday to meet and greet his Arab admirers.

"It never ceases to surprise me. But I guess it's because our cultures are very similar so people connect to it. But then I heard it's also really popular in Russia. I'd be surprised if someone told me they're watching it in China too," Gulfnews quoted Barun as saying.

He further said the voiceover appears funny to him but matches the character well adding that the voice artist is doing a good job.

He may be overwhelmed with the response the show has got him, but not many know why he left it.

Talking to Rediff, Barun said the TV industry standards aren't that great and most actors are taken for a ride.

"I didn't leave TV for films; I left it due to health issues. I wasn't keeping well and I was losing weight due to the long working hours. I signed Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon only for a year. But the producer requested me to stay on as the show had just started to make money," he explained.