Exploring Kirat Assi in Netflix’s Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare Documentary

Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare is an anticipated Netflix documentary set to premiere on October 16, 2024. Directed by Lyttanya Shannon and produced by Kiran Sira, with Rebecca North as the executive producer, this docuseries delves into the shocking catfishing saga of Kirat Assi, who was deceived by a person posing as ‘Bobby Jandu’ for nearly a decade.

The official logline for Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare reads:

“Kirat falls for a man she meets online, only to get swept up in a virtual relationship that upends her life for years, in this shocking documentary.”

Kirat Assi, a British woman of Indian descent, was tragically ensnared in a detailed catfishing scheme crafted by a family member.

What happened to Kirat Assi in Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare?

Kirat Assi (Harkirat Kaur Assi) grew up in West London and began her career as a radio presenter in 2009. At 32, she connected with Bobby Jandu on Facebook, which eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Throughout their relationship, they only communicated via WhatsApp, Skype, and Messenger, and even got virtually engaged at one point. Despite Kirat’s constant requests to meet Bobby in person, he provided a series of implausible excuses, including being shot, having a brain tumor, and being in a coma.

As time went on, Kirat became increasingly obsessed with Bobby, which led to severe health complications. The emotional strain of the relationship caused her to lose her job, friends, and savings.

Eventually, Kirat hired a private detective to locate Bobby, only to uncover the staggering truth: she had been catfished for ten years by her own cousin, Simran Bhogal. Compounding the betrayal, Kirat had confided in Simran about her relationship difficulties with ‘Bobby’ throughout this duration.

In an interview with the Guardian in January 2022, Kirat reflected on the toll of her experience:

“I could have met someone real, had a baby during that time. But the other impact has been on my mental and physical health.”

Kirat took legal action against her cousin and received a significant settlement alongside a personal apology from Simran.

Now in her 40s, Kirat operates kiratassi.co.uk, a site dedicated to raising awareness of her catfishing experience and providing resources for individuals facing similar challenges.

The Sweet Bobby Podcast: A Precursor to the Documentary

Kirat’s compelling story was initially showcased in the Sweet Bobby podcast, released in 2021. This true-crime podcast, hosted by Alexi Mostrous, spanned six episodes and gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The real Bobby Jandu also participated in the podcast, revealing that Simran was simultaneously catfishing his brother.

Listeners can access the Sweet Bobby podcast via Tortoise Media.

Plot Summary

Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare recounts the intricate catfishing plight of Kirat Assi, who believed she was in a decade-long relationship with Bobby Jandu, purportedly a cardiologist in Australia, before unveiling the shocking truth. The documentary examines the profound depth of Simran’s deceit through a collage of photos, screenshots, and interviews with Kirat’s family and friends.

Viewers can stream Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare on Netflix starting on October 16, 2024.

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