Get Snappy: “Shershaah has been a life changing experience!” – Shiv Panditt

Shiv Panditt has garnered rave reviews for his performance as Colonel Sanjeev Singh Jamwal in Shershaah. In conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Shiv talks about Shershaah and how it has changed his life and more.

His code name in Shershaah was Sangram, and that’s what he has been doing in the last 10 years of his career in the film industry, fighting his way in and making his presence felt. Meet one of the most understated yet brilliant actors, Shiv Panditt, a powerhouse performer, who has proved himself over and over again. Though he has not garnered the response he should have got, Shiv is definitely considered one of the most competent and dependable actors in the industry. His performance in Shershaah has been the talk of the town but the actor as usual instead of shouting it out on rooftops, has moved on to his next project to do what he loves to do most – act. Read on as Shiv talks about his journey, Shershaah and more.

It’s been nothing short of magical as I am getting to live my dream and do what I love on a daily basis. Whether there have been ups and downs, I’ve always enjoyed every moment as each moment teaches you and prepares you for the next. It’s been 10 years for me in this industry and I’m very grateful to be a working actor even today!

Vidyut (Jammwal) won the awards for the best debut (for Force), I was nominated for them - This was at Filmfare & Big Star Young Entertainer awards. Now many years later, not only is he a dear friend…but I’m happy our paths have aligned as friends and work colleagues. Shaitan’s critical acclaim felt more like a relief and the appreciation for the film and our work in it, felt like an acceptance/ validation from the audience and industry that I can realistically look at making a career out of professionally acting.

Shershaah has been a life changing experience. It’s been the reminder that every civilian in this country needs to get from time to time about our Armed Forces - their bravado, courage and sacrifice due to which people like you and me are able to feel safe and secure on a daily basis. I am eternally grateful to my director Mr. Vishnu Varadhan… it’s due to his genius that Shershaah is what it is today. There are too many incidents to share but one really interesting thing was that since we were all boys -15 to 16 of us - in Kargil shooting together… it was nothing short of a riot on set and past pack up. There were no egos, as we had all come with a common objective of excelling and being the best versions of ourselves. But I will forever be grateful to the journey of Shershaah as it’s given me some amazing friends and colleagues for life!

Yes, I have done a film called ‘Leelai’ in Tamil which was critically acclaimed. The differences are not too many but there are differences when it comes to time management. I don’t have any preferences per say but since Leelai was my one and only Tamil film, I would love to opportunity to do more!

All insiders were outsiders at one point.

I don’t think people considered me good looking enough to get me on the casting couch with them. Fortunately, I have not faced it… My reaction if I was propositioned would be to say “thank you…Kisi ne toh iss layak samjha.” Hahaha… I’m kidding but on a serious note I would feel creeped out!

I have 3 feature films up for release – Zindagi Kashmakash, Meet The Patels and another one I can’t talk about right now. It is also a very interesting web series as well with a superb cast and director.

I wish I was more decisive and I wish I did not think so much! But having said that, I’m here due to what I’ve been and I’m very grateful for that.