After a successful stint as a lead in Bombay Talking, Shiv Pandit is making a mark in F.I.R. He is not new to the field of entertainment and has already featured in advertisements of Airtel and Colgate. The ambitious Delhiite talks about his theater background, the monotony of saas-bahu serials and his desire to work in films.

Q: How much are you enjoying your character?
A: It is a completely different character and thus, I'm enjoying this opportunity. It is a win for me that I'm able to play a character which is different from what I am in real life.

Q: So where lies the difference?
A: My character is that of a downmarket cop who is corrupt and gets easily attracted to women. But then, he too has a conscience and at the end of the day thinks about right and wrong. He is a bad-good man. In real life, I'm a completely goody-goody guy.

Q: What about this character appealed to you?
A: As I told you, it is totally different from what I have done till now. I believe in doing limited work, but good work. I have always shied away from doing anything for money only. I think and aim for a long term benefit.

Q: So what do you take into account before signing on a role?
A: I think of three points. Firstly, I see how much I would grow as an actor by playing the role. Secondly, I consider the packaging of the entire programme. Lastly, I weigh the scale of the show.

Q: How is your rapport with Kavita Kaushik?
A: She is a wonderful actress and it is a privilege working with her. We share a good rapport with each other and thus it makes our work easier.

Q: How long have you been into acting?
A: I have been in the F.I.R. team for two years only. My first stint was Bombay Talking and this is my second. I have done theatre for four years in Delhi with Vivek Mansukhani. After that, I got a job in Mumbai as a radio jockey and then I got into acting.

Q: Why do you think F.I.R. is doing well in this era of saas-bahu serials?
A: Now, you yourself said that this is an era of saas-bahu serials. That's why anything different is bound to work and F.I.R. is different.

Q: So you are not into saas-bahu shows, right?
A: To be very frank, there are very few shows that I actually like on television. You must be aware that working in a saas-bahu show is 'dangerous'. If the show does not work, then the shelf life of the actor decreases. There are many such actors who took the plunge and hit rock bottom. I take decisions which help me in the long run.

Q: What are your plans now?
A: At present, I want to concentrate on my filmi career. I have done a film titled Lets Enjoy. I wish to get back into films full-fledged. I'm doing advertisements too and getting a good response. So things are working fine.

Q: Have you received any film offers yet?
A: Talks are on and I do not want to name the people since nothing has been finalized yet. If nothing works out, I'll sound like a fool. But all that I can say now is that things are looking positive.

Q: Any specific kind of movie you are looking for?
A: At present, I'm not in a position to choose. I'm considering whatever roles I'm being offered. Ideally, I would like to do all kinds of films.

Q: What other offers have you received in television?
A: I have been getting a lot of offers but they have not interested me. The roles are similar to what I have done. If someone has watched me both in Bombay Talking and in F.I.R. he/she would know my spectrum.

Q: Does a theater background make better actors?
A: It would be unjust if I commented about others, but it has definitely helped me gain confidence. Acting needs a lot of confidence. Though the skill cannot be taught, but the confidence can be boosted. -Mili Swarnakar