‘I am at peace’: Pawan Shankar, who has been a part of several TV shows as well as films, talks about his journey, upcoming projects & more

How will you sum up your journey of more than 15 years as an actor?

I would say it has been a journey of endurance and perseverance. The journey started in 2004. I remember I was at an award function, and artistes like Raju Srivastav and Sachin Pilgaonkar praised me. I am at peace, wherever I am now.

Among all your projects, any particular role or show that is close to your heart?

My role in Thodi Si Zameen Thoda Sa Aasman. It was Smriti Irani’s second show as a lead. I played a character named Sanjay Apte, which was there for eight episodes. I received a lot of love and appreciation for that role.

Shows on Indian television have changed a lot since the time you started your journey. How do you see this as an actor?

I wish the finite series concept could have come 10 years ago. There was a time when shows were going on for so many years;it was a monotonous process for the actors and the audiences too. But the finite concept has been happening here now for the last four-five years and I am happy about that.

How do you see the rise of OTT?

It’s a brilliant phase. Look at the talent and the content these platforms are presenting. On OTT all the actors have become a hero, while in films there is only one hero. Stars and performers are on the same platform now. I feel the filmmakers have also changed their manner of functioning.

What kind of feedback did you get for your role in the recent movie Bhuj?

People from the industry have appreciated it and I have got many messages from them. Things are opening up nicely for me.

In-between, you took a break for a few years. What were you up to during this time?

An actor is always an actor. No one wants to take a break. But there was a time in my career when good projects were not happening for me, so I took a project related to education. But I was happy the moment I decided to come back as an actor in Guddan on TV and then Bhuj came by.

Will you work in television again?

Never say never – that’s what one of my colleagues told me long back. I may have worked less in the industry, but I have worked in quality projects.

In this long journey of yours, who has been your pillar of strength?

It’s only your conviction that can help you pull along for so long. You may need some support of people who can encourage you, but your confidence in yourself is most important.

The pandemic has changed all of us. What changes have you noticed in yourself?

I have been managing my business and also my family during this time, so I had no time to think. I believe nothing is constant; so after bad times, good times will come too. And that’s my message to India.