THE RONITIAN HUB - Page 110

Pawan Siddhanth Shankar

He has one of the most powerful roles on Indian television today. His character, brooding looks and flawless acting have put him squarely in the spotlight. A strong academic background including a M.B.A in finance and having quit a secure job in Delhi, Pawan Shankar came to Mumbai in 2001 to chase his dream of becoming an actor. With some money and a lot of grit, he trained with Kishore Namit Kapoor and Saroj Khan. After a few modelling assignments, he was finally cast in the lead role in B.A.G Film's Siddhanth in 2004. He now has a huge fan following that includes Sushma Swaraj among others!

He invited us to his cosy Lokhandwala apartment to meet his charming fashion designer wife Yukti and seven-month-old Son Devassya. And spoke at length about his role, his idols and politics.

How does it feel to be so popular in such a short span and to be called the hottest star in Indian television?
I feel blessed and humbled with all the offers that have come my way. But I certainly don't think that I am the hottest star on TV and I would like to work with as many people as I can. I was rather taken aback when I read an article in a Mumbai tabloid recently.

Why don't we see you in any other show... is this a conscious decision?
After playing a character like Siddhanth, I haven't found a character as powerful and challenging. But talks are on and things are yet to be finalised. You will certainly see me playing different kind of roles in the future. I have a long way to go as an actor.

How would you rate yourself as an actor?
Frankly, I am extremely insecure as an actor as I have done only one serial and am yet to prove myself in another role with the same amount of conviction.

If given a chance, which other television character would like to play?
I like Sujal's role in Kahiin To Hoga. Initially, I always thought, "Role ho to aisa ho," but after Siddhanth, I now say "Role ho to Siddhanth jaisa!" I also love the role of Rishabh Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay.

Weren't you offered the role of Sujal?
Yes I was, but somehow the idea of stepping into someone else's shoes didn't seem right. Moreover, I think the character gained popularity because of Rajeev (Khandelwal) who was brilliant as Sujal.

Coming back to the show, how much do you identify with Siddhanth?
Actually, Siddhanth has taught me a lot as a person. He is blunt, clear and focussed. My wife often taunts me saying that she always wanted to get married to a man like Siddhanth! I am glad, I found this role at the right time.

Was it very difficult to get in to the skin of the character?
I still remember my first day of shoot, where I was hardly nervous as everyone on the sets seemed to know exactly who Siddhanth was, what he would do and what he wouldn't. That helped a great deal. However, my Executive Producers were biting their nails and saying their prayers as I was a new comer handling such an important role. In fact, only after the audition rounds did I realise that I was to play the title role!

How did your family and friends react when they first saw you as Siddhanth?
Yes, everyone was elated, as my entire circle of close friends and family had advised me against coming to Mumbai and getting into acting. No one expected such a performance from me. Even I was surprised!

How do you handle all the adulation that comes your way?
It's overwhelming when my fans come to me and congratulate me for being brilliant and handling cases so well. In fact, the cases shown in Siddhanth are so close to life that my responsibility as an actor has increased ten fold. I remember, I had just finished shooting for a case where a police man rapes a girl in a police van and the very next day the unfortunate Marine Drive incident took place and within two days, the episode was on air!

So who does Siddhanth idolise?
Amitabh Bachchan, from whom I learnt so much while doing an ad for Reid and Taylor, Salim Sherani (Minister of Health from Uttar Pradesh) Rajiv Shukla and Sushma Swaraj.

There are a lot of political names there. So will Siddhanth be a politician next?
Siddhanth won't, but Pawan definitely will! I come from a political background and am very fascinated by politics. I know that I will eventually get in to politics, Besides, Sushma Swaraj is a fan of mine and is like family to me!

Finally, what are Pawan ke Siddhanth?
Choose a path and put in your best… things will take their course and eventually fall in to place. But dedication and honesty to your present is extremely important.

- Sharanya Rajgopal