TOI: Value privacy a lot- Pawan

Charming Pawan Shankar on moolah matters, marriage and television

As the crusading lawyer Sidhhant, this actor won many hearts. He followed it up with a couple of more shows. Now Pawan Shankar is back as the doting husband who gets entangled in an extra-marital affair with his college sweetheart in the Ekta Kapoor show, Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada. In Ahmedabad for a promotional trip, Pawan smiles disarmingly as he confesses that he's been able to "pamper" himself with a much "needed body massage at a spa. I badly needed it because since January, I have been shooting non-stop without even a single day off; and not just this, there are times when my shift goes up to 12 hours a day." He confessed that he always looks for a spa treatment when he is away from Mumbai, as there's no time for him to relax and rejuvenate in tinsel town amidst his hectic schedules.

Pawan who's been to Gujarat before says that this was the first time he was in Ahmedabad. "I've visited Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot - only Ahmedabad I had missed out. Now that I'm here; I am looking forward to exploring this city, doing a bit of shopping a bit and trying out Gujarati food." (Considering half the telly fraternity who visits the state says much the same thing, this one was expected).

So,what kept him away from small screen for so long? Pawan says, "I kept getting various offers. But nothing was good enough to make me worth considering it. Acting is my passion, I don't do shows/work just to make money. So, I preferred to wait for the best opportunity to knock my door, and here it is." Does he relate to the role of Pradeep? "It is so-close-to-reality story. Pradeep's character is that of a common man who is trying to find his lost love amidst responsibilities of kids. And the charm of this role - it is a double bonanza - I've two talented actresses Mona Singh and Mouli Ganguly working with me and fighting for my affection," he shares with a laughter. And next comes the question laughingly, "Can I ask for more?"

Pawan is happily married to his childhood sweetheart for ten years. He shares, "I played table tennis and my wife was a national level champ. We first met each other at a national tournament. I was bullying someone when she walked up to me and threatened me. After that, we kept meeting at similar tournaments and cupid struck." The couple has two kids. We ask if like his screen image, he believes love vanishes from marriages after some years? "I don't agree. First of all, I'm one person who doesn't mind being at home and taking care of my kids, while my wife takes up the monetary responsibility. Secondly, you've to learn to give space to each other and that's the key to successful marriage."

Pawan decided to quit his flourishing career as a corporate biggie for his love of acting, but, he is not just an actor, but is equally busy with his entrepreneurship of fashion apparels. "My wife is a fashion designer and I manage the business. This keeps me financially stable and I prefer to take up only those roles that are doable." And, what about reality shows which are good money-minting options? "I'm no reality show person. Don't think I will ever take up one. I don't wish to expose my personal life in front of the camera; I want the audience to see me as an actor." Point taken.