Menu
Actor and Radio host Shardul Pandit has an exclusive chat with us about his career in acting and radio, as well as the world of podcasting!
If we can go back in time, can you tell us how your journey into acting and radio began?
It began with me being a radio host when I was 19 and Zee’s India’s Best Cinestars coming to the screens. I won it from Indore and lost the finals. With the dream left and then years later, after multiple offers , twists and turns of getting selected in Kitani Mohabbat Hai , getting replaced and finally being cast by Nazia and Sandip Sickand and Ekta Kapoor for Bandini, it all started.
Are there any similarities in your approaches to being an actor and a radio host, or do you approach them completely differently?
They are both entertainment. The basic difference is that radio is live, unscripted and being yourself, while acting is being someone else, becoming someone else, so yes the approach is very different.
How did you overcome the challenges you have faced in your career so far?
Like everyone else with a little hope, some tears, some dreams, some support from family and friends, and above, childhood memories or learning from the greats like Shahrukh. It’s isn’t easy for people with no connections but we all can try.
As someone involved in multiple mediums, who are some of your biggest influences in the entertainment industry?
Shah Rukh Khan for being a ball of energy, and for being an entertainer par excellence, and also for being multifaceted. We all derive inspirations from multiple people but he remains my ultimate guru.
As a radio host, you play a crucial role in being part of someone’s day. Are there any memorable experiences you can recall with your listeners?
There are many actually. I remember two blind people getting married and falling in love while listening to my show, or a guy getting prize money and help by other listeners for his father’s operations. There was also a lady keeping roza for me while I was unwell. Radio unlike TV, is a very personal medium which connect with you like a family member and share their grief and happiness with us.
You also have a podcast series, Shaardulogy. What makes your podcast unique from the many others out there?
As the name suggests it’s called uncensored, all the guests have been asked very straight up questions. Some opened up about addictions, some about loneliness and some about getting threatened. This podcast is just a small start to the other podcasts that I want to launch. In fact I have done many for other platforms and won awards but this was time to start my own as I wanted a podcast which doesn’t call people just because they are promoting their films or web shows.
While the streaming world of music and podcasts is growing, what do you think makes radio an evergreen medium?
That it’s non-intrusive, it’s free. Data is still expensive in many places and its reach. Also podcasts require full attention while radio can be like a friend sitting in your car and talking to you while you drive.
You’re balancing work between two countries, the UAE and India. How are you enjoying the experience and overcoming the challenges with travelling?
Actually there is only challenge in the media and perception of certain people. Mainly these being that I am not available or expensive or not interested, which is wrong. Yes, I won’t be seen at gyms giving spotted quotes, but besides this I am still very much honing skills and working and there are many like me here, including people like Madhavan, Ranvijay etc. etc. In fact recently I got calls for two shows and the only reason I couldn’t do them was that one show was a leap in a mythical world and we all know how it ends. Second as I want to be careful of what I do. Yes I can buy a car or flat while doing a non-fiction, which makes no sense, but that I can do here also and in fact better ones. I want to be onscreen for things I like.
While we love the work you do on radio and your podcast, when can we expect to see you back on screen too?
The moment there is a role where they want a good actor like Pret Boys, or the day when Indian TV shows want a skilled anchor for his skills. I did do a music video with Javed Ali as I loved the concept. I am shooting my podcasts in Mumbai at the moment.
Finally a message for all your fans worldwide
Stay tuned as I am evolving and will keep entertaining you.
It was fantastic chatting to Shardul Pandit! We wish Shardul Pandit all the best for his upcoming projects!
