Beginning of a new innings...

Everyone remembers him as the host of Jhalak Dikhh La Jaa — Season 3. And cricket enthusiasts would have surely come across this young man, who was the charismatic presenter of Extra Innings during the IPL. From being an RJ of a popular radio station in Mumbai to hosting shows and now, acting in films, Shiv Pandit’s journey hasn’t been anything less than a movie of its own.

“I am from Delhi. But I came to Mumbai due to my job as a radio jockey. I was an RJ for two years before I moved on to face the camera.” His commercials for popular brands caught the attention of many, and he went on to host Jhalak.., and the IPL, the experience of which was “nothing short of extraordinary,” he says. But now, the good looking man, who was seen in Aage Se Right and Let’s Enjoy is concentrating on films. He has a Tamil film called Leelai lined up for release. Explaining his role, he says, “It’s the story of a young guy, who likes to flirt with women. He is over-confident, thinking he will get away with anything.” He adds, “He falls for the last person in the world he thought he would fall for. But he has to suffer because of his mistakes in the past.”

The movie also stars TV actress Mansi Parekh. “The best thing about Mansi is that she is a cool actress. She is an actor, who is willing to do a good job.” Leelai is directed by Andrew Louis. “He knew exactly what he wanted,” says Shiv about the director. “He was able to extract the exact mood of every scene.”

He has also signed a Hindi film tentatively titled Shaitan, opposite Kalki Koechlin. The shooting of the film starts in October. “It’s a contemporary film, an ensemble with two or three primary characters. I am one of the lead characters.”

How different is it work in a South Indian film as compared to a Bollywood project? “Apart from language, the difference is as much as you make it to be because at the end of the day, its just a film set,” he answers. 

Be it RJing, modelling, anchoring or acting, Shiv finds each passion of his “a challenge in its own right”. He says, “I am a finicky guy. If I am not enjoying what I do, I lose interest easily. But I am really lucky to be enjoying everything that I have done so far. Challenges become pleasant once you enjoy them. I may get back to hosting sports shows as I personally enjoy them and find them beneficial to my career,” he says Shiv has also been working out a lot lately. “I feel tired if I don’t work out even for a day.” But is good body a must in the industry? “I would assume so. After all, people wouldn’t want to see an overweight man romancing a young, pretty girl,” he laughs.