DAYA SHANKAR PANDEY, who played Shani in Mahima Shanidev Ki, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how acting began for him, the best thing about OTT platforms and his favourite characters till date

How did your acting career begin?

Back when I was in school films on DD would come every Sunday. Whenever I would watch films of the likes of Rajesh Khanna I would come back home and would imitate what they had done. Nobody in my family is from the film industry. When I went to college, I would take part in inter-college theatre competitions. When I passed out, I started doing rounds of production houses and started getting small roles. From there I started bigger and better roles in films. From there TV happened.

What made you say yes to Mahima Shanidev Ki?

In 2008, I had taken a break from work; I was not getting good work. At one point in my life I used to assist Shahab Shamsi (director). He called me and asked if I was open to doing a mythological show. I had no reason to refuse. I went to Ramanand Sagar’s office. That is here I was told that I would l play the lead — Shani Dev. I knew a bit about him; I used to go to Shani Shingnapur but nothing in-depth. I met the producer and he told me I was a perfect fit to play the lead. People tell me that I have Shani prabhav on my face. It was a title role and there was no need to decline the opportunity.

From films to TV how has the journey been thus far?

I don’t differentiate among mediums. Acting is acting. I am not a trained actor. Acting is a belief and one should do it with honesty and put in hard work.

Did you think that 10 years down the line it would be just as popular?

I am grateful to Dangal TV that they are airing the show again. It was so overwhelming that people recognise me as Shani Dev and appreciating my work even 10 years down the line.

Were there any apprehensions in saying yes?

Not at all. I was very excited to play Shani. Each episode had a different story. I played 193 roles. I played a king and or even a servant. The concept of the show is that Shani Dev can come in any form to teach a person a life lesson. It was challenging to play sch diverse roles.

What kind of preparation went into the role?

I started doing my research. Nitish (Bhardwaj) is a good friend of mine and when I told him I may be doing this role, he told me that Shani Dev was Krishna Bhakt and Shiv was his guru. In some ways, Shani Dev is a teacher. Everyone knows about sadhesati — according to your karma. If you did good you would reap benefit otherwise you will be punished. I didn’t have to prep for this role. I am not good looking. Shani Dev too was not a good-looking God. He was slim and dark. I was born to play him.

What is the best thing about your role as Inspector Chalu Pandey in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah?

I am creatively involved with this show. After a year, a new character as introduced, that of Inspector Chalu Pandey. I took it up even though I was doing Mahima… as the dates wouldn’t clash. People love him and it makes me happy.

How did you come on board for Raktanchal?

The director, Ritam Srivastav, called me and offered me a guest role in the show. I agreed since the shoot days were only for five-six days and we had a mutual friend.

What has been your favourite character till date?

It has to be my character in the film Swadesh even though each role an actor does is close to his heart as it is done with a lot of honesty.