After having made the people of Dehradun proud of him as a frequently seen pleasant face in television advertisements, Shobit Khanduri will now hit the silver screen with “love U Soniyo,” a debut film of Rati Agnihotri’s son, Tanuj Virwani, which is scheduled for release on July 26. The heroine is Neha Hinge.
Mark and Soniyo, who after having been brought together by fate have to win over their parents consent. Their cultures clash in every possible way, they are helped by their friends to come together. “I am playing a supporting role as a friend to the ‘hero’ but am extremely happy to be introduced in a film, which holds great promise to be successful, fresh love story,” Khanduri told The Pioneer on his recent visit to the city to meet his family, which resides on the Subhash Road His friends and relatives are eagerly awaiting the release of his debut film next Friday.
Among the popular ads he has featured prominently are - Parle lMN, Act 2 Popcorn (the boy with whom the girl is about to elope when her father begins making the popcorn), Appy Fizz and Hero Honda and the Sprite and KFC ads. Shobhit Khanduri studied at Graphic Era Institute of Technology few years ago and then went to Delhi where he worked at a BPO centre.
“When I was in Delhi I realised that while working there for a living I could also pursue my dream of becoming a model or as an actor. Though I could hardly spare my time from the job, I joined the Sri Ram Arts and Culture Theatre Academy for a two-year course, which helped me strengthen my self-confident and also it gave a new direction to my life”, says Shobhit, a self-confessed introvert. “I am trying to change my reserved nature and have succeeded quite a lot,” he says with a smile. Few years after he then moved to Mumbai to give himself on a world of glamour where he had been dreaming to be a part of. He worked with Wipro BPO in Mumbai and supported himself in his efforts to promote his modeling and acting career.
Shobhit was seen in several episodes of the soap “Vicky Ki Taxi”, which was aired on Real. However, he was not particularly keen to go forward in the world of TV serials. His heart and mind was always focused to become a part of Bollywood and now he has realised his dream with his tireless efforts. “I strongly believe that there is no shortcut to hard work and that if one has the will, one can achieve anything in this world,” says the young actor. A young, hard working, focus, dedication, who has made it all on his own steam without any ad world connection whatsoever, this speaks a lot for his single minded and concerted efforts to realise his dream. Shobhit fondly remembers his school days at Marshall School in Doon valley and says he misses his family and friends. “I try my best to keep in touch and come back as soon as I get some time,” he adds. Shobhit has featured in ads that have targeted young audiences as his disarming charm and lively body language make him an ideal choice for ads that depict Young India.
“I was so shy during my school days that I had never even once participated in any play. I was more interested in sports at that time. Only when I left home and began working in Delhi, I realised what I really wanted to do,” says Shobhit, a son of Sharad Chandra and Shanti Khanduri. His mother is a teacher at St Jude’s School while his father is a businessman. “My parents have always let me follow my dreams. I am grateful to them for that,” says Shobhit whose elder brother, Mohit , works for an MNC in Dehra Dun. Try to give him a compliment on his good work and Shobhit’s answer is “I have a very long way to go. I have just started.” This young man surely has his feet firmly on the ground though his head may appear to be in the clouds. People of Doon are proud of this budding actor’s work and look forward to seeing more and more of him on the big screen in the coming years besides watching him often on TV. The promos of luv U Soniyo have been very well received .