Shiv Pandit tells ANKIT AJMERA that his role as an IPL anchor was not to talk on the technical aspects of the game, but mix
entertainment with cricket.
The sprite ad already made him very popular with all the girls and after the Indian Premier League (IPL) he is heading for something new in life.
Shiv Pandit, the young IPL anchor is an English literature graduate from Hindu College, New Delhi. He has done four years of theatre in Delhi and has also been a Radio Jockey and producer in a popular radio channel in Mumbai. He also has a lot of ads in his portfolio.
When we asked him how did IPL happen, he said, “I have always been interested in cricket. The TV channel was looking for fresh faces to host the new format of cricket.
“Though, I never anchored any show before, RJ-ing and theatre have made my personality more eloquent,” he says.
So how much of an expert does one need to be to anchor cricket shows? “There are already lots of technical specialists to comment on the game.
“My job is not to be an expert. I just have to know my game well and mix entertainment with cricket to make it more exciting for the viewers,” he says.
What’s the best part about being an anchor? “The best thing that has happened to me because of IPL is that people know me by my name first and then for my work. It’s a great feeling,” he says.
While flying from Kolkata to Delhi he co-incidentally met the legendary Sunil Gavaskar in the plane. He says, “Sunil recognised me and I was just so glad to have his attention. I was together with him for two hours in the plane and could not believe that he was guiding me and sharing his personal experiences. He is such a great man. I was humbled rubbing shoulders with him.”
And how does he handle all the attention from women?
“I haven’t had time to check out girls. Just too busy flying from one place to another,” he says. But there is good news for all the girls who are interested in him as Shiv is single.
Shiv wants to see himself in Bollywood in future. Has he received any offers from yet?
“Offers have been coming my way but I don’t want to talk about it until anything is finalised. I don’t want to sign up a mediocre project in a hurry. I am very choosy about the work I do and believe patience is the way to move ahead. I am sure I will make the right break in films one day, but until then I’ll just wait.”
Shiv will be working for a Tamil film after the IPL matches. He has been signed on for the lead role in a romantic comedy “Leelai”.
When we ask him, why did he sign a Tamil film, he says, “I was offered a lead role and I didn’t want to sit back thinking I don’t know the language so I am not going to do the film. There have been many Hindi actors who have starred in South Indian films.”
What about anchoring then? Is he going to give it up?
“It would be foolish of me to give up anchoring. I don’t know when people will see me next on TV as an anchor but I am open to opportunities,” he says.
a_ankit@dnaindia.net
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