Shagun Pandey on his relatable role as professor Ved Birla in Saru: 'A character close to my heart'

Shagun Pandey

It has been nearly a decade since Shagun Pandey began his journey in the television industry. From episodic roles in Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India, playing supporting characters, to essaying the villain and eventually landing lead roles, the actor has built his career piece by piece. After Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reet (2021) and Mera Balam Thanedaar (2024), he now features in the new show, Saru.

Pandey says he finds the role of Ved Birla, a professor, "relatable" because their personalities are similar - especially when it comes to helping others. "My character is trying to understand Saru's [played by Mohak Matkar] life, her studies and career. While she is playing kabaddi now, she aspires to become a deputy commissioner. Saru is driven and hardworking. As a young professor, he feels her struggle and helps her. How their camaraderie unfolds is what the show is about," he shares. Though Ved is an all-good character who follows his family's values while going out of his way to support Saru, Pandey feels he's still grounded. "There's always black and white, but he handles things with a balance. He can't cut off from his mother who raised him. He finds a balance and speaks up when something wrong," he says.

(From left) Shagun Pandey, Mohak Matkar in Saru

Pandey believes in the story but acknowledges that television storylines often change based on TRP ratings. "I trust the production house - Shashi Sumeet Productions - because they've been around for a long time. I cannot question the makers or the channel. I'm still new to the industry," he admits. The show is inspired by the Kannada series Kamali, which, Pandey says, was loved by many. "We're trying to recreate it with our own signature touch," he concludes.