The television show 'Saru' has captivated audiences with its intricate love story between Saru and Ved. While viewers are drawn to Ved Birla's composed strength and emotional complexity, the actor behind the character, Shagun Pandey, is sharing the profound personal journey that fuels his performance.
The Rigorous Discipline Behind the Character
Shagun Pandey, now a recognized name in many households, describes portraying Ved as one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of his acting career. He dispels the common notion that television acting is effortless. "People often think television actors simply show up and perform," Shagun states, "but playing Ved has reshaped my entire lifestyle."
His commitment is evident in his grueling daily schedule. On days when he is shooting, Pandey follows a relentless routine. He goes directly from a 12-hour shift on set to a 2-hour gym session, a testament to the physical and mental demands he places on himself for the role. He emphasizes that his path is built on unwavering discipline rather than privilege or shortcuts, firmly stating he never relies on a 'Plan B'.
Acting as Devotion, Not Just Profession
For Shagun Pandey, the craft transcends professional duty. "Discipline is my alarm clock; I wake up when my body tells me it's time to work," he explains. When people attribute his success to luck, he smiles, knowing the unseen effort behind it. "They don't see the doubts, the hours, the sacrifice. But I carry all of it proudly, because acting isn't my profession; it's my devotion."
He shares that Ved is far more than just another character. Ved challenges him daily, forcing the actor to shed his own habits and fully inhabit a different persona. "His silence, his maturity, his inner battles… I had to unlearn my own habits and step into his skin," Pandey reveals. This process of becoming Ved has had a significant personal impact, making him more grounded, patient, and emotionally aware.
A Beautifully Intertwined Journey
Every new layer added to Ved Birla's character pushes Shagun Pandey to explore greater depths as a performer. Their journeys—the character's and the actor's—have become uniquely and beautifully connected. This deep dive into Ved's psyche is what Shagun believes brings authenticity to the screen, moving beyond mere performance to a true embodiment of the character's soul.
In the same conversation, Shagun Pandey also addressed other topics, including blasting media reports about an alleged fight with co-star Sumit on 'Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin', confirming their strong friendship, and briefly touching upon his personal wedding plans.