Ridhi Dogra is one of the best actresses I have ever worked with : Yash Pandit

The first time Yash Pandit came on the silver screen, he was an adorable baby boy. He then went on to work in a series of films (both as a child and an adult) like Haathon Ki Lakeeren, Rok Sako To Rok Lo, Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?, Mr Hot Mr Kool, amongst others.

He also appeared in TV shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag and Tere Mere Sapne. He is currently playing the male lead Satya in Life OK’s Savitri (Flying Turtles).

In a chat with us, Yash talks on the character he is playing, his co-stars, his shooting experience and his personal side. Read on…

Describe Satya of Savitri…

Satya, is quite like a boy-next-door who hails from Kolkata and is loving and caring. He was a brave warrior and prince and a lover of Damayanti in his first birth. In his second birth, however, he has never been in a relationship before he set his eyes on Savitri whom he considers to be his soul mate. Initially, he just realises that he is also in love with the lady to whom he is also irresistibly attracted to. He then gradually starts to remember his past life in flashbacks. As he is a happy-go-lucky guy like me, it was easy to get into his shoes.

Do you believe in past lives?

Yes, I do. In fact, stories of ghosts and spirits do excite me and I would really like to believe in them. I firmly believe that as there is an Almighty power there are good and evil forces too. I feel that karma is very important and that we should conduct our life well.

Will we have more of past life or present life sequences in the future episodes of Savitri?

Initially, we will have both of these. Then depending on what the viewers prefer, we will either have more of the past or the present-day sequences.

This show is set in Kolkata. How was it to shoot in the city?

Kolkata is a beautiful city. We shot on the Howrah Bridge, the banks of the Ganges, the British monuments and the outskirts of the Eden Gardens.

Did you get to learn Bengali in the process?

Well, I have just picked up a few Bengali words like sotti (really) and tara tari (quickly). Actually Indrani Halder, who plays my mom in the show, is a Bengali and mouths many Bengali words to establish her Bengali character.

We believe that this show has been shot on foreign locales as well…

Yes, we travelled all the way to Thailand to shoot the adventurous scuba diving sequences. We also shot on the beautiful beach of Ganapati Pule situated along the Konkan coast and in Gujarat.

You have an enchanting costume in the show too…

Indeed, my warrior costume is very glamorous and heavy. As I had a slightly long hair at that point of time, I didn’t have to wear a wig. I had to sport a moustache which camouflaged my chocolate boy looks. I carried a real sword, the very weight of which can crack someone’s skull, as it will be like a hammer hitting one’s head.

How did you prepare for the action sequences?

(giggles) I had to take training in martial arts. Once, I sprained my ankle and injured my foot while shooting. However when I saw myself on screen, I just forgot all my pain as the scenes had come out so well.

How has it been like to star with Ridhi Dogra?

She knows her craft very well and is one of the best actresses I have ever worked with.

How is it been like to work with your producer Shabbir Ahluwalia?

He is very peaceful, chilled out and gives us suggestions all the time. In fact, he is a dear friend of mine.

Tell us about your personal side?

I have been born and brought up in Mumbai and have studied in Utpal Sanghvi School. Then I went to a boarding school in Pune and graduated in B.Com from Mithibai College. I treat Amitabh Bachchan as my icon. I have been inspired by many Hollywood actors as well. I was inclined towards music and singing too and have done a few street plays also. I love to sing to myself the whole day long. I’d like to feature as a contestant or an anchor in one of the singing reality show. As far as my hobbies are concerned, I enjoy reading biographies.

Who are your favourite directors?

I am a great fan of Himanshu Rai and also like Anurag Kashyap, Farhan Akhtar, Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar and Yash Chopra.