Television is no longer female dominated: Chetan Pandit

Veteran TV and film actor Chetan Pandit is quite happy with the way his character in the Star Plus / Doordarshan show Saraswatichandra is shaping up.

So how does he prepare for this role, “Intentionally, neither have I read the novel nor have I watched the earlier episodes for I wish to follow the narration given to me to the T. It is a matter of great pride to be associated with such a brilliant literary piece written by Govardhanram Tripathi. I don’t need to add that, but working with producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali; he is just superb. There is so much attention paid to detailing that you love to come on the sets always,” Pandit avers.

The veteran has also dabbled in cinema as well. “I have worked with Prakash Jha in Gangaajal , Apaharan, Raajneeti and the recent Chakravyuh. I began with Govind Nihalani’s Thakshak I have also worked with Karan Johar in this year’s first release Agneepath. If you remember I had also played the chief minister’s role in A Wednesday. Next, I am working in the Zanjeer remake,” he adds.

Pandit does not think that it is a challenge to do both mediums (films and TV). “I have always done it. The important part is that you need a tuning between your producer and yourself. A certain amount of planning is also important; for film shoots are decided well in advance, while TV dates are a bit haphazard. But all said and done, where there is a will, there is always a way,” he observes.

The veteran also does not feel that TV is female dominated anymore. “That could be the case five years ago. I have got some very good scenes in
Saraswatichandra. Even before this show, I was doing Punar Vivah (ZeeTV) in which I had a lot of meaty scenes. Personally, as well, I am quite choosy and don’t do shows in which I don’t get much to do.”

Pandit does not see anything wrong in the way Punar Vivah season1 wrapped up. “What starts has to end. And ultimately, it is the producers (ShashiSumeet Mittal) and the channel’s call. If they feel that something new has to done, we should not grudge their decision,” he maintains.