For fans of the popular Hindi-language comedy-drama web series Panchayat, the second season had an unexpected twist. The series is famed for its hilarious storyline, witty humor, and light-hearted satire. But season 2 ends, leaving the audience in tears.
One character with his short yet meaty role, Rahul Pandey, proved what brilliant performance means and that actors aren’t created; they are born with an innate skill. The mention is about Shiv Swaroop. This engineer turned actor might be new to many of us, but he isn’t a novice in acting.
In an unfiltered conversation with Life Beyond Numbers, Shiv shared his journey of braving struggles of different kinds: from winning his father’s confidence, making a niche on the silver screen without a godfather, to proving that small towns are the powerhouse of talents.
Shiv says engineering gave him the conviction to go after his dream, i.e., acting. During the first year of engineering, he was exposed to several co-curricular activities, including cricket, volleyball, table tennis, and theatre.
“The only thing I got hooked to was acting and enacting stories. Despite being an out-and-out introvert, I was moved by receiving applause from my audience. The happiness on their face brought me the realization: My purpose of life is acting.”
It was just the beginning. There was more to unfold. He cracked the National School of Drama Workshop based on his firm belief that to stand out in the crowd, he needed to create his signature acting style.
“I am blessed that I don’t have formal training. Maybe it works for others but not for me. I believe school creates similar kinds of minds, it makes you work with an analogous process of acting. I was very fortunate to work closely with the best teachers of the National School of Drama, even though I wasn’t in that institution.”
Shiv had acted in many diploma productions with the students for several years. His journey is enriched by working experience with theatre stalwarts like Robin Das, Suresh Annagalli, Aruna Kumar Mallik, Veena Sharma, Prakash Jha, and Shyam Kr. Sahani for nearly a decade, apart from college theatre society.
“However, I wasn’t on the final list. I felt it might be god’s sign hinting me to be a self-starter. I was practical to accept: No one would give me roles on a platter. I started making short films for myself, to prove my skills on camera. I kept practicing until I was noticed to get a break in the mainstream cinema. And then Panchayat 2 happened!”
This much-awaited role came to him through auditions. Casting Bay was casting for the project. He got the news from a friend and sent his profile. It was followed by several online auditions. Finally, he was selected.
On the family’s acceptance front, while his mother, sister, and brother were supportive, it was tough to convince his father. “He almost disowned me,” Shiv laughs and says it was natural for any middle-class parent. Getting worried about financial stability in a career with no fallback option was logical on his father’s part. Despite his reservations, he never stopped supporting Shiv.
“I can’t thank my stars enough for giving me my younger brother. I owe it to him for his relentless support, unconditional love, unflinching faith and his matured mentorship.”
Recollecting the hurdles, he says that the challenges appeared as he didn’t have any contacts in the industry. There was no guidance to teach this profession’s nuances, especially in bagging a role.
One of the first help came from his cousin, who worked in a news agency. Through him, Shiv was introduced to the theatre circle of Delhi. It was a difficult phase. He had to keep doing theatre yet earn nothing. This was the norm. Usually, a newbie doesn’t get paid, at least during the initial stage. If one doesn’t hail from a financially strong background, survival becomes tough. The only thought that kept him going was his passion for acting. He also joined the Black Pearl theatre society in his college, Siddaganga Institute of Technology. He identifies himself as a man who puts on blinkers and works 24X7.
“For me, it has been a process of the joy of learning. If it appears like a struggle, one isn’t meant for it. Many ups and downs will come, but I am sure, I will rise and shine.”
Also, read: How A Diwali Party At Big B’s Bungalow Changed This Actor’s Destiny
The optimistic soul doesn’t feel that his roots from a small town ever came his way. He believes the only thing that matters is how one fits into the system. Shiv’s opinion on stereotyping reflects his progressiveness.
“I feel stereotyping has more to do with actors and their choice or verbal command over any language, than their place of origin. For example, if an actor from Bihar has linguistic influence or MTI of Bhojpuri but can speak pure Urdu with elan, then he can ace any role. To get into the skin of any character, the actor’s linguistic versatility and adaptability matter a lot.”
He shares that his favorite genres of roles revolve around tragedy and psychopaths. He adores Fahadh Faasil. Shiv also idolizes Shahrukh Khan for his charisma. Is there any role that he dreams to act if it is recreated?
“There are numerous. But if I had to tell you only one of them, it would be Devdas (Late Dilip Kumar).”
The young actor is busy figuring out and finalizing a few projects in the pipeline. Shiv will be sharing the good news soon. But, one thing that he is firm about is creating a niche in tragedy genres. He strives to perform stories that keep the audience glued to their seats.
For aspiring actors, Shiv has some suggestions that he implements as well.
“If you want to do something, don’t just sit at home thinking about it. Step out and do it. Take small yet steady steps. You will be amazed to watch how it all transpires into reality.”
The humble actor doesn’t fail to enchant with his unpretentiousness. When asked about his achievements, he replies:
“After Panchayat 2, now at least in Muzaffarpur, people know me. Also, my parents are getting noticed and attention. Apart from receiving a few district-level awards in dance, I am bad at getting prizes. I am hopeful by working harder, and I will have a few in my kitty. Please keep me in your prayers.”
Have you watched Panchayat 2 yet? If not, then you have more reasons to watch it now.