Shiv Panditt: The Reinvention Journey from RJ to Khuda Haafiz and Beyond

Before he became an actor audiences recognised from FIR, Shaitan, and Khuda Haafiz, Shiv Panditt lived a life defined by constant reinvention. He sold shirts in buses, distributed prospectuses for educational institutions on commission, and even worked as an RJ-producer with Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM. Each experience added a layer to his personality and prepared him for an unpredictable film career.

Even after choosing acting—without any prior plan to enter the industry—Shiv continued to evolve, taking up advertisements, short films, web series, music videos, and even a Tamil film during gaps between major projects. His approach was simple: stay relevant, stay working, and keep learning.

Now, after a gap of seven years from mainstream commercial cinema, the Nagpur-born actor returns with Khuda Haafiz, directed by Faruk Kabir, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

In a conversation with SAURABH TANKHA, Shiv Panditt reflects on his journey, struggles, reinvention, and the mindset required to survive in the industry without a film background.

“I never stopped working even when films didn’t come my way”

After his 2013 film Boss failed to perform at the box office, Shiv Panditt found himself without major film offers. But instead of stepping back, he kept working across formats.

“I did ads, short films, web series, music videos and even a Tamil film. The idea was to stay busy. If I had stopped working, I wouldn’t have got Khuda Haafiz,” he says.

From FIR to Shaitan to Khuda Haafiz: constant reinvention

Shiv first gained attention in 2006 with the TV show FIR, where he played Inspector Hanuman Prasad Pandey. However, audiences later strongly associated him with his darker role as Dushyant Sahu (Dash) in Shaitan.

“People were surprised by the transformation—from a comic TV cop to a grey-shaded character. And now Faiz Abu Malik in Khuda Haafiz is completely different again,” he explains.

Cine-goers, who had seen me in FIR, were surprised when they watched Shaitan as this character of Dushyant Sahu aka Dash had shades of grey while the one on small screen was a comic role

Playing Faiz Abu Malik in Khuda Haafiz

In Khuda Haafiz, Shiv plays an Arabic commando working with an internal security agency. The role demanded extensive preparation, especially in language and body language.

“I worked with a diction coach for over a month. The tone, pronunciation, and stress patterns were very different. Even the body language had to change,” he says.

He also credits director Faruk Kabir for his detailed vision of the character. “He had already edited the film in his head before we started shooting.”

Lockdown challenges and innovative dubbing

Shiv recalls the unexpected challenges during the lockdown, when the film’s release shifted to a digital platform.

“I was in Delhi when the lockdown started. Suddenly I was asked to dub my role, but there was no way to travel to Mumbai,” he says.

Eventually, the team used remote technology (Session Link Pro), allowing studios in Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi to work simultaneously in real time.

You start doubting yourself, your talent, your craft. It is a normal human emotion but how you deal with it is what differentiates from person to person. Just consider it hypothetically that I try for something and don’t get it

Early life: From Doon School to Radio Mirchi

A graduate of Hindu College, Delhi University, Shiv initially had no clear career direction after college. He eventually joined Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM in Mumbai as an RJ-producer.

“My father wanted me to do an MBA, but I realised within a week of CAT coaching that it wasn’t for me,” he recalls.

His parents, however, remained supportive once they understood his creative inclination.

Advice for actors without industry backing

For aspiring actors struggling without connections or industry backing, Shiv offers a grounded perspective.

“You have to keep yourself relevant. Insecurity is natural—you will doubt yourself—but what matters is how you deal with it,” he says.

He believes acceptance is key: “You can waste time thinking about what you didn’t get, but that won’t change anything. Keep moving forward.”

In life if you get into wasting time over negative spaces, you will never gain anything. Always remember, you have 24 hours in a day, and you should make the most out of it, maximise it

Life philosophy

Shiv’s personal mantra is rooted in resilience and optimism.

“The trick is to keep breathing. If there is darkness now, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Stay positive and keep going,” he says.