Talking point with Sudhanshu Pandey

What is your role on Monica Mogre Case Files? I play a serial killer called Hritvik Shroff,loosely based on a real-life character.

The singer-turned-actor tells us why playing negative roles is a positive move

What is your role on Monica Mogre Case Files?
I play a serial killer called Hritvik Shroff,loosely based on a real-life character. My character lures women into marriage,takes all their property and money and then kills them. Hes a master of disguise and can take on any look with perfect ease. I was attracted to this role for two reasons. One is obviously that it is exciting to play such a complex character and the other reason is that I think its very daring of Zee to attempt such an experimental show a crime thriller,when all the other shows on TV are saas-bahu dramas.

Many actors baulk at playing out and out negative roles. Didnt you have any reservations?
It really doesnt matter if a role is negative. An actor is an actor. The more diverse you are in your role selection,the better you become and the more you can learn. With this particular character,it was almost as if I was playing four-five different roles. So I would dress up as a sardar or a Gujarati man and

Id have to learn the body language and the dialect of that particular character.

Youve flirted with a lot of different stuff-modelling,music,cinema,television. What appeals to you the most?
Everything appeals equally to me although right now Im concentrating on films. I consider myself an allrounder. Any performer needs to be good at multiple things. Its the job of an actor to be good at acting,dancing.

Have you put a full stop on your music career?
Not at all; Im just not a part of Band of Boys anymore. But I have been singing,on and off. In fact,I sang for my friend Sanjay Guptas movie Dus Kahniyaan. And in my next movie with him,Alibaug,Ive again sung a couple of songs. Ive been singing since I was a kid and Im very passionate about it.

Do reality shows attract you?
Yes,they do,but not as a participant. I see myself as a host of some adventure based show,like Khatron ke Khiladi. I love interacting with people and that is the job of a host to welcome the contestants and to make them comfortable.

Story continues below this ad

You were once on a food show called The Tarla Dalal Show. Did you learn anything from Tarla Dalal herself?
Unfortunately,I learnt nothing. I can only cook stories,not food on the gas stove.

Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram