Shagun Pandey has made a place for himself in the television world through steady work and strong performances. With several popular shows to his name, he’s now gearing up for a new chapter with his upcoming series, Saru. While excitement around the show builds, Shagun recently spoke his mind about a subject many shy away from, the long-standing label of Indian television being a “female-oriented” medium.
In a recent conversation, Shagun didn’t hold back when asked how he feels about the medium often being perceived as one dominated by women-centric narratives. With conviction in his voice, he stated, “Hum mard achi acting kar sakte hai. Indian Television ke mard bohot achi acting karte hai, gherai mai ghuss sakte hai aur hum aapko apni kalkaari par rok sakte hai, pehli baat toh ye statement dene aaya hu.” For him, it’s about more than just defending the craft, it’s about reshaping how people view male actors in television.
The actor pointed out how, for years, people have carried the notion that Indian television belongs to women whether through shows, stories, or characters. But he feels it doesn’t have to stay that way. He believes those who find fault with it shouldn’t simply leave for OTT platforms or the film industry. For Shagun, abandoning the space isn’t a solution; changing it from within is.
He spoke passionately about his commitment to television and how he envisions contributing to its growth. Shagun made it clear that he isn’t someone who’ll leave when times get tough. He wants to stay, fight, and transform. “Mai yahi rahunga, mai yahi badlunga aur mai yahi jeeunga. Kahi ka rang bane se acha hai kahi ka raaja banunga! Yahi banuga mai. Aur mai aap logo ke samne banuga. Aur aap log sab mere sath khade honge jab hum sab iss TV ko uss dimension mei leke jayenge.”
For Shagun, television isn’t just a job or a stepping stone to cinema. It’s a powerful medium where stories matter, performances are noticed, and actors can earn genuine respect. He acknowledged that changing old perceptions isn’t going to happen overnight. It’s a gradual journey that needs patience, resilience, and a collective effort from those within the industry. “Somebody has to work on it, and it will take a period of time to happen,” he admitted.
Beyond championing the cause of male actors in television, Shagun also shared his thoughts about balancing lead roles and stepping back when needed. He spoke of his intent to create space for others, letting fresh faces and newer talent take on central characters while offering them the same encouragement he once received. This sense of fair play and camaraderie reflects the maturity with which he approaches his work.
With his new show Saru on the horizon and a firm belief in changing narratives, Shagun Pandey stands as a reminder that it’s not the medium but the mindset that shapes storytelling. His words reflect a fire that, if matched by others, might just shift the face of television in the years to come.
