Daya Shankar Pandey, Worked in Films Like Lagaan and Swades Once Rejected Hrithik Roshan’s Jodhaa Akbar for This TV Show

Actor Daya Shankar Pandey, who has featured in movies like "Lagaan" and "Swades", says he preferred playing the starring role of Lord Shani in a TV show over a role he was offered in Ashutosh Gowariker's 2008 hit, "Jodhaa Akbar". "I had some financial need at that time. TV gives more money. Playing the central role in a TV serial was something that I did not want to miss at all. And in the TV industry, frankly speaking, faces like that of mine don't get title lead roles easily," said Daya, who played the title role in "Mahima Shani Dev Ki". Namish Taneja-Meera Desothale’s Vidya Goes Off-Air, While Actors Say They Expected This Move, Producer Mahesh Pandey Is ‘Shocked’ (View Posts)

"I consider playing the role of Lord Shani as a blessing by the lord himself. I worked hard for the role and now nearly a decade later, people are still talking about it," he added. On bagging the title role, Daya shared: "Way back in 1993, I used to assist Shahab Shamsi (director) on a serial to earn some quick money. Eventually, I got busy working on other projects, but in 2008 I got a call from Shamsi asking if I would be interested in a mythological show, to which I instantly agreed. I wasn't informed about the role, however for me getting work was more important." Begusarai actor Rajesh Kareer Pleads for Financial Help, Co-star Shivangi Joshi Transfers Rs 10,000 into His Bank Account

"Shiv Sagar (grandson of producer Ramanand Sagar) noticed my face and told me that I resemble Lord Shanidev. I auditioned after 2 days and did a look test and within 30 minutes, I received a message saying that I was shortlisted for doing the role of Shani in 'Mahima Shani Dev Ki'," he added. "Mahima Shani Dev Ki" originally ran from 2008 to 2009. It is currently being aired on Dangal TV.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 05, 2020 07:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).