‘I always wanted to be an actor, not a star’: Govind Pandey

For Govind Pandey, acting was never just a career choice — it was a calling that began long before he understood what performance meant. “I have been involved in theatre since my childhood,” he recalls. “Then I got affiliated with the National School of Drama (NSD), and stayed with the NSD Repertory for 10 years, from 1997 to 2007. I was in the A-grade repertory and did countless shows.”

Those formative years in theatre, he says, shaped everything that came after. “Theatre teaches you discipline,” he explains. “It teaches you to be complete — to use your body, your mind, your voice, everything. You can never be complete as an actor, but you can keep striving for it. Even today, I feel I don’t know anything. I have to do more, learn more, understand more.

Reel dreams to real roles

Pandey’s early exposure to cinema left a deep impression. “When I was young, my family used to watch films like Bobby, Sholay, and actors like Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. They haunted our minds,” he laughs. “Looking at them, I felt that I also wanted to be like them.”

But his ambition was never about stardom. “I always wanted to be an actor, not a star,” he says. “Since childhood, we knew we were not hero material — not in the glamorous sense. I never cared about being a hero. I wanted to live the life of characters, to bring them to life truthfully.”

His film career reflects that philosophy. From Chintu Ji (2007), his first film, to acclaimed roles in Swades, Pinjar. Raees, Gulaal, Mission Learning and Katal— which recently won a National Award — Pandey has consistently sought depth over spotlight. “I’ve done negative characters in films like Vikram Vedha, but that’s not who I am in life,” he says. “In reality, I’m very emotional. I get affected easily. Acting lets me explore those sides safely.”

Return to television

After a long hiatus from television, Pandey returned with the show Kavya, portraying ‘Giriraj Pradhan’, a seasoned sarpanch and father of ‘Adiraj Pradhan’. He describes the character as “a great sarpanch who scaled the political ladder with a savvy and calculating attitude. He embodies authority and self-made success with an indestructible spirit.”

On why he chose the role, Pandey explains, “The reason why I wanted to do Kavya was because of the character ‘Giriraj’. There is a lot explore with ‘Giriraj’. Most TV shows have always been women-oriented, but with Kavya, we don’t see those stereotypical notes. He has many shades to offer, even within the grey area. I am really enjoying playing ‘Giriraj’. I have returned to TV after a very long time.”

Reflecting on the realism of the character, he adds, “Every father in real life believes his son will handle his house and business. Many families in India want their sons to be the successors of their empires. The only difference is that ‘Giriraj’ takes it in the grey shade with a hint of negativity. If you know how political figures are in reality, ‘Giriraj’ is a much milder version of that.”

He is also impressed with the cast. “Usually, in TV shows, only two to three female characters are doing everything while other characters look like props. But with Kavya, all the characters have their own story and tracks to portray on screen. ‘Sumbul’ and ‘Mishikat’ are really hard-working, respectful, and happy. There’s a positive vibe, and I haven’t noticed any tantrums like those we often hear about from the other leads.”

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The eternal student

Even with a doctorate in theatre under the guidance of noted writer Bhaskar Bajaj, Pandey believes the learning never ends. “You can’t ever say, ‘I know acting,’” he insists. “Acting is an ocean. I still feel I am just swimming near the shore. I want to explore everything — singing, dancing, writing — because all these are connected to performance.”

He recalls one of his most challenging roles — playing a woman in the play Hejran. “That was a very famous play in India,” he says. “To prepare for it, we worked for months — meeting people, observing how women move, how they express emotions. Because a woman cannot enter a man’s body, you have to bring her spirit through your understanding. We rehearsed and experimented for three to four months before I could even begin to feel confident.”

Craft, choices, challenges

When asked how he chooses his roles, Pandey smiles knowingly. “There are two things we always look at,” he admits. “First, whether it’s a primary character — how much scope there is to perform. And second, how much money we’re getting for it,” he laughs. “It’s practical — we all have to survive.”

But even after decades of experience, every new role brings a familiar nervousness. “Whenever I sign a film, I’m always tense,” he says. “How will the character shape up? Will the director like it? Will it come out right? This fear is always there. And honestly, I think it’s a good thing — it keeps you alive as an actor.”

Rise of OTT

Pandey has seen the film industry evolve dramatically — especially with the rise of OTT platforms. “Today, whether it’s a village, a city, or a five-star hotel, people are watching web series more than films,” he says. “I’ve been to Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan — everywhere people are watching OTT content. It has changed the game. People are getting introduced to world cinema through dubbed versions. Viewers now demand realistic portrayals of characters and stories. Thankfully, shows like Kavya are catering to it.”

He believes the digital revolution has opened doors for many talented performers. “Theatre artists and struggling actors have got visibility because of OTT,” he explains. “Earlier, we used to wait years for a break in the cinema. Now, a good web show can give you recognition instantly.”

At the same time, he is cautious about the social media boom that has blurred the lines between fame and artistry. “Some people are getting work because they have followers,” he says. “In one of my films, Vikram Vedha, my younger brother in the story was played by a YouTuber. His fan following was huge. It’s good for fame, but I don’t know how long it will work artistically. Without training and discipline, it’s hard to survive.”

Delhi roots, Mumbai dreams

Though much of his professional life revolves around Mumbai, Pandey remains deeply connected to Delhi. “Delhi is amazing — this is my home,” he says warmly. “My family lives here, and whenever I find time, I come back. I was born, grew up, did NSD, and did theatre here. The openness of the city, its roads, its food — you don’t get that anywhere else.”

Still, he concedes that Mumbai has its own energy. “There’s no better place than Mumbai for work,” he acknowledges. “But it’s crowded, hectic — walking on the roads can be difficult. Even so, it’s the best place for professional growth. But for living — for peace and comfort — Delhi will always be my home.”

Redefining success

After more than two decades in theatre, film, and television, Pandey defines success in grounded terms. “Success is when people like your work — not just you, but your craft,” he reflects. “It’s not only about money or popularity. It’s about how many of your dreams you’ve fulfilled and how many still remain. I still have many dreams.”

Even today, his passion for acting is undiminished. “Every role teaches me something new,” he says. “Acting gives me life itself. As long as I’m learning, I’ll keep performing.”

From the small-town boy who once dreamed of being like Rajesh Khanna to the versatile actor who has shared screens with some of India’s finest filmmakers, Govind Pandey continues to remind us that the truest performances are not about perfection — but about persistence, honesty, and heart.