'Mera Balam Thanedaar': "I always wanted to be an onscreen cop," says actor Shagun Pandey

Set in picturesque locations of Rajasthan, Colors' presents 'Mera Balam Thanedaar', a tale that unravels the journey of Bulbul and Veer, who are as disparate as chalk and cheese but have intertwined destinies. Bulbul is a lively young girl who follows what her mother tells her to do. She is underage but unaware of this fact completely. On the other hand, Veer, an honest IPS Officer, firmly opposes deceit in any form. Bulbul doesn't know that her parents have concealed her true age. Meanwhile, Veer, a crusader against underage marriages, unknowingly marries Bulbul, not knowing that she is a minor. Will love find its way into this seemingly loveless marriage amid the backdrop of deception and destiny?

Engaging in a conversation with Shagun Pandey (Veer), the actor explores various aspects of the show. He not only discusses intricate details about his character but also shares insights into the preparation process for the role of Veer, and many other fascinating aspects.

Tell us something about the show 'Mera Balam Thanedaar'.

This is a story of two very different people brought together by fate. Bulbul is lively and believes in helping everyone, even if it means telling little lies for a good cause. Veer, on the other hand, is an honest police officer who hates dishonesty. Bulbul doesn't know that her family has hidden her real age from everyone. And by a twist of fate, Veer, who fights against young marriages, ends up marrying Bulbul without knowing she's underage. The story explores whether love can bloom between them in a marriage that starts with secrets and without much love. It's a tale of how love might find its way even amid complicated truths and unexpected situations.

Tell us about your character in the show.

I am playing the character of Veer, who is an honest IPS Officer. He hates lies and considers any form of deceit a serious crime. He is against underage marriages, but destiny compels him to marry Bulbul, not knowing that she's a minor. When her true age surfaces, Veer will have to face the consequences of marrying a minor.

Why did you say yes to the show and the character?

I loved the storyline of 'Mera Balam Thanedaar' the first time it was narrated to me. When I heard the kind of man Veer is, I knew this role was tailor-made for me. I saw this as an opportunity to test my versatility. As an IPS officer, Veer's duty isn't just about enforcing the law; it's about safeguarding the very fabric of our society. It's not merely about donning a uniform; it's a commitment to upholding righteousness, no matter what. I always wanted to be an onscreen cop, and my cinematic references are not the Bollywood stars who have played a cop but the actual police force who are standing on the roads day and night to keep us safe and sound. Consenting to be part of this extraordinary love story was a no-brainer.

How did you prepare for the role of Veer as an IPS officer?

When I got the chance to play Veer, I wanted to understand what it's like to be a cop. I talked to family members who are cops or trained to be cops. Their lives and how they behave in the police station with their subordinates and seniors became my guide. Veer is all about strong beliefs and not liking lies. I've been fortunate to know quite a few men in khakhee like him. I emulated their body language and picked up a few inflexions in a speech that I noticed in Rajasthan. Meeting the real cops and spending some time with them actually helped me learning the smallest details of carrying a khakhee. And now, whenever I am in this get-up, I automatically feel and breathe like a cop. I start feeling protective about everyone who is around me. 

Did you encounter any difficulties while playing an IPS officer?

There were no difficulties as such. This show marks the first time I'm essaying the role of a cop and I wanted to leave no stone unturned to make this character look believable and authentic. I was careful not to seem caricaturish and to look as real as possible. It was super rewarding to rise to this challenge. The training that I got actually helped me learn the body language of a cop better.