MUMBAI : Debutante actor Shine Pandey, who hails from Dubai is set to play the main protagonist in his debut web series “UP65” based on a Hindi novel goes by the same name, written by Nikhil Sachan. Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Freshlime Films and directed by Gaganjeet Singh, the show is based on IIT BHU (Varanasi) set to release on Voot and Jio Cinema soon.

Talking about how he prepped to play an IITian he says,"Ironically, I was preparing to get into IIT. I’ve spent 4 years preparing for it from Fiitjee coaching centre in Hyderabad, India. Unfortunately and fortunately I couldn’t make it, my JEE rank was more than 5 lakh haha. Speaking about taking references about my character in the show, I had already seen so many students around me who were so much into this process so that that really helped me prep for it. I’ve seen the hostel life so closely and lived it with all joy, so I had a complete idea about this."

He added,"Just that my character in the show is completely opposite to my actual personality so that was a tricky part but recalling my hostel life and friends made it a lot easier to play the part. ‘Shine couldn’t make it into IIT but Nishant did’. I guess my mom would be happy for this."

Sharing about his background coming from Dubai he tells,"So, I was born and raised in Dubai,UAE. I am the only child yet I was given a lot of freedom since a very young age. This is also why I had a lot of friends around. I did my schooling till 8th standard from Our Own High School, Al Warqa. It was all boys school and I just can’t express how many memories I’ve made there and also the amount of friends I’ve had. Honestly, I was a backbencher and also the naughtiest boy in the class. Very sincerely I was just around to have fun and I guess that’s all I did in my school days, which kind of gave all my teachers a hard time. I’ve thoroughly lived and had a lot of fun while I was growing up in Dubai. I was the kid who wanted to be all and be everywhere, maybe that’s what gave me all magical experiences that I have with me."

Speaking about the challenges of facing the camera for the first time he mentions,"I guess facing the camera for the first time came in very naturally to me. I am lot more comfortable in front of the camera than in real life, because sometimes I am very introvert, shy at times and can be socially awkward. So being in front of the camera is one safe place to go to. Though I had to learn technicalities of it but with time I could see myself improving day by day and understanding more of it. I think being present and just understanding the basics eventually makes it easier."

Sharing his journey as an outsider he informs,"Being an outsider or insider never came into my mind. And speaking about struggle I don’t think I’ve ever struggled because this has always been my perspective towards life. I believe there are different ways to look at things and as it comes to my journey, I naturally tend to look at it as a fun ride. And also I just truly believe in myself and in this beautiful journey that’s taking me along."