Exclusive: Gangubai broadened my reach – Shantanu Maheshwari

Shantanu Maheshwari has truly made a mark in Bollywood. From his early days dancing on shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Nach Baliye 9 to his notable performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Tooth Pari, he has recently been receiving acclaim for his role in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. The actor is critical of the tendency to pigeonhole individuals into specific roles or talents. He argues that this limiting perspective fails to acknowledge the full range of a person’s abilities. “It’s frustrating how people are often boxed into one particular role or talent,” he says. “Just because someone excels in one area doesn’t mean they don’t have the potential to thrive in others as well.”

He believes that this narrow view not only stifles personal growth but also overlooks opportunities for innovation and development. Recognising and nurturing multiple talents is crucial, according to him. He reflects that when we confine people to a single identity, we miss out on the broader spectrum of their capabilities. “Every individual has a unique set of skills that can be developed and expanded. Embracing this diversity allows people to explore new avenues and contribute in various ways, enriching both their own lives and the creative fields they are part of.”

The journey to breaking out of the dance mould was not without its difficulties. “Coming from a dancing background, there was always a tendency to box me into dance roles. The rejections and struggles to break out of that mould were tough, but they ultimately helped me grow and prove my acting abilities.” Getting roles of his choice can be challenging for a newcomer. He admits to being frustrated at first but now has found a way to keep  negativity in check. He’s indeed grown wise over the years. “It often takes time to find roles that align with your aspirations. Big filmmakers might take risks but it’s a slow process for others. Establishing yourself and proving your versatility is crucial.”

Some might argue that Shantanu was fortunate to have been cast opposite Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi by the renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, Shantanu himself does not attribute this opportunity solely to luck. He says with conviction, “It’s a combination of hard work and timing. Of course, luck plays a role but it’s also about seizing opportunities and continuously proving yourself.”

The impact of Gangubai Kathiawadi on his career has been profound. “Gangubai significantly broadened my reach and acceptance,” he explains. “People now view me not just as a dancer but as a versatile actor too. Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a pivotal moment in changing that perception.” Working alongside Alia Bhatt was also a notable milestone for Shantanu. “I wasn’t nervous about working with Alia,” he says. “My primary concern was meeting Sanjay sir’s expectations. Alia was incredibly supportive and down-to-earth, which made the experience smooth and collaborative.” From Alia, Shantanu learnt valuable lessons about humility and creating a comfortable environment for co-stars. “Alia’s simplicity and approachability stand out. She makes her co-stars feel at ease, which is crucial for delivering a good performance. Her humility, despite her fame, is something I deeply admire.”

One significant lesson Shantanu has learnt is the importance of staying true to his art. He has discovered that authenticity is crucial in his creative process. When he approaches his work with honesty and integrity, it not only enhances the depth and quality of his art but also establishes a genuine connection with his audience. By remaining faithful to his artistic vision and principles, Shantanu finds that his creations are more rewarding both personally and professionally. This dedication to authenticity ensures that his work resonates more deeply, leading to a more fulfilling and successful artistic journey. He points towards the praise coming his way for playing a layered character in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha as a case in point.  “It’s incredibly gratifying. The role was really well-crafted for me. One of the best compliments I received was that I held my own amidst such stellar actors like Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Jimmy Shergill. It means a lot that people remembered my performance despite the heavyweights around.

I owe a big thanks to Neeraj Pandey for giving me this opportunity and believing in me.”

When asked about the toughest part of playing Krishna in the slow burning thriller, he recounted the challenge of shaving his head for the role. “The toughest part was definitely shaving my head. Neeraj sir was adamant about it being crucial for the role. I initially tried to convince him to use prosthetics but he insisted on the real deal. It was a big step, but I committed to it because it was his vision and I’m glad I did.” His parents were in for a shock when they saw his new look. “I didn’t inform them beforehand, so when I came back from Bhopal after filming, they were in shock. They were surprisingly sweet about it though. They even reassured me, saying I didn’t look too bad and that my head shape was fine. I was relieved.” Working with Ajay Devgn was another highlight for the actor, who claims he has learnt much from his senior. Shantanu admires Ajay’s discipline and clarity: “Ajay sir is not very talkative but knows exactly what he wants. His calm demeanour and precise direction really inspire you. Working with him was an opportunity to learn how to distil complex thoughts into clear, effective performances.”

Preparation for a role is of paramount importance to Shantanu. He believes in thoroughly immersing himself in the character’s mindset to deliver a compelling performance. For his portrayal of Krishna, Shantanu concentrated on striking a balance between intense emotional depth and a relatable, boy-next-door charm. Achieving this nuanced portrayal required extensive workshops with Saiee, where they worked collaboratively to fine-tune the blend of passion and sincerity.

Reflecting on personal experiences that resonate with his role, Shantanu notes, “Yes, I’ve experienced one-sided love before. It’s an intense feeling, and I resonate deeply with that kind of emotional intensity.” He also sees parallels with characters played by Shah Rukh Khan or Ranbir Kapoor. “Definitely. I understand that level of intensity. It’s not always easy for everyone to relate to, but I connect with that kind of deep, emotional involvement.”

Ask him to open up about his love life and the actor turns reticent. He isn’t averse to love or romance,  falling back on the old trope that he currently has no time for it. Shantanu’s understanding of love is both simple and profound. He defines it as “unconditional and filled with respect,” emphasising that genuine love goes beyond superficial conditions and requires a deep, unwavering commitment. In his view, relationships benefit from flexibility and adaptability. As he puts it, “I believe in bending the rules. In love, strict rules don’t always apply.” This approach allows for a more nuanced and understanding dynamic between partners. For Shantanu, mutual respect is non-negotiable. He states firmly, “Not respecting each other and taking each other for granted are big deal breakers for me.” To him, such sort of a behaviour can undermine the essence of a relationship, making it difficult to sustain a meaningful connection. Ask him for advice on relationships and he offers clear guidance: “Be honest. It’s important to be genuine, especially if you’re looking for a serious commitment.” He believes that authenticity and transparency are essential for building a strong, lasting bond and ensuring that both partners are truly aligned in their expectations and goals. question him how he would describe himself to a prospective date, the actor grins, “I’d say I have a decent sense of humour, am workaholic and sporty.”

The talk tracks back to his career. Shantanu reflects positively on his current career trajectory. “I’m at a stage in my career where I have the luxury of choosing projects based on my genuine interest rather than out of necessity, and that’s a significant advantage,” he affirms. He elaborates on this point, emphasising that this freedom enhances his professional satisfaction. “Being able to select roles that truly excite me, rather than simply accepting any available opportunity, allows me to invest more passion and creativity into my work. It’s not just about the financial aspect anymore; it’s about aligning my projects with my artistic vision and personal growth”. This autonomy in decision-making is something he deeply values, as it enables him to contribute more meaningfully to each project and continue evolving as an artiste.

 Shantanu’s dream co-stars include Medha Shankar, Vikrant Massey, Manoj Bajpayee, K.K. Menon and Prabhu Deva. Shantanu finds their work and journeys deeply inspiring. Reflecting on the casting process in Bollywood, Shantanu shares, “I used to believe that going to parties was the main gateway to landing roles but I’ve come to realise that this is just a myth. The reality is that success in the industry depends more on the quality of your work and the opportunities that arise from it.”

They say you can’t survive this industry if you aren’t a people’s person. Shantanu reflects with a sense of regret on how pivotal communication and self-expression are. “I wish I had understood earlier just how crucial it is to communicate and express myself effectively. If I had embraced this earlier, it might have led to richer relationships and a deeper understanding of myself and others.”Shantanu Maheshwari has proved himself as an actor with every outing, finds Suman Sharma. Continue reading …Read More