EXCLUSIVE: Shantanu Maheshwari: Life transformed post Gangubai Katihawadi, says co-star Alia Bhatt is a fabulous performer

Shantanu also spoke about his growth as an actor post-Gangubai Kathiawadi and how he never thought he would get into films.

“Post-Gangubai has been a different phase in my career, and there is no denying it. A big thank you to Sanjay (Bhansali) Sir for giving me that opportunity. When I look back, I was just preparing myself to be able to be ready for Gangubai. It took quite some time, but I am happy that it went the way it did. No regrets at all because it's important to be prepared when the opportunities come to you. I'm very happy with the way things moved on for me post-Gangubai. Looking back at my career, I never thought that I would get into films. But I'm happy something in me kept me going and that the motivation factor was and still is there in me,” he said.

When asked about his experience of working with Alia Bhatt, Shantanu shared some interesting anecdotes from his shoot with the actress and how he learned from her observant nature.

“Working with Alia Bhatt was amazing. She is an absolutely fabulous performer and a very, very good human being. She's a very good observer. There was the initial rehearsal of Meri Jaan, where Kruti Mahesh, the choreographer, and I were sitting, and Kruti was trying to brainstorm. We were trying to create visuals with Sir, centring it and telling us what to do and what not to do. Kruti and I were trying to enact the whole bit. Then the way Alia absorbed what Kruti was doing and enhanced it with what Sir was trying to achieve was just fabulous! She's a fabulous performer, and just by noticing and observing her, you also learn a lot. It was overall super fun to work with her,” said Shantanu, who made his big Bollywood debut with the Bhansali movie.

He said working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Gangubai Kathiawadi was a ‘surreal’ moment and that he had never imagined or thought about it ever.

“Working with Sanjay sir was surreal. I had not imagined in my wildest of dreams that I would debut in films with a director like him. So that was a dream come true. Not even a dream came true because I couldn't even dream of something like that. But it has changed my life. He is a genius; be it his music or his storytelling, he just opens a wide range of possibilities for a performer. It was just amazing to work with him and to listen to his conversations and his instructions,” he said. “It just opens up a different side and gives you a different perspective as a performer; it stays with you, you can feel it, and you can see it when you see your performance as well.”

Shantanu was recently seen in Tabu, Ajay Devgn starrer Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. He shared his experience of working with amazing actors like Ajay Devgn and Tabu in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha and how he prepared for his intense character.

When asked about his latest project, Love in Vietnam, Shantanu expresses his excitement and nervousness about revealing the poster at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

The film’s first look poster was released at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film also stars Avneet Kaur in the lead role.

Talking about the poster’s release at Cannes, Shantanu said: “It was super fun and a fantastic feeling to reveal the poster of my film 'Love in Vietnam' at such a prestigious film festival at Cannes. I was really excited but also nervous. There was mostly excitement because the entire team was there, and we got to do this together. I always wanted to travel to these festivals for my work. So, I am glad that I got the chance to represent my work at Cannes.”

Talking about his role in Auron Main Kaha Dum Tha and working with Ajay, Tabu, he revealed though he had less scenes with the stalwarts but he was able to see them perform and they were ‘amazing’.

“My character Krishna in Auron Main Kaha Dum Tha is very different as compared to what I have played in the past. There's this intensity that this guy has; it was tough to understand and crack this character. But, with the help of Neeraj sir, it became a bit easier because he was very specific with his instructions, and he had a clear vision of this character in his head. It made it easy for me to play this character. Ajay sir and Tabu ma'am don't share a lot of scenes with me because we are playing the younger version of their characters, but I did get a chance to see them perform a few scenes, which was amazing. It's something that I can't describe in words, and they are amazing. Off camera or on camera, they're just good human beings. Performance-wise, I love the way the camera catches their eyes and their every emotion. It just feels amazing,” he added.

Shantanu was also seen in the adventure reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 (KKK) and went on to win it.

As a dancer-turned-actor, Shantanu emphasized the importance of mental strength and said KKK changed his mindset.

“Khatron Ke Khiladi really changed my mindset. Practically understanding how mental strength is of utmost importance, even if you feel that physically your body is giving up, but if your mental strength is intact, anything and everything is possible. That is something that I got to experience on Khatron Ke Khiladi, and that changed. I still remember 2017, if I'm not wrong, when Khatron Ke Khiladi happened, and I was preparing for World of Dance with the Desi Hoppers. So, when I came back, I remember saying this to all my friends and crewmates: Guys, kuch bhi impossible nahi hai.”

“Mental strength is the entire aspect of it. If there is a will, things will fall into place, and it will show you ways on how to do it, how to achieve your goals, or how to do things. My mental strength became stronger post-Khatron Ke Khiladi. Also, the way Rohit Shetty sir used to handle the show, the way he used to guide us throughout, and the way he was so humble was inspiring.

Shantanu also said that he never dreamt of becoming an actor, but it happened by chance.

“It may sound weird and funny, but I never wanted to become an actor. I was more focused on becoming and trying my best at things that were mostly behind the scenes. I never really wanted to be in front of the camera. My mom always thought that I would do well in front of the camera. Then Dil Dosti Dance happened, and I realized my passion for acting. Since then, my journey has just been great. I just keep giving it my 100%, enjoying every bit of it. I don't know how or when that transition happened. I still feel that I try to balance my projects, where I have dancing and then I have acting. I have worked hard to achieve those skill sets. I don't want to take anything for granted. I just want to keep learning and keep growing.

Shantanu has done a mixed bag of roles, and now he wishes to explore a rom-com soon.

Shantanu Maheshwari made his debut with the show Dil Dosti Dance on Channel V and was loved as Swayam Shekhawat. In 2017, he participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 and emerged as the winner. He also participated in the dance reality shows Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 and Nach Baliye 9. He reached the finals in both shows.