Shantanu Maheshwari: I Have Been Able To Put A Stop To Some Of My Struggles After ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’

Shantanu Maheshwari, who is currently seen in the OTT series Tooth Pari, says being part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ changed the perception of people towards him as an actor. Before venturing into movies, Shantanu appeared in shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye 9, and Khatron Ke Khiladi and also grabbed headlines for his dancing skills. However, he doesn’t want to be remembered either as a dancer or an actor.

In this interview with Outlook, the actor talks about his life as an actor after the film's success. would he ever headline a dance film and more. Excerpts from the interview:

Q. Can we talk about how your career changed after 'Gangubai...'? 

- Since Gangubai was released, I've noticed a significant shift in the way people approach me as a performer. I'm getting offers for roles that are very different from what I expected, and it feels like I'm starting a new chapter in my career. Despite the uncertainty, I'm loving the journey and enjoy the process of exploring new possibilities.

One thing that's been particularly exciting is that some of the roles being offered to me are clearly written with me in mind. I'm grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and excited to see where this new phase of my career takes me.

Q.  Is 'Toothpari' one such dream role? Would you like to talk about the reason why you said yes to it?

-Tooth Pari will always be close to my heart because it offered a unique story and a distinct role for me to play. The show captures the culture of Calcutta in a way that no one else has been able to achieve. As a native of Calcutta, I connected with the story and its elements, which helped me decide to take on the project.

DR Roy, my character in the show, is a complex and multidimensional character. He struggles with confidence but also has moments of intelligence and discipline. He is not just a simple lover, but a family-oriented person with many layers to his personality. I am grateful to have been chosen to play this character and to be part of the original story.
Overall, Tooth Pari has been a meaningful and fulfilling experience for me as an actor. I am still learning and growing, but this show has allowed me to explore new facets of my craft and develop my skills as a performer.
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Q) From dancer to now an actor,  what are the biggest takeaways while finding your path in Bollywood, especially being an outsider?

- I entered the industry as an actor first and then a dancer. The show had a mix of both dancing and acting However, I don't like it when people refer to me as solely as a dancer or an actor.
It can be frustrating when people assume that I'm only doing one thing at a time. For example, when I say I'm working on an acting project, some people assume that I must have stopped dancing completely, which is not the case. I'm passionate about both acting and dancing and put in equal amounts of hard work, research, and preparation for both.

While dancing did introduce me to acting, I have not stopped dancing. I continue to pursue both dancing and acting and enjoy them equally. Whether I'm participating in a dance competition or working on an acting project, I put in the same level of effort and dedication. I love both forms of art and will continue to pursue both with equal passion.

Q)  Would you like to talk about the challenges and roadblocks that helped you become the actor you are now?

- I have had my fair share of roadblocks and challenges in my career till date. Despite having participated in reality shows and fiction shows, there were only a few people who believed in me as an actor. It was a struggle to break out of that limited perception of my abilities and showcase my versatility. Another significant hurdle was finding the right kind of characters and stories that resonated with me. When I started out, the market for TV shows was limited, and it was only later that youth channels started producing more fictional shows. However, even then, it was challenging to find the right opportunities and get noticed. But despite all these struggles, I persisted, and with the release of Gangubai, I have been able to put a stop to some of my struggles. However, I still face the challenge of being recognized as both an actor and a dancer and finding projects that allow me to showcase my talents to the fullest extent. Overall, I remain committed to giving more than 100% to every project I take on and continuing to grow and evolve as a performer.

Q) You seem to enjoy a great female fan following. Does that overwhelm you and how do you keep a check on setting boundaries while dealing with them?

 -It's definitely overwhelming to receive so much love and support from the audience as I enter this field. However, at times it can become too much, and that's when I have to set my boundaries. I don't have a specific approach to setting boundaries, it just comes naturally to me. Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to have well-wishers who understand and respect my choices. This mutual respect and understanding make it easy for me to maintain a healthy relationship with my fans without having to do anything out of the ordinary. Ultimately, we all understand that I have a personal life, and I'm grateful for the support that doesn't require me to compromise on that.

Q) Why despite being a great dancer, we hardly saw your dancing films in any film projects so far? Are you not exploring such projects or you are not getting such roles?

- When it comes to choosing projects, I always prioritize the story. It doesn't matter to me whether I'm the headline actor or the dancer in a project, as long as the story is compelling and the casting is on point. I believe that a good story can make a project successful, and that is what I look for first and foremost. As for casting, I leave that decision to the director or producer who has a better understanding of the vision for the project. I believe that each role has its own importance, and I am willing to take on any role that fits within the story and the project as a whole. Ultimately, my goal is to be a part of projects that are impactful and leave a lasting impression on the audience..

 Q) If given a chance, would you like to headline a dance film? Who would be the perfect cast for that?

- It seems that at this point in my career, I am still exploring and figuring out what kind of projects I want to take on. While dancing has never been a problem for me, I am looking beyond just showcasing my dancing skills and instead focusing on finding projects with a strong storyline and great casting. I leave the decision-making process regarding these aspects to the director or producer \of the project. Currently, I am in a phase of growth and learning, having gained valuable experience from my recent projects "Gangubai" and "Tooth Pari". I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained and am eager to continue on this path of self-improvement and discovery.

Q) What next after Toothpari?

– I am currently shooting for Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha which was recently announced and I am very excited about it.