His charismatic personality, an infectious smile and unique dancing moves has made ShantanuMaheshwari a favourite dancing sensation of millions. The 28-year-old star is grateful to life as he is able to enjoy his passion for dancing and acting at the same time. On a relaxing Sunday, Shantanu speaks to TMM about his journey as a dancer, biggest support in his journey and much more. Excerpts from the interview:
Shantanu Maheshwari, You started your journey on TV in 2001 this is 2019, how would you describe your experience so far?
It has been a long joyride, I come from Kolkata, and I participated as a child artist in three back to back shows like Boogie Woogie, KyaMastiKyaDhoom and Mini Superstar. During those times they were called competition shows and not reality shows. Nowhere in the back of my mind, I thought that I will be making a career out of dancing or acting. I was just doing it because I enjoyed it; my parents and my dance teacher had immense faith in me. It was an honour for me as I was representing my city Kolkata as a child participant in all these platforms. Touchwood, it has been a roller coaster ride and there’s more to come.
Shantanu Maheshwari, Acting, choreographing, dancing or hosting, what you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy everything; obviously, dancing comes as a priority, because that’s when it all started. Be it recognition, be it confidence. On the other hand, I also genuinely enjoy acting, hosting, and choreographing as they also have their perks. I believe whatever I do, I give my 100%.
Shantanu Maheshwari, What inspires you in life?
Anything that is interesting, challenging, and something that is different and got a scope to learn. Something that I haven’t done before, that is something that inspires me. Of course, the people who I will be working with also do play a big part.
Who has been your biggest support so far?
My family has been my biggest support and I want to mention about PalkiMalhotra, my first show (D3, DilDostii Dance) project head. She was the brain behind my first show and I have learned a lot from her.
You represented India in NBC World of Dance in 2018 and garnered appreciation from global celebrities like Jenifer Lopez. How does it feel when such talents appreciate you?
When we talk of WOD, it is the world’s biggest dance reality show, that’s a big thing when you get a chance to represent India with your own crew (Desi Hoppers). Getting appreciation from the biggest names of the industry means a lot and it helps you to inspire and give hope to other dancers sitting and watching you.
How do you maintain your hair and any chance we would see a change in your hairstyle?
I really don’t do a lot of things; at times I feel how do people really maintain long hair (laughs). I don’t apply a lot of products. I tried getting it short, but it makes people think that I am too young to play a certain character on screen. People might not cast me for a project in that scenario. They prefer me with this kind of hair. If I am getting work, I don’t mind sporting a long hair and maintaining them. There might come a time when I might have to chop them off for a project, let’s see.
What is your fitness regime?
When we are preparing for some big projects we do long hours of rehearsals daily by default it gives us an overall amount of fitness level. I do a lot of body weight exercises. I do 50 push ups, skipping, crunches, 5-10 minutes of core training, I am sorted. I play a lot of sports at times. I prefer playing cricket, football and badminton.
How do you see the trend of all youngsters getting hooked on to social media?
Recently I read a wonderful quote, “Nobody will upload their failures, all they put is their success.” We all shouldn’t get affected by appreciations or trolling on social media as we are being judged according to our followers and number of likes. This is not true; we have a real world outside social media. I feel too much of decision making is happening on social media. It’s not suitable for teenagers and I feel that they are getting hooked to their phones too early. They are not enjoying their life’s precious moments during the youth. As a school and college student one should be doing a lot of outdoor activities, play games, meet and greet with friends and family.
RAPID FIRE
Song I am hooked do: Chris Brown’s Undecided
Proud moment in life: When we (Desi Hoppers) represented India and won in World of Dance in 2015
Ideal romantic date: I would say somewhere secluded, out of the city
Funniest pick up line used on you: I am very bad at remembering them, something related to my hair, people often say weird things about my hair|
Favourite dance form: Bollywood
Favourite dancer (Indian): Prabhu Deva (sir)
Favourite dancer (Western): Michael Jackson
Actress who I would like to take on a date: KanganaRanaut
Describe yourself in one word: Introvert
Favourite food: Phuchka and Jhalmudi
App I am addicted to: WhatsApp
By: NileshRao
The post The Dancing Star – Shantanu Maheshwari appeared first on TMM.