Gangubai Kathiawadi a dream debut Shantanu Maheshwari on working with Bhansali
Mumbai Feb 23 PTI Shantanu Maheshwari who is making his feature film debut with Gangubai Kathiawadi says it was a great learning experience for him to work with a perfectionist like Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his debut projectThe 30-year-old best known for his TV debut in Channel Vs Dil Dosti Dance and reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa said it is overwhelming to be a part of the soon-to-be-released filmAsked about the experience of being directed by Bhansali Maheshwari told PTI He is not a taskmaster Once you understand the level of passion that he has you will not call him that because he is a perfectionist He knows what he wants and is particular about everythingHe pursues and never gives up on what he desires and what he is aiming for He knows his team including actors well and he is not over ambitious There are times when people have a bad day and they are not able to deliver and he gives them time The Kolkata-born artiste also popular for winning World of Dance 2015 championship and Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 had no formal training in acting but decided to pursue a career in front of the camera after he starred in Dil Dosti DanceI started giving equal importance to both acting as well as dancing as I enjoyed both I have been auditioning for films and shows since D3 days Maheshwari who plays Afsaan opposite Alia Bhatts Gangubai in the film also recalled how he bagged the roleThe actor said he received a call from the movies casting director Shruti Mahajan to audition for the part and what followed were several more rounds that went on for two monthsShruti maam called me and said sir is looking for a fresh face Usually there is news on the internet that his next film is this but there was no concrete news on this So I was rather casual about it and was not nervous However my idea was to give auditions properly as I didnt want to miss out on the opportunity if the news is true he saidWhen he landed the role Maheshwari said it took him some time to truly believe that he was going to star in a film by Bhansali one of Indias most sought after filmmakers known for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Devdas and Bajirao Mastani among othersI have never dreamt of making it to his films or to get a chance to work with him I remember when I got selected for the film I was in absolute disbelief after Shruti maam broke the news to me I was blank It was too much to absorb I was overwhelmed Its a dream debut Asked about romancing Bhatt on screen the actor said it was not something he was intimidated aboutShe was friendly approachable and collaborative and it didnt feel like I am working with Alia Bhatt he saidBut films would not have happened to him if it were not for his mother who first spotted his dancing talentMy mother who herself is a passionate dancer and singer kept pushing me We had no idea about how to get into it We just had to keep working and hoping that something would happen Maheshwari also credits his success to his stints on the small screenI have worked with youth TV channels like Channel V and MTV and it gives you limited reach in terms of audience When I did GEC shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Khatron Ke Khiladi it helped me in getting more recognition and in getting more work and finally reaching here he addedGangubai Kathiawadi is slated to be released in theatres Friday PTI KKP RDS RDS BK BK
Mumbai Feb 23 PTI Shantanu Maheshwari who is making his feature film debut with Gangubai Kathiawadi says it was a great learning experience for him to work with a perfectionist like Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his debut projectThe 30-year-old best known for his TV debut in Channel Vs Dil Dosti Dance and reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa said it is overwhelming to be a part of the soon-to-be-released filmAsked about the experience of being directed by Bhansali Maheshwari told PTI He is not a taskmaster Once you understand the level of passion that he has you will not call him that because he is a perfectionist He knows what he wants and is particular about everythingHe pursues and never gives up on what he desires and what he is aiming for He knows his team including actors well and he is not over ambitious There are times when people have a bad day and they are not able to deliver and he gives them time The Kolkata-born artiste also popular for winning World of Dance 2015 championship and Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi 8 had no formal training in acting but decided to pursue a career in front of the camera after he starred in Dil Dosti DanceI started giving equal importance to both acting as well as dancing as I enjoyed both I have been auditioning for films and shows since D3 days Maheshwari who plays Afsaan opposite Alia Bhatts Gangubai in the film also recalled how he bagged the roleThe actor said he received a call from the movies casting director Shruti Mahajan to audition for the part and what followed were several more rounds that went on for two monthsShruti maam called me and said sir is looking for a fresh face Usually there is news on the internet that his next film is this but there was no concrete news on this So I was rather casual about it and was not nervous However my idea was to give auditions properly as I didnt want to miss out on the opportunity if the news is true he saidWhen he landed the role Maheshwari said it took him some time to truly believe that he was going to star in a film by Bhansali one of Indias most sought after filmmakers known for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Devdas and Bajirao Mastani among othersI have never dreamt of making it to his films or to get a chance to work with him I remember when I got selected for the film I was in absolute disbelief after Shruti maam broke the news to me I was blank It was too much to absorb I was overwhelmed Its a dream debut Asked about romancing Bhatt on screen the actor said it was not something he was intimidated aboutShe was friendly approachable and collaborative and it didnt feel like I am working with Alia Bhatt he saidBut films would not have happened to him if it were not for his mother who first spotted his dancing talentMy mother who herself is a passionate dancer and singer kept pushing me We had no idea about how to get into it We just had to keep working and hoping that something would happen Maheshwari also credits his success to his stints on the small screenI have worked with youth TV channels like Channel V and MTV and it gives you limited reach in terms of audience When I did GEC shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Khatron Ke Khiladi it helped me in getting more recognition and in getting more work and finally reaching here he addedGangubai Kathiawadi is slated to be released in theatres Friday PTI KKP RDS RDS BK BK
