Actor-dancer Shantanu Maheshwari believes that breaking into the world of films is the most challenging task for an outsider. The 32-year-old has worked in various visual mediums such as television, films, and OTT, but he has realized that making a name for oneself in films is the toughest. Maheshwari made his debut on television in 2011 with the show “Dil Dosti Dance” and later appeared on reality shows like “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” and “Khatron Ke Khiladi.” He made his film debut last year with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama “Gangubai Kathiawadi.”
In an interview with PTI, Maheshwari said that he has explored all the mediums but finds films the most challenging to crack. He explained that since films involve huge sums of money, the expectations are equally high. Maheshwari believes that the process of getting a big-screen project is more difficult for an outsider as compared to someone who has connections in the industry.
Maheshwari also shared his experience of working on “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and said that it was an incredible opportunity to work with a filmmaker like Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He added that the experience was challenging as Bhansali has a distinct vision and knows exactly what he wants from his actors. Maheshwari revealed that he had to learn new things on the set and work hard to meet Bhansali’s expectations.
Talking about his journey so far, Maheshwari said that he feels fortunate to have got the opportunities that he has received. He believes that hard work, patience, and perseverance are essential for anyone who wants to make a name for themselves in the industry. Maheshwari also emphasized the importance of networking and building connections in the industry. He said that it is essential to meet new people, make friends, and learn from their experiences.