'On the auspicious occasion of International Dance Day, renowned actor-dancer Shantanu Maheshwari gratefully acknowledges the pivotal role his mother, Sandhya Maheshwari, played in steering him towards the captivating world of dance.
Maheshwari credits his mother's unwavering belief in his talent and her relentless pursuit of his artistic development as the catalyst for his success. While Maheshwari initially harbored aspirations of working behind the camera, his mother discerned his true potential in front of it. With unwavering determination, she nurtured his talent, living vicariously through his accomplishments.
For Maheshwari, dance transcends mere physical movement; it's an embodiment of joy and a gateway to countless opportunities. Through dance, he has forged enduring connections, achieved recognition, and discovered his passion for acting. His journey has taken him to global platforms, where he proudly represented India with his crew Desi Hoppers at prestigious competitions like World Of Dance and America's Got Talent. These experiences, he cherishes as his 'best years,' a testament to the transformative power of dance in his life.
Despite his enduring love for dance, Maheshwari briefly abandoned it during his teenage years, burdened by the limiting 'dancer tag' that hindered his pursuit of other endeavors. A similar obstacle emerged when he ventured into acting, where he faced skepticism due to his dance background. Determined to break through these preconceived notions, Maheshwari seized the opportunity presented by Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), proving his versatility as an actor capable of excelling in roles that did not necessitate dance.
Ironically, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was unaware of Maheshwari's dance background when he cast him in the film. Upon learning of it, Bhansali remarked, 'par tumhe is movie mein dance karne ko nahi milega,' highlighting the serendipitous nature of Maheshwari's acting career.
While Maheshwari acknowledges the financial motivation behind his initial foray into acting with the show Dil Dosti Dance (D3), he candidly admits that acting was not a burning passion at the time.
Maheshwari has also graced the stage of popular dance reality shows like Kya Masti Kya Dhoom and Boogie Woogie. While recognizing their potential in providing a platform for talented artists, he laments the diminished value these shows now hold. He cautions against using art forms as mere stepping stones for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of pursuing artistic endeavors with genuine passion and integrity.'
