Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi launched in cinema halls on February 25. Apart from Alia, Ajay Devgn, Seema Pahwa and Vijay Raaz, followers have been appreciating Shantanu Maheshwari’s flip as Afshaan within the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.
The Kolkata-boy rose to fame with Dil Dostii Dance and adopted it up with Girls on Top, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, India’s Best Dramebaaz and Khatron Ke Khiladi 8. With Gangubai Kathiawadi, he takes his greatest bounce, transitioning from an actor identified for his boy-next-door roles to a SLB hero. Shantanu spoke completely to indianexpress.com about working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Gangubai Kathiawadi, sharing display with Alia Bhatt and his journey within the leisure business.
Excerpt from the dialog:
In a latest interview, you talked about that it took time so that you can imagine you make your debut with a SLB movie. So when did that feeling lastly sink in?
The day I wrapped up my shoot. That’s the day I felt I’m a part of this large mission helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Yes, that’s when it hit me that I’m making my Bollywood debut.
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You additionally talked about the way you saved telling your self to not say something silly whenever you meet Bhansali. So what did you lastly say? How was your first assembly with him?
(Laughs) I feel we simply had a really regular dialog, the place he was making an attempt to grasp me and my background. It was only a candid dialog. However, I knew he was additionally looking for his Afshaan in me and was gaging me and my physique language. In my head, I saved telling myself to let him do his work and simply keep centered.
You watched the movie with your pals over the weekend. It should have been a surreal expertise.
It was really tremendous enjoyable. Numerous them wished to see it with me. They cried, laughed and even made enjoyable of me after I was on display. I feel that’s how it’s with buddies. They by no means cease pulling your leg. Some of them have been with me since my first present. So sure, it was very very particular.
And what about your loved ones? They have to be ecstatic too.
Honestly, I had simply informed them that I’m a part of the movie however didn’t actually give a lot particulars. So they went to observe the movie on Friday, and fir toh dhindora peetle lage (they began blowing the trumpet). They requested everybody round them to observe it. It was by no means nearly me however they too beloved the movie, and that’s what issues probably the most.
There was only a glimpse of your character within the trailer. Did you place confidence in the makers or have been you nervous about how a lot of Shantanu will likely be there within the closing product?
I don’t assume I approached the movie that method. Yes, it was my debut movie however greater than that I used to be excited to work with Sanjay sir and wished to provide my 100 per cent. It was total a really completely different expertise for me, and my focus was at all times on that. I had full religion in him and the workforce. I knew that no matter display time I get, it might do justice to my expertise. I used to be in secure palms. As for the trailer, not many learn about Gangubai and so the target was to determine her. Slowly and steadily the world round her was revealed.
Also, you knew Gangubai Kathiawadi can be known as an Alia Bhatt movie, and even has a star like Ajay Devgn. Given you’re comparatively new, have been you assured you may be observed?
From the very starting, I knew it was an Alia Bhatt movie. I knew it was a female-oriented film. It is a couple of lady’s journey. However, I additionally knew that I’ve an vital half within the movie. How she sacrifices her love for the larger objective marks an vital chapter in her journey. I had full perception in myself. And let me inform you, I used to be clapping loudly throughout Ajay Devgn’s entry scene. He is a star for a very good motive.
Tell us about working with Alia Bhatt. How did you each break the ice?
It was fairly a easy assembly on the workplace, the place she got here in and we exchanged greetings. It wasn’t like when she entered, everybody stood up in consideration (laughs). Also, she knew about me taking part in the half and it was all very natural for us. We really by no means needed to break the ice.
Shantanu Maheshwari and Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Was romancing Alia intimidating?
Not actually. We have been fairly clear by way of our characters and fortunately the chemistry got here naturally. We by no means needed to put in additional effort, do workshops or rehearsals. Also, Alia doesn’t carry the aura of a star. She may be very cooperative and a workforce participant. We each knew the script and surrendered to that. It all grew to become simple after that.
Your character, which has fairly a graph, offers with love and heartbreak. What did you consider the battle?
Afshaan is a younger man however on the identical time, he understands Ganbgubai. In the primary scene itself, it’s established that he has received to know her in a deeper sense. And I feel due to that, he understands why she is sacrificing her love. And I feel they’d selfless love for one another and so he backs her. He is aware of it will likely be for her good. That deep love offers him that power.
We all discuss ‘Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroines’, however what’s it to be a SLB hero?
Honestly, I by no means thought of myself like that (laughs). But it was very candy of sir to maintain mentioning that. He would ask individuals to take care of his hero and that made it actually particular for me. It really boosted my confidence and I felt like a hero. However, it was a really family-like arrange and by no means did I let it in my thoughts that I used to be the lead. Titles are given right here and there. At the tip of the day, it’s your work that may speak.
We have heard so much concerning the struggles confronted by TV actors once they transfer to Bollywood. How has your journey been?
I did really feel discrimination a bit however by no means in a harsh method. I feel it’s on the market and one doesn’t have to spell it out. You get that from the vibe. For me, I feel even the tv business took time to simply accept me as I received a really late entry. Given I got here from youth reveals, it was a wrestle to discover a foothold. From, not getting invitations, to lastly receiving it after which even getting nominated. When you’re younger, these items do cloud your thoughts. You are huge in a method however no one is aware of you, and it does get powerful to cope with. But whenever you settle for it, I feel all of it turns into easy. Also, I need to add that the generalisation is now blurring with net giving a platform to so many actors. I simply want it had occurred years again. But as they, it’s higher late than by no means.
For individuals who know you, Shantanu is a quite simple, quiet and personal individual. Given Bollywood is all about glitz and glamour, will you have the ability to slot in?
At instances, it is very important be a sure method however one can’t be calculative about it. I do realise that issues like social media has change into essential and I make that effort now. You can cope with these items however I can not change myself drastically as an individual simply because I’m in Bollywood. There are sure traits in me that make me joyful and preserve me in a very good headspace. That additionally makes me who I’m, and that’s going to at all times be like that.
One both takes little steps or simply flies excessive. You’ve made your huge debut with a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie however what’s subsequent. Does the longer term fear you?
It’s going to be an enormous duty and I will likely be aware. I’m actually joyful that sir believes in me and he has been a confidence booster all through. I additionally share a rapport with him the place I can search steerage and assist. Sanjay sir actually takes care of his expertise and I do know I can at all times seek the advice of him. I’ve at all times been selective and I solely need to do movies and reveals with a very good story. The size and actors don’t matter, however content material must be good. As for TV, I don’t assume I match the invoice anyway.
Dance has at all times been your old flame. What occurs to that?
I’ve at all times balanced each appearing and dance and can proceed to do this. I don’t essentially should be on a world stage repeatedly. I can do much more issues to maintain my love for dance alive.
Lastly, share with us the perfect suggestions you’ve obtained for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Everyone has beloved the movie and plenty of even informed me how I got here throughout as a breath of recent air. Afshaan provides a distinct vibe to the movie. I didn’t anticipate to be that impactful (laughs). Everyone has been actually candy and type. It feels so particular when so many individuals make an effort to succeed in out to you. The proven fact that they’re pleased with me, and really feel I deserve this place simply makes my coronary heart swell with gratitude.
