TOI: Too young to do saas bahu-Shantanu

Small screen's hotstepper Shantanu Maheshwariin a chat with TOI

Taking part in a talent hunt changed Shantanu Maheshwari's life. Fate couldn't have played a better role as the young gun is earning more brownie points with his stint in the show DilDosti Dance. Shantanu, since then, has found new avenues open in the world of showbiz intending only to go ahead with more glam moments on the tube. "It feels great to be a part of a show which focuses on dance, friendship, and romance, not in the same order of course," says the actor on his current onscreen outing.

For Shantanu, whose life has revolved around dance for over eight years now, acting was "definitely not a part of the plan." He says, "My interest was mostly to try my hand in exploring what goes on behind the camera. But now I am enjoying being in front of the camera too."

Quizzed whether he is the same sporty lover boy in real life like his onscreen Alter Ego, the actor quickly pitches in saying, "I don't know whether I can call myself a cute lover boy (laughs). On a serious note, I am an introvert. I wouldn't say I am very matured, but it feels great when people tag me as a matured person."
The actor who shared a great onscreen chemistry with his on screen costar Sneha Kapoor(Sharon), has a different task at hand, of creating the same chemistry with Vrushika Mehta (who replaced Sneha). Ask him about this and he says, "Sneha and I had started together, so we shared a great bond. Vrushika is a fantastic actor and she is very hard-working. We both are putting in a lot of effort and I hope we can recreate the same magic that Swaron (Swayam and Sharon in D3) had from the beginning."

And Shantanu is definitely enjoying all the attention he is getting. He says, "It obviously feels great. People join this industry to earn fame. But it's funny at times because people tend to mix up your real self and your onscreen character." Ask him whether he is willing to do other shows on the small screen and he says, "I think I am too young to do a saas-bahu drama right now. I am game for reality shows, however."

The actor, who also dons the cap of a technician and a choreographer on the sets, says, "Working as a technician and a choreographer has helped me understand the behind-the-scenes nuances, which has helped me a lot as an actor." He signs off on that note.