Shantanu Maheshwari: Dance unveils passion for acting
Shantanu Maheshwari credits Dance as gateway to acting passion on International Dance Day 2024
- By Gurmehar --
- Monday, 29 Apr, 2024
Actor-dancer Shantanu Maheshwari attributes his passion for dance to his mother, Sandhya Maheshwari, who nurtured his talent from a young age. Despite his initial reluctance, his mother's encouragement and belief in his potential propelled him towards pursuing dance as a career.
Dance as a stepping stone:
Maheshwari emphasizes the profound impact dance has had on his life, not only bringing him joy but also opening doors to various opportunities. He reminisces about representing India on global platforms like World Of Dance and America’s Got Talent with his crew Desi Hoppers, describing those experiences as the best years of his life. However, he cautions against treating dance solely as a means to an end, urging aspiring artists not to view it merely as a stepping stone to other pursuits.
Despite his love for dance, Maheshwari faced challenges due to the stigma associated with being labeled as just a dancer. This perception limited his opportunities, particularly when he ventured into acting. However, his role in Gangubai Kathiawadi challenged these stereotypes, showcasing his acting prowess beyond dance-centric roles.
Unexpected path to acting:
Maheshwari's foray into acting was unexpected, with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali unaware of his dance background when casting him. Initially motivated by financial concerns, Maheshwari's acting journey began with the television show Dil Dosti Dance (D3). Despite not harboring a passion for acting initially, Maheshwari's talent and dedication have since earned him recognition in the industry.
While Maheshwari acknowledges the platform dance reality shows provide for aspiring artists, he expresses disappointment at the commercialization of the art form. He urges individuals not to view reality shows as a shortcut to success, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving the integrity of dance as an art form. In essence, Maheshwari's journey underscores the transformative power of dance and the importance of perseverance in pursuing one's passion, despite the challenges encountered along the way.
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