Shantanu Maheshwari, known for his work in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, has candidly discussed the ongoing struggles he faces in the film industry despite having collaborated with renowned directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Neeraj Pandey.
In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Shantanu revealed that even after working with top-tier filmmakers, he still finds it challenging to be accepted as a credible actor. He acknowledged that he hasn’t yet gained the “leeway” to take things easy. Reflecting on the industry’s demand for constant proof of his abilities, he shared, “I still have to perform because I know for a fact that the day and the project I don’t perform, people will say, ‘Dekha, main bola tha na, 2 inning ka khiladi hai, baaki isme vo potential nahi hai.’ So I know for a fact that I have to continuously prove myself.”
The Disappointment of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha‘s Failure
Shantanu also touched upon the disappointment he felt after the failure of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, where he played a younger version of Ajay Devgn’s character. Despite the film’s lack of success, Shantanu found solace in the fact that the people around him, especially his director, were supportive. “For me, I always ask my director, ‘Are you happy with my work or not?’ and he said, ‘I am happy with what you have done, and you will be in the right place after this.’ So for me, then and there, that is the biggest win.”
A Journey from Bhansali to Pandey
Shantanu’s journey in Bollywood began with a prominent role in Gangubai Kathiawadi, where he starred opposite Alia Bhatt. Though his role as Afsaan Razzaq was relatively small, his performance garnered praise. However, despite these notable appearances, he believes the struggle to find consistent, impactful roles continues.
Despite the hurdles, Shantanu remains dedicated to his craft, consistently seeking to prove himself with every project. As he reflects on his experiences, he remains hopeful that the right opportunities will eventually come, reinforcing his belief that talent and perseverance will ultimately shape his path in the industry.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.