Shantanu Maheshwari says Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' gave him a sense of validation as an actor: 'There is a big change now'

Shantanu Maheshwari, known for his impressive performances in television and dance reality shows, recently reflected on his experience working on the critically acclaimed film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film has been a milestone in Maheshwari's acting career, and he recently expressed that the film has given him a sense of validation as an actor.
Shantanu Maheshwari spoke about how he felt ‘acknowledged’ after working in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. He played the character of Afsaan, a young tailor and love interest of Alia Bhatt's character, Gangubai. In an interview with Indian Today, Shantanu shared that after the film, he felt acknowledged by the industry and critics alike, which boosted his confidence. He also expressed that he got an awareness that he can act, someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali has picked him up, so there is a kind of validation which the industry gets.
The young actor also expressed that the industry has noticed his project with a ‘big director’. He also opened up about the heartwarming response he received as the character clicked with the audience. He also added that now when he is offered projects, people see him in a different light. “So there is a big change. Even in terms of my performance, I feel there's a lot of difference,” he said. Shantanu also acknowledged that he used to be a ‘different performer’ prior to Gangubai, and a different one now. “I am happy with this,” he added.

‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ centers on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, who was known as the Madam of Kamathipura, as chronicled in S. Hussain Zaidi's book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’.

Meanwhile, Shantanu will next be seen in ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’, which is set to release on July 5. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and Tabu.