Shantanu Maheshwari on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi completing 3 years; says ‘This film changed how I saw myself’
etimes.in | Feb 26, 2025, 08.10 PM IST
Actor Shantanu Maheshwari has impressed the masses with his roles in Dil Dosti Dance, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, Chaalchitro: The Frame Fatale, Campus Beats, and Toothpari. However, the one film that truly changed his fate was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi."
Playing Afsaan, a tailor and love interest of Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai, Shantanu’s portrayal was subtle yet impactful, and his chemistry with Alia Bhatt was widely adored by fans and critics alike. Their song “Meri Jaan” became an instant favourite of the masses. With this role, Shantanu not only gained mainstream recognition but also redefined how people saw him as an actor.
As Gangubai Kathiawadi completes three years, Shantanu took to Instagram to share an emotional note reflecting on the film’s impact on his life. He expressed deep gratitude to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for believing in him, acknowledging how the film shaped him as both an actor and a person.
He wrote, “Some films give you a role… some films give you a journey… and then there’s Gangubai Kathiawadi… which gave me both and so much more. This film changed how people saw me as an actor… but more importantly, it changed how I saw myself. no words will ever be enough to express my gratitude to #SanjayLeelaBhansali @bhansaliproductions sir… what he has done for me is beyond anything I could put into words—thank you for the trust, the belief, and the opportunity.
"I walked onto that set every day with my heart full and my mind wide open… I learned, I unlearned, I grew. From @shrutimahajancasting ma’am, who first saw something in me… to @preetisheel who curated the look… to @aliaabhatt whose dedication was inspiring… to @sudeepchatterjee.isc sir who’s so humble and loving… to @prerna_singh6 ma’am for being so understanding to @iamkrutimahesh for helping me and being you… and every single person behind the scenes—makeup, hair, assistants, lightmen, spot dadas—each one played a part in shaping this experience. I was living every moment on that set… excited, overwhelmed, terrified, but determined. keeping my emotions in check was the hardest part because deep down, I knew… this was special and it always will be."
I wish I could meet Sanjay sir more often… just to soak in more of his brilliance… to learn from him… to understand how his mind creates such magic… every part of this film feels so fresh—right from my first audition to the final day of shooting Meri Jaan… to Kruti and her team setting the floor on fire with Dholida… some moments stay with you forever… and this film gave me a lifetime of them. And lastly… YOU… thank you for every bit of love you’ve shown me… then and now. the way you embraced me and my journey in Gangubai Kathiawadi means more than I can ever express… I see it, I feel it, I hold it close to my heart. Forever grateful, forever thankful.”
Shantanu Maheshwari’s journey from a television heartthrob to a big-screen performer has been an inspiring one.
Playing Afsaan, a tailor and love interest of Alia Bhatt’s Gangubai, Shantanu’s portrayal was subtle yet impactful, and his chemistry with Alia Bhatt was widely adored by fans and critics alike. Their song “Meri Jaan” became an instant favourite of the masses. With this role, Shantanu not only gained mainstream recognition but also redefined how people saw him as an actor.
As Gangubai Kathiawadi completes three years, Shantanu took to Instagram to share an emotional note reflecting on the film’s impact on his life. He expressed deep gratitude to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for believing in him, acknowledging how the film shaped him as both an actor and a person.
He wrote, “Some films give you a role… some films give you a journey… and then there’s Gangubai Kathiawadi… which gave me both and so much more. This film changed how people saw me as an actor… but more importantly, it changed how I saw myself. no words will ever be enough to express my gratitude to #SanjayLeelaBhansali @bhansaliproductions sir… what he has done for me is beyond anything I could put into words—thank you for the trust, the belief, and the opportunity.
"I walked onto that set every day with my heart full and my mind wide open… I learned, I unlearned, I grew. From @shrutimahajancasting ma’am, who first saw something in me… to @preetisheel who curated the look… to @aliaabhatt whose dedication was inspiring… to @sudeepchatterjee.isc sir who’s so humble and loving… to @prerna_singh6 ma’am for being so understanding to @iamkrutimahesh for helping me and being you… and every single person behind the scenes—makeup, hair, assistants, lightmen, spot dadas—each one played a part in shaping this experience. I was living every moment on that set… excited, overwhelmed, terrified, but determined. keeping my emotions in check was the hardest part because deep down, I knew… this was special and it always will be."
I wish I could meet Sanjay sir more often… just to soak in more of his brilliance… to learn from him… to understand how his mind creates such magic… every part of this film feels so fresh—right from my first audition to the final day of shooting Meri Jaan… to Kruti and her team setting the floor on fire with Dholida… some moments stay with you forever… and this film gave me a lifetime of them. And lastly… YOU… thank you for every bit of love you’ve shown me… then and now. the way you embraced me and my journey in Gangubai Kathiawadi means more than I can ever express… I see it, I feel it, I hold it close to my heart. Forever grateful, forever thankful.”
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Shantanu Maheshwari’s journey from a television heartthrob to a big-screen performer has been an inspiring one.