Shantanu Maheshwari: The Face of a New Dance Generation

A dynamic force in the entertainment world, Shantanu Maheshwari seamlessly blending his extraordinary talent as a dancer and actor. Known for his graceful precision, effortless versatility, and expressive style, he brings a poetic fluidity to every performance on stage. At the same time, his natural acting ability, emotional depth, and magnetic screen presence allow him to portray complex characters with remarkable authenticity. Whether he’s delivering breathtaking choreography or captivating audiences with layered storytelling, Shantanu continues to prove why he is one of the most compelling and multifaceted artists of his generation.

Few performers in India embody grace, discipline, and youthful charm quite like Shantanu Maheshwari. One of the most beloved faces on Indian television, he has carved a distinctive space for himself through sheer hard work and an unwavering love for dance. In this special interview, Shantanu opens up about his artistic journey—from the first spark to national fame—and how dance continues to shape his life. Excerpts from the interview:

You are known as one of the finest western style dancers in the country today. How did this journey begin for you?

Honestly, it began very quietly. I wasn’t one of those kids who grew up saying, “I want to be a dancer.” But I always moved to music. I remember school functions, random family gatherings—someone would play music and I would just start grooving. When I moved to Mumbai for college, I discovered the street dance culture here. That was a turning point. Suddenly, dance was not just fun—it was a language, an identity. That’s when the journey truly started.

Many people first discovered you on Dil Dosti Dance, How did that show influence your growth?

Dil Dosti Dance was a blessing. I was still figuring myself out, and then suddenly I was part of a show where dance wasn’t just a background element—it was the soul of the story. The show allowed me to explore different forms, understand choreography, perform under pressure, and most importantly, connect with millions of young dancers who saw themselves in us. It shaped my discipline. You’re rehearsing, shooting, performing non-stop—it teaches you persistence.

What were some major challenges you faced early on?

The biggest challenge was balancing studies, commitments, and dance. In college, attending workshops, rehearsing with my crew, performing—everything had to be juggled. But I think the real challenge was mental. When you are young, you constantly question yourself. “Am I good enough?” “Is dance a real career?” “Will people take me seriously?” It takes time to trust your talent. And I think every artist goes through that phase.

Over the years you have been part of dance crews, reality shows, and international competitions. Which experience stands out as transformative?

My journey with Desi Hoppers will always be special. Winning at the World of Dance Championship in Los Angeles was surreal. Competing on a global platform with some of the best dancers in the world—it pushes you beyond your limits. It also showed me the power of teamwork. Dance may look glamorous, but behind every performance there are hours of sweat, arguments, corrections, bruises, and moments where you want to give up. That win was proof that Indian dancers can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global performers.

Your fans often say your style is effortless. What does your training actually look like?

(Laughs) I wish it were effortless! My style is rooted in street forms—popping, locking, lyrical hip hop, whacking—but I keep training in everything. I believe dancers should be open vessels. On a normal day I stretch, condition, and spend at least an hour exploring movements. Even when I’m busy shooting, I make time to dance. For me, dance is like meditation. If I don’t do it, I feel incomplete.

What has dance taught you about life?

Wow, so much. Patience, humility, resilience. Dance teaches you to listen—not just to music, but to people, situations, and even silence. It teaches you to take criticism constructively. And it teaches you to fall and get up again, literally and emotionally. I think dance makes you a kinder person. You learn to express, to understand emotions, to connect.

You have balanced acting and dancing beautifully. How do the two worlds interact for you?

Acting and dancing are deeply connected. Dance teaches you control over your body, your expressions, your timing. Acting gives you emotional depth. When you combine both, your performance becomes richer. I enjoy both worlds because they challenge me differently. Acting pushes me to explore characters; dance pushes me to explore myself.

Many young dancers today look up to you. What advice would you give them?

First, be patient. Social media creates this illusion that success happens overnight. It doesn’t. Train hard, stay curious, stay humble. Expose yourself to different styles—don’t limit your vocabulary. And most importantly, dance for yourself. Not for validation, not for likes. The moment you treat dance like a friend instead of a competition, you will grow.

What keeps you inspired all the time?

The pure joy of movement. The fact that dance still gives me butterflies. Also, the incredible performers around the world—you watch them, and you want to push harder. And of course, my fans. The love they give me is overwhelming. If my journey inspires even one young dancer to follow their dream, I feel complete.

Lastly, how do you see your dance journey evolving from here?

I want to keep learning, performing, and creating. I want to work on projects that merge Indian dance energy with international standards. And I want to help build spaces where young dancers can train and grow without fear. Dance gave me my identity. Now I want to give back to the community that shaped me.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com