Actor Shantanu Maheshwari’s career took a remarkable turn after he worked in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Primarily known for his work in television and dance, Shantanu’s foray into the silver screen proved to be an important milestone in his journey. Now, in an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, he reveals how the film not only boosted his career but also gave him a deep sense of validation.

In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Shantanu said working in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ gave him validation as an actor. He felt he was accepted by the industry and critics, which boosted his confidence. “The awareness that I can act, someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali has chosen me, so there is a kind of validation from the industry,” he said.

He said, “The industry has noticed that I have done a project with a big director, which the audience has also loved. So, of course, that has happened. People see me in a different light in the projects that I have been offered. So there is a big change. Even in terms of my performance I feel there is a lot of difference. I used to be a different artiste before Gangubai and now I am a different artiste. I am happy with that.”

Shantanu played the role of Afsa in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is a biographical drama based on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a powerful woman from the red-light district of Kamathipura in Mumbai in the 1960s.

Shantanu will now be seen in Neeraj Pandey’s next film ‘Auron Mein Kahaan Dum Tha’, which will release on July 5. The film also stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Sai Manjrekar.