Over the years, Shantanu Maheshwari has emerged as one of the most charming and versatile romantic heroes of his generation. With his upcoming film Love in Vietnam set to release on 12th September 2025, anticipation is high to see him in what promises to be his most layered love story yet. Before Manav’s journey unfolds, here’s a look back at Shantanu’s most memorable romantic roles that built his image as cinema’s new-age lover boy.
Manav in Love in Vietnam
We had to give a shoutout to what we loved of Manav in the film’s trailer! In this cross cultural romance, Shantanu plays Manav, entangled in a poignant love story with Simmi (Avneet Kaur) and Linh (Vietnamese star KhaNgan). Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and based on the classic Turkish novel Madonna in a Fur Coat, the film is set explore love, longing, and identity across borders. With a strong supporting cast including Farida Jalal, Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Mir Sarwar, Saquib Ayub, Krishika Patel, Kusum Tickoo, and Monica Aggarwal, this seems to be Shantanu’s most ambitious romantic outing yet.
Afsaan in Gangubai Kathiawadi
Shantanu made his Bollywood debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi as Afsaan, the shy tailor who quietly falls in love with Gangubai (Alia Bhatt). Their tender chemistry, especially in the song Meri Jaan, became one of the film’s emotional highlights. Afsaan’s quiet devotion made him unforgettable despite limited screen time, proving that even understated love stories can leave a lasting mark.
Krishna in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
In Neeraj Pandey’s 2024 romance-drama, Shantanu portrayed the younger Krishna, a role also played by Ajay Devgn in the later years of the film. His deep love for young Vasu (Saie Manjrekar) formed the emotional core of a decades-spanning story. Shantanu even shaved his head for a crucial sequence, reflecting both his dedication as an actor and the sacrifices his character makes for love.
Ishaan in Campus Beats
For the Gen Z audience , Shantanu’s Ishaan in Campus Beats was the quintessential campus heart-throb. Across five seasons on the show, Ishaan navigated first love, heartbreak, ambition, and friendship—expressed through the language of dance. His charm, vulnerability, and growth has made Ishaan one of the most relatable and loved romantic heroes in the youth genre.
Naman in Ishq In The Air
In Ishq In The Air, Shantanu played Naman, a budding photographer drawn into a youthful romance. With his boy-next-door sincerity and charm, he added yet another shade to his growing repertoire of romantic roles, making the character warm and relatable for young audiences.
From Afsaan’s innocence to Krishna’s tragic intensity, Ishaan’s youthful passion to Naman’s breezy charm, Shantanu Maheshwari has portrayed love in all its hues. With sincerity, screen presence, and a heart full of romance, he has truly become one of the romantic heroes of today.
Now we can’t wait to see the magic he is all set to create on screen with Love in Vietnam releasing this weekend. From the looks of it, we definitely are going to get another Shantanu character the girls would swoon over!
