Shantanu Maheshwari is one multi-talented dude. After acting (lead in Dil Dosti Dance ) and also taking part in a reality show as a contestant (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8), he is now all set to wear the host’s cap once again in Zee TV’s India’s Best Dramebaaz 3.
Says the dancer turned anchor, “I have hosted MTV Love on the Run before; so I love what I do here. Also as an artist I always like to push the envelope.”
The current season which started last weekend has Vivek Oberoi, Omang Kumar and Huma Qureshi as presiding officers. Season 2 judge Sonali Bendre who was supposed to have returned to the dais in Season 3 as well had to drop out, for she was diagnosed with high grade cancer.
“It was so sad to hear about it; hope mam can beat the Big C in quick time,” Shantanu says.
Talking about the format he says, “While there are several singing and dancing reality shows for kids, India’s Best Dramebaaz is the only acting show for the bacha party. And since the makers are now into Season 3, they know what it takes. I had not watched the earlier season but my family has done so and know all about it.”
How do you deal with kids? “Luckily I am good with them, so no major shakes. Agreed they are moody and sometimes don’t wish to say their dialogues and at other times don’t want to stop. But then our team is very good and knows how to handle them.”
Looking ahead Shantanu will now want to return to full fledged acting. “I would love to do films.”
He has not got any major acting assignments post his 4 years stint in D3, san episodics in Yeh Hai Aashiqui, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Twistwala Love and MTV Big F (season 2).
“Besides this, my dancing stint with my group Desi Hoppers continues,” he avers.
Talking about dance reality shows, Shantanu who had taken part in Boogie Woogie back in 2002 says, “Rather then being very versatile, we seem to be more focused on few dance forms (Bollywood) which is not good according to me. Also I will not want to talk much about talent hunt shows, for I have not taken part in them for years, preferring celeb dance shows which are a different ball game.”
Shantanu is among very few Indians who have taken part in international reality shows. After finishing in the top four of Asian Battleground – Malaysia (Astro AEC), he is currently representing India at World of Dance Season 2. “I can’t say much except that the level of dance out there is much higher.”
He also was a part of Season 1 of this NBC show as well.
All the best, Shantanu!!
