05092024-LSTL-01.qxd 9/4/2024 11:42 PM Page 1 c m y b ‘JHUTH BOLNA PADTA HAI’ Nawazuddin Siddiqui talks about film promotions, revealing the contrast between on-screen truth and off-screen illusions. “When I am playing a character, I know that I have to stay true here. There, I am doing the enactment of being true — this film is so good, amazing, this and that,” says Siddiqui. TRIBUNE Life Poster out Farhan Akhtar has announced his new film 120 Bahadur, which is based on the battle of Rezang La. The film is set against the backdrop of the IndoChina war. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 5 SEPTEMBER 2024 The boy who arrived Gurnaaz A CTOR Shantanu Maheshwari infuses charisma and dedication in his craft. Known for his versatility, Shantanu’s latest venture Auron Mein Kahan Dam Tha has garnered praise for his engaging performance and natural on-screen presence. When discussing what drew him to Auron Mein…, Shantanu opens up about his initial excitement about the project. “I remember this being the first time I checked who the director was,” he recalls. “The story impressed me. It was fast-paced without the usual songs or love stories.” Shantanu’s commitment to the role involved a rigorous process. “The audition process took multiple rounds over two months, followed by another two months of workshops,” he explains. “This was crucial for building the chemistry and intensity, especially between young Vasudha (Saiee Manjrekar and young Krishna (Shantanu Maheshwari), which forms the film’s core.” The workshops, he notes, played a significant role in developing the intensity needed for the characters, ensuring that the performance aligned with the film’s overall vision. “We needed to deliver a performance that complemented Ajay sir and Tabu ma’am.” Addressing his chemistry with Saiee, he praises the environ- Shantanu Maheshwari, who has garnered praise for his performance in Auron Mein Kahan Dam Tha, will next be seen in films like Love in Vietnam and Crossfire and a web series, Campus Beach ment encouraged during the preparation phase. “We were comfortable with each other from day one, and the workshops were incredibly helpful. We did numerous exercises to delve into the scenes and refine our understanding,” he says. Adding that the director’s specific guidance helped them in shaping their performances, focusing on the importance of exploring different perspectives and layers in their roles. To step into a role whose grown-up version is played by Ajay Devgn wasn’t so easy either. “Initially, I felt a lot of pressure,” he admits. “I began with watching Ajay sir’s movies to understand his style. Eventually, I asked if I needed to copy certain things or emulate his mannerisms or the way he talks, but the director advised me to stay true to my own approach and that conversation gave me a lot of confidence and helped me understand that the goal was to get the character right and see it evolve into Ajay sir.” Reflecting on his journey from a dancer to an actor, Shantanu shares how his passion for dancing has always been complemented by his acting career. “My first project was actually an acting role where dancers were selected based on their potential to act,” he explains. Although his idea was to take up a behind-the scenes job, he discovered a deep-seated passion for acting. “I wanted to work behind the scenes, perhaps as a photographer or in a similar role. However, when I started acting, I decided to give it my all.” For those who think he is an actor and those who call him a choreographer, Shantanu is clear he is both. “It was quite frustrating for me because when I acted, people would say I forgot dancing, and when I danced, they said I forgot acting. I wondered, why can’t I excel at both? I am equally passionate about both fields,” he says. Balancing is the key and it may be challenging but he does it. “I don’t try c m y b to mix them up but rather balance them within my projects,” he says, noting that maintaining this balance helps him understand rhythm better, essential for both dancing and acting. “For me, acting and dancing complement each other. After Gangubai, which became a significant breakthrough, people accepted me as an actor too.” As we talk about Gangubai and dance, he fondly recalls his experience of working on its songs. “The songs Meri Jaan and Jab Saiyaan hold special places for me. The one-shot sequence of Meri Jaan was particularly memorable. It felt like an international experience because that’s how international choreographers work,” he elaborates, praising Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s direction and vision. From past to present and future, as Shantanu continues to evolve in his career, he remains focused on taking on diverse roles and contributing to compelling stories. “I want to be part of good stories and give my 100 per cent to each project,” he says. And he has several projects on the horizon, including the films Love in Vietnam and Crossfire, as well as a web series titled Campus Beach. While details remain under wraps, he is enthusiastic about the opportunities these projects present. “I’m happy and grateful that I have this freedom of choice right now,” he says. } I’m very happy and grateful that now I have this freedom of choice as far as projects are concerned