SHANTANU Maheshwari, who danced his way into our hearts with his smooth moves at the World of Dance Championship, and impressed us further with roles like Swayam in the TV series Dil Dosti Dance, Shaan in Yeh Hai Ashiqui and more, will soon be seen playing the role of a medical student in ALTBalaji’s web series, Medically Yourrs. The heartthrob spoke about his challenging character of Abir Basu, doing more music videos, and waiting for his big break in Bollywood. Excerpts from the conversation:
What is it about Abir Basu that drew you to the project?
I find the character to be very unique, something that I have not played before. So, it is a bit challenging. Abir is the lead in Medically Yours, my second web series, and though he seems quite a happy-go- lucky guy, he has shades of grey. Just like us, he is neither totally positive nor entirely negative. At first, it was difficult for me to understand Abir, and understand why he was behaving in a certain way, but when I read the script further and understood the character more from the point of view of the writer, I had to say yes to it.
How much do you identify with the character?
We are both very different characters, apart from maybe some odd similarities. Also, because the character is so different from me in real life, that coaxed me to play the role. It compelled me to think from the perspective of a medical student, whose characters have different layers.
Your character in the trailer says, ‘Life is a race’. Do you agree with him?
That’s a tough question to answer. In a way, the character is right, when he says, life is a race, but it totally depends on your attitude towards life. It depends on whether you perform every time to win, or to give your best.
Again, your character is pursuing MBBS, but he is also passionately into music. Did you also face this dilemma in real life?
We all go through this dilemma in our lives. While Abir is struggling to choose between academics and music, for me, it was more about finding out what I want to do in my life. In fact, I had enrolled for Chartered Accountancy because everyone around me was doing that, and I just wanted to follow everyone without thinking much. But my parents were very supportive, and they knew my potential, and the fact that I would do better in the entertainment industry. My life ultimately took a very different direction with dance.
When are we getting to see you in Bollywood films?
I am giving auditions as of now, and I am also looking forward to that break.
What other projects are you working on?
In terms of acting, I am sure you will see me in many different roles. I am also concentrating on music videos now.