Shantanu Maheshwari is a live wire. The Kumartuli boy, known for his twinkle toes, cute looks and super turns on the small and big screens (Dil Dosti Dance and Gangubai Kathiawadi), was in town for the launch of Tasva’s second outlet in Calcutta, at 174B Rashbehari Avenue (near Triangular Park), a few days before Durga Puja. The menswear brand is from the family of ABFRL (Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail), a collaboration with designer Tarun Tahiliani, that was launched in 2021.
From the moment he stepped onto the sets of this t2 exclusive photoshoot, Shantanu’s full-throated laughter threw us right into the Puja mood. We chatted about his Kumartuli days, how much he missed Calcutta, and what falling in love during the Pujas meant for him.
Is it special for you to come back to Calcutta at this time of the year?
I love it when I get a chance to either come before the Pujas, during the Pujas, or even a bit after the Pujas, because then the rush is less. You can go through pandals more quickly (if you are here a bit early). So, I’m always excited and look out for opportunities to come back to Calcutta, whenever I can, during Pujas.
All my friends are also like, ‘Are you going? Then we’ll also plan, you know, we’ll get some special treatment in terms of like, VIP (access)!’ (Laughs) I’ve come to seek blessings from Durga Ma and Kali Ma to help me with global releases (for his latest film titled Love in Vietnam) as well. We have the Vietnam release, and then we’ll have the China release.
You grew up in Kumartuli, which is the hub of all the Puja preparations. Any memories from those days?
There would be a shehnai type of sound, that used to be the key to understand that, "Oh, Pujas are here", and the last touch-ups were going on. We used to play in Kumartuli Park a lot. That used to be our place to walk around and see what the scale of preparation was that year, and we would keep asking, which idol was for which pandal?
What was more important, I felt, staying around Kumartuli, was the fact that it was like you’re living in an art gallery, which comes to life every year. Also, sometimes you don’t realise it. Once you get away from it, it hits you, "Oh my God. I mean, I was in the middle of…".
To be able to see that clay come into life, and I think it teaches you a lot of patience, art and craft. At the same time, love for detailing, you know. The other day, I was telling my friend that I think that’s the reason I also try to incorporate a lot of detail in whatever I do. So, Kumartuli has really helped me shape up, subconsciously, more than consciously.
How much do you miss Calcutta?
I think Calcutta has so much character. Every lane has so much character. The stalls, the para, the adda…. So, I miss those, the carrom spaces, people discussing random things… politics or something. Those are very much part of my memory. That is something I really miss. More than anything, I miss Calcutta food. Especially chaat and other types of street food are something I crave. Everyone in Mumbai is like, "Oh, you must try this". I’m like, "Bro, I’m from Calcutta. Don’t tell me what to try, what not to try! You have no idea how my taste buds have been developed!" (Laughs)
When was the last time you celebrated Pujas?
Maybe two years back.
What is your go-to wardrobe if you are really celebrating?
I think I’d like to wear something simple and comfortable because I am into casual and functional fashion. At the same time, it should have that classiness. Functionality-wise, it should help me move, dance and eat whatever I want to eat, without any kind of movement restrictions. So, that’s a true Puja flavour. I don’t want to miss out on anything.
Have you ever had a go at dhunuchi naach?
We all have, I think! I think the first time I saw it was on screen in an ad. And I was like, "Oh, that is how they do it!" Then I saw it live a few days later, and I wanted to try. I saw it was kept aside, and nobody was paying attention. I quickly grabbed it, and my mom and dad were there. I was five or six years old. It was heavy for me at that point in time, and I started coughing (because of the smoke from the dhuno). I didn’t know the technique or anything. Years later, I tried it (properly).
Any memories of bingeing during the Pujas or falling in love?
I used to stand in long queues for rolls, bhog and chowmein. That is something I really miss and I cherish (from those days) because I got a chance to live those memories. Whenever I come back to Calcutta, it’s always like nostalgia hitting me, and I want to go out and, you know, just relive those days. So, in my para, Kumartuli side, Madanmohantala, we had those rifle game stalls. And then, after three to four stalls, you always had an eatery stall. That used to be fun, and I really miss those days.
I think what’s best about Pujas, which I feel everyone can relate to, it’s those passing glances (when it comes to falling in love during Pujas). (Laughs) That’s the best romance. And then you try to find out which school she’s from. "No, she’s out of our league… no, we can approach". (Laughs)
How have you kept the Calcuttan alive in you?
I think through the small things, I would say. Like, just celebrating sometimes with food, because mom makes a few Bengali dishes or sometimes street food. She’s very good with phuchka. So, our cravings for phuchka are fulfilled by mom. I think the warmth that Calcutta has is there in you. We have these cultural communities that keep growing, and we believe in that warmth and people coming in and celebrating. So that is something I think I also love. And that is something I would say is how I keep Calcutta alive in me.
What did you like about the Tasva pieces you wore?
I think the first thing I have to say is that they were comfortable. You can comfortably roam around in them and enjoy whatever you want to do. I believe you should be comfortable in whatever you wear. More than fashion, it should be functional. I felt at ease in them, lovely handmade designs and embroidery with a velvet finish here and there. It’s a balance of tradition and contemporary cuts, silhouettes, which I love. I think that’s the speciality of Tasva as well as Tarun sir. A brilliant amalgamation of tradition and what is appealing to today’s generation.
Menswear is growing. What do you think men like nowadays in terms of fashion? What are the styles you personally would not have tried five years back may be, but are game to try now?
I think men in general have become experimental with their fashion. For me, if someone had given me deep-neck kurtas, I would have really avoided them. But now I think I can still try them because I think with fashion, it’s very important to be comfortable. And once you know what you are wearing and how to carry it, maybe that’s when it reflects on others as well. Men have become conscious and aware, and at the same time, want to make an effort to look a certain way, look good. They have multiple choices, and they are adapting to it and are trying something new. So, that is where I am also coming from.
And I am loving the fact that we all are getting an opportunity to try, to experiment, and getting acceptance because that is also important. If you are experimenting or if you are trying something and you are shunned, then it’s demotivating. But if there is constructive criticism, then it’s always good.
Who are the actors or personalities who attract your attention and make you say, ‘Okay, I could try that maybe’?
Timothee (Chalamet) is somebody I really like. David Beckham is my all-time favourite. He is classic. Arjun Rampal is someone I really love for his fashion.
Location courtesy: Raajkutir Kolkata — IHCL Seleqtions