Shantanu Maheshwari’s fans have loved him as Swayam in Dil Dostii Dance. Now his fans — and the t2 inbox confirms there are many — will get a chance to see Shantanu as Shantanu in Bindass Naach, a weekly non-fiction dance-based show, to hit TV screens on August 16. Step Up: All In fame Jaja Vankova has come down to India to choreograph the acts for the Bindass show. t2 turns the spotlight back on Calcutta boy Shantanu.
After Dil Dostii Dance, you are coming back to TV after a gap. You must be excited...
I am excited, but also nervous. It is a huge responsibility. I pray every day that it comes out well. I need people’s support and wish to live up to their expectations. This show is real. It is all about our sheer dedication and passion for dance. It will show the journey of passionate dancers who are desperate to prove their strength and represent India in an international dance competition. We are going to World of Dance in Los Angeles in August.
To what extent will your fans get to see the real Shantanu?
We are shooting in real time so there are cameras almost everywhere. It will show our families, friends and the way we spend our days. We three (Macedon D’mello and Nimit Kotian) have been friends from college (H.R. College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai). We had formed Street Soul Dance Crew, much before D3 happened. Macedon was on the show and Nimit used to choreograph our acts. This is his (Nimit’s) first appearance on TV.
It sounds like a reality show….
It’s not a reality show... it’s a non-fiction show! There are no eliminations and we won’t compete against each other. It is about what goes into forming a dance crew. It will show how we got together and how we bond. It is about our passion and struggles. Other countries will also take part in the international dance competition. It is like a World Cup of dance.
You have always said you are a shy person. So, isn’t it intimidating to play yourself on screen?
Yes, I am a shy guy! (Smiles) I was a little sceptical about it initially. Everything is real on this show... I am short-tempered. So, people might see a different side of me. I am also an emotional person. I will try and control it. Let’s see how much I can control my emotions. This is the first time people will see me as Shantanu. But the show is not only about me. The show is about our passion for dance. This is my dream... I have dreamt about it day and night.
You are posting pictures from Bindass Naach on Instagram. How are your fans reacting?
People are excited. They haven’t seen us dance together and have seen our bonding. They will get to see how Macedon and I goof around. Well, we three don’t fight. Touchwood!
Ratnalekha Mazumdar
Will you watch Bindass Naach just for Shantanu? Tell t2@abp.in
