Calcutta boy Shantanu Maheshwari’s boyish smile is enough to win you over. Add to that his humility and love for the City of Joy. The multihyphenate heartthrob with 1.8 million followers on Instagram made his ramp debut at Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in Mumbai, in Deepit Chugh’s Line Out Line. The Telegraph caught up with Shantanu seconds after his walk, on fashion faves and life after a super film debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi, starring Alia Bhatt.
This was your first ramp walk...
Yes, absolutely, this was my first ramp walk and that too at Lakme (laughs) and I was the showstopper. It was a lot of pressure, but I was not taking that much.... You were very cool... I had to (be)...
And, that jig at the end was very you...
Initially, I couldn’t hear the music and the only part I could hear was the bass... dhoop, dhoop, dhoop. In the middle is where I could hear the music and I was like I had to do something which is me and represents me, where I come from.
What did you like about what you were wearing?
It’s just me. It’s flowy with class and elegance. Deepit has been someone who has been experimenting a lot and he was the first designer I wore post Gangubai (Gangubai Kathiawadi) when I went to an event, so I have a special connection also with him. I am so happy that he gave me the opportunity to walk for his collection, which is fab.
What is fashion for you and how has it evolved over the years?
Fashion is what defines you as a person, something that I am exploring and of late, a lot, thanks to my stylist, Pyu, because she has been able to read and understand where I am coming from. It’s not just about going out there and being seen, but is also important to represent yourself. She has also motivated me to represent myself through my fashion choices. Through fashion, you can say a lot of things which I didn’t know earlier, but I am learning as I said. I am really looking forward to more such experiences.
Alia Bhatt and Shantanu Maheshwari in Gangubai Kathiawadi, for which the latter earned several accolades and it being his first feature film, made the success that much sweeter
We are sure you have two wardrobes — one for the stage and one off it. Which one is bigger and what would we find in them?
I am trying to keep it equal nowadays. (Laughs) At one point, the behind-the-scenes costumes were more, but I am happy with the change that is happening and enjoying the process.
Do you love wearing anything in particular?
I am someone who even when dressed up, needs to feel casual. I like it relaxed and comfortable and don’t want ever to try hard. It has to be effortless and it has to have me in it.
Who are your fashion icons?
I would say Milind Soman. He has survived for so long and the aura and vibe he creates, it’s amazing. I love Machine Gun Kelly’s style. He’s disruptive and amazing at what he does.
With all the accolades pouring in for Gangubai Kathiawadi, life has been good, right?
Life has been good. The whole aspect of trying to be busy is happening. I am loving it and I am someone who likes to work, I love to explore what I am doing and keep coming up with something new, so that I can keep entertaining. I want to keep exploring my potential. I am happy as an artiste. It’s overwhelming when people appreciate your work and they accept your work and choices.
Do you look back and see how far you’ve come?
It’s been a very long journey. I never thought I’d land up where I am today... never had any backing and never thought I would get into the industry. I also feel the journey has just started.
How often are you in Calcutta now?
I don’t get that many chances, but I try to visit when I can, which is mostly for work. A part of my family is still there. My uncle and aunt still stay there. I try to visit Kalighat when I am there.
SHANTANU’S FASHION ICONS
(l-r) Milind Soman, Machine Gun Kelly
What are your top tips for all the youngsters who would read this?
Since we are at a fashion event, I would just say, try to be yourself. Don’t try to ape someone else. Go with the flow and believe in yourself. Maybe you are not believing in yourself right now, but some years down the line, you will understand it’s the right thing to do. Avoid having regrets. Accept yourself. It doesn’t mean you won’t work hard. Don’t procrastinate and you will get there. It might take time, but you’ll see the results.
What keeps you grounded?
I think I remember where I started and why I started. I always remind myself of those times and also the people around me. They keep me grounded.