In an exclusive conversation with India.com, Shantanu Maheshwari opened up about his working experience with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Gangubai Kathiawadi.
Published: September 11, 2025 12:15 PM IST
The world of Bollywood is filled with seasoned actors, directors and producers. From late director Yash Raj Chopra to ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam, there are many directors in the industry who have given some of the biggest hits in Indian cinema. One among them has to be Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose reverence has not been matched by anyone yet. The man has an unmatched eye for detail, a flair for opulence and an undying commitment to storytelling rooted in emotions. However, do you know SLB is ‘picky’ when it comes to the work he does? Yes, this has been revealed by actor Shantanu Maheshwari, who worked with Sanjay in the hit film Gangubai Kathiawadi. In an exclusive conversation with India.com, Shantanu shared his experience of working with SLB.
Shantanu Maheshwari Calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali ‘Picky’
When Shantanu was asked if he was ever scolded by SLB during the shoot of Gangubai Kathiawadi, given that many actors have described the director as very strict on set, he replied by saying, “I don’t know who says strict, but the right word is passionate and when you are passionate about something then you are very particular about the work. So I think, jab apko yeh samajh aajaega toh you will understand him better. Because mujhe yehi samajh aaya ki I could feel his passion and that’s the reason he is very picky about what he does.”
He further added that SLB does not just look at an actor in a frame, but at the entire frame. Shantanu said, “So agar aap bhi koi Sanjay sir ki movie utha ke dekho toh actress ya actor jo dialogue bol raha hai toh uske piche bhi ek actor hoga jo aisi cheez kar raha hai taki woh scene padup ho sake. So, that’s the detailing he goes into.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is Very Witty
Concluding about his experience, Shantanu said that yes, SLB is a visionary and creative director. And when you work with such people, you have to give it to them. He said, “Yes, another thing I would like to add is that he is very witty and his sarcasm bhi kaafi amazing hai. But honestly, I have been lucky ki mujhe kabhi daant nahi padi hai unse. Haan, if you understand his passion you will understand him indeed.”
Shantanu Maheshwari Work Front
Coming to Shantanu’s projects, the actor is all set to win hearts in his upcoming movie Love In Vietnam featuring Avneet Kaur and Vietnamese actress Kha Nang. The movie is helmed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi and will release on September 12, 2025.
