Shantanu Maheshwari, through the non-fiction show on Bindass Naach, is on a mission — to form a dancing crew and compete at the international level. He speaks with SHAlINI SAKSENA about his dream of becoming the best dancer and win the competition
Tell us about the showIJ
It is a reality show where two of my friends and I embark upon a journey to search for the perfect team in hip-hop dancing from all over the country. We will then train these people so that we can then compete at the international level.
Any particular reason why you have chosen hip-hop as the dance styleIJ
In the competition where we want to showcase our talent, the criteria is that one has to be a master at that particular dance form only. Hence, through our show, our focus will be on those who can show that they know this dance form. It won’t matter if they are rich or poor ugly or beautiful; all they should know is how to dance.
Many dance reality shows are more about aerobics than dancing. Would you agreeIJ
Yes, to a certain extent this is true. But the fault lies with the channel or the producers of the show. They should not show something that is not correct. The viewers don’t know one dance form from the other. You have impressionable minds who will learn wrong moves. As for the performer themselves, if that is what is demanded from them, they have no option but go with the guidelines given to them.
How did dancing come to youIJ
My mother is a dance teacher. I am from a Marwari family where dancing is a big thing especially at weddings. My mother saw some talent in me. Though I had thought I would become a Chartered Accountant, I realised that I loved dancing. Over the years, I had perfected some moves. I would be asked to do stage performances. It was from here on that I decided to follow what I loved. It slowly became my passion and then my dream to be the best dancer ever.
So did your mother train youIJ
To begin with when she saw the talent in me, she would encourage me. But when I realised that I had the right moves I decided to train on my own. My friends and I formed a crew of our own and decided to go our way and came to Mumbai. There was a time when I had given up dancing. I was very dejected. But then I came to the realisation that if I wanted to make a name for myself, I had to continue to pursue my dream and for that I needed to work hard towards it. So I took up dancing again. I started to train again. Today, I think I am on my way to success. For this I need to thank the channel for giving me the opportunity to showcase my moves.
Where does India stand when compared to the west in the dancing arenaIJ
We are good in some dance forms like classical dancing and the west is good in its own way. When we compare the two, I think we have an upper hand. The west is not even close when it comes to dancing styles that we have. People from abroad come here to learn from us. What we can do is combine the good points of both the styles create a fusion which will be truly the best.
What advise would you give to people who want to take up dancing as a careerIJ
Whatever you do, do it to the best of your abilities. Make it your passion so that it doesn’t become a chore or a burden. There are so many avenues now open where one can make dancing a well-paying career. There is only one mantra: Give it your best, success will follow.
What about BollywoodIJ What are your future plansIJ
It is every one’s dream to be part of the giltz and the glamour that Bollywood has to offer. I am trying my best to get a break. For now, I want to concentrate on Naach. It is very time consuming and tiring. I don’t want to do too many things at the same time.