IIFA: Shantanu Maheshwari bags ‘Best Debutante Male’ award for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’

Last seen in the OTT series ‘Tooth Pari’, the actor delivered a noteworthy performance in his debut film last year - Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s biographical crime drama ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’. Shantanu portrayed the role of Alia Bhatt’s love interest, named Afsaan.

An iconic moment for Shantanu today, the actor earned a lot of love and appreciation from both the audience and the industry for his performance in Bhansali’s masterpiece.

Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Shantanu said in his acceptance speech, “It's my first, and it means a lot. It has been a long journey to reach this point, but the best part is that it's only the beginning. I began my career in the TV industry, and I would like to express my gratitude to Palki Malhotra for giving me my first opportunity in TV. If that hadn't happened, I wouldn't have discovered my passion for acting. I want to thank my parents and my family, as well as the individuals directly involved in the film Gangubai Kathiawadi.”

“A big thank you to Leela ma'am for spotting me, Sanjay sir for giving me that opportunity, and introducing me to the world in a completely different light. I have learned a lot, and Alia Bhatt, thank you for being so helpful. I also extend my gratitude to Sudeep sir, Shruti ma'am, Krutee, and everyone else who was involved in Gangubai. Your support means a lot to me. Thank you all so much for everything,” he added.

On the work front, he will be next seen in Neeraj Pandey’s ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’, alongside the likes of Ajay Devgn and Tabu.

(With UNI inputs)