Shantanu Maheshwari (born 7 March 1991) is an Indian actor, dancer, and choreographer who works in Hindi television and cinema. He first came to public attention through the youth television series Dil Dosti Dance, and later expanded his profile through dance reality television, international dance competitions, and a Bollywood debut in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production.
| Full name | Shantanu Maheshwari |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 March 1991 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations | Actor, dancer, choreographer |
| Television debut | Dil Dosti Dance (as Swayam Shekhawat) |
| Film debut | Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) |
| Dance crew | Desi Hoppers |
| Notable wins | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8; World of Dance Championship (Los Angeles) |
| Major award | IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Male |
Maheshwari built his early career around dance before moving into mainstream acting. His training in choreography and performance shaped much of his subsequent television and film work, and he has been associated with both fictional drama and competitive reality formats.
Maheshwari rose to prominence with his portrayal of Swayam Shekhawat in Dil Dosti Dance, a youth-oriented television series centred on a college dance crew. The role established him as a recognisable face among younger Indian television audiences and showcased his dancing abilities alongside his acting.
He went on to participate in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8, the Indian stunt-based reality competition adapted from the international Fear Factor format, which he won.
Maheshwari has been part of the Indian dance crew Desi Hoppers, with which he represented India at the World of Dance Championship held in Los Angeles. The crew won the championship, contributing to his recognition as a performer beyond Indian television.
He made his Bollywood debut in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. His performance in the film earned him the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Male.
Maheshwari's career reflects a growing pathway in Indian entertainment in which performers transition from youth television and dance reality formats into mainstream Hindi cinema. His progression from a dance-led television role to recognition at international dance competitions and finally to a Bhansali-directed feature film illustrates the increasing crossover between dance, television, and Bollywood.