From Stage to Screen — Shantanu’s Evolution in a Digital Era
In a world where celebrity and content move at lightning speed, Shantanu Maheshwari stands out as a multi-talented artist who has thrived through constant evolution. Rising from the Kolkata dance circuit to national TV with his breakout role in “Dil Dosti Dance,” Shantanu quickly captivated a generation. His journey did not stop at television; he conquered international dance championships, starred alongside Bollywood’s biggest names, and embraced the shift to digital-first storytelling. As an actor, dancer, and creator, he’s lived the very digital transformation that now powers the Indian entertainment industry.
Through each phase, Shantanu tapped into changing technology: from grainy rehearsal tapes to broadcast reality shows, and today, to viral smartphone clips and social media trends. Despite this tech wave, his focus on authenticity never changed. Shantanu’s story is not just about artistic triumph but also about choosing the right tools to support, not overshadow, his voice.
Shantanu recently sat down with us at ITmatterss for an exclusive and candid chat, sharing insights on how technology fuels his creativity and supports his journey across dance, acting, and digital storytelling. Here’s what we discovered!
Staying Effortless: Tech that Follows, Not Leads
Shantanu’s sets are alive with motion and energy. Whether leading a dance crew or acting in a major film, he values gear that empowers, not distracts. “For me, it’s important that the tools I use don’t interrupt the moment. Good cameras with fast focus, smooth stabilization, and natural color pickup allow me to just be myself in front of the lens,” he says.
He likens his favorite devices to be reliable but barely noticeable when the creative moment strikes. “I like my tech to feel rugged, reliable, and ready for anything almost like military gear… when I know the tools can handle the pace, I can stay fluid, spontaneous, and focused purely on the performance,” Shantanu says.
Style Meets Substance: Authenticity Over Hype
Shantanu takes a refreshing stance when it comes to blending personal style with different devices and apps. He believes “gadgets and apps should complement who you are, not overpower your personality”.
Describing his personal style to be rough-tough, almost military-inspired, Shantanu also brings a layer of fun and authenticity to everything he does. This personal flair guides his tech choices.
“So when I use apps or devices, I choose ones that let me create content in a simple, organic way. The less complicated the tech, the more I can bring my own flair to it and that’s what makes it fresh and relatable,” he says vouching for balance of minimal tech interference with maximum self-expression.
The Go-To Device: Smartphones in Creative Action
Quick changes and fast calls define life on set. Shantanu’s smartphone, with its suite of night, portrait, and cinematic modes, has become his studio-on-the-go. “I love when technology handles the heavy lifting quietly in the background — so I can stay focused on the expression, movement, and overall vibe of the shoot,” he says.
While the smartphone remains his top choice among all the gadgets, Shantanu is always curious to learn something new from his crew between shots. He says, “I enjoy checking out the different cameras the BTS crew uses, always picking up new tricks and learning about features that could help me grow.”
Navigating Trends: Tech with Purpose, Not Pressure
The world expects stars like Shantanu to ride every new tech trend. Yet, his choices are always deliberate; utility and storytelling come first.
“I think it’s all about choosing wisely. Not every new trend is for you, and that’s okay. I adopt technology only if it genuinely helps me tell a story better, or makes my creative process smoother. For me, authenticity is everything! If the tech enhances it, I’m in but if it dilutes it, I’d rather pass,” he says.
It’s this selective and smart embrace that set him apart as both an industry veteran and a digital innovator.
More Than Gear: The Power of Energy and Environment
No piece of technology can replace the creative spark that comes from real connections. Shantanu believes music, collaborators, and even the feel of a shooting location can define a performance as much as any camera.
Talking about how there’s a story behind every shot and his work has this distinct vibe, Shantanu says, “It’s the energy around me. The surroundings, the music, the people I collaborate with; all of that builds the vibe as much as the gear does. Technology helps capture it, but the story really comes from emotions, connections, and the environment we create while shooting.”
Dream Device: Rugged, Seamless, and Stylish
In a world flooded with countless gadgets and devices, finding the perfect tool can feel overwhelming. For someone as dynamic as Shantanu, choice alone isn’t enough — he’s searching for a device that goes beyond the noise and clutter.
Describing his dream device, Shantanu says, “I’d love a single rugged, stylish device that does it all! Something I can carry anywhere, like army gear, that can shoot high quality content, edit seamlessly on the go, and share instantly without losing authenticity. A gadget that feels tough on the outside but intuitive and smooth on the inside. Such a device would be the dream partner for my creative journey.”
While most devices offer only fragments of what creators truly need, Shantanu’s wish for an all-in-one companion: shoot, edit, and share seamlessly, without losing the soul of his art is not at all unreasonable.
Shantanu’s Tech Choices: A Model for Modern Creators
Shantanu’s adaptability sets a template for today’s creators. By balancing tech’s latest features with a firm sense of self, he stands as proof that true artistry will always find its place above the noise. His journey underscores a vital lesson: choose tools that highlight, not overshadow, your unique story.
Let’s see how long it takes before Shantanu gets his dream device — and until then, the conversation about how tech shapes creativity continues.
