Shantanu Maheshwari flirts with Mumbai with his dance moves for Bombay Times’ Flirt With Your City rap

Actor and dancer Shantanu Maheshwari, who moved to Mumbai from Kolkata to pursue graduate studies, is now ‘hooked’ to the city. So much so, with the Bombay Times’ Flirt With Your City rap going viral, he has designed a ‘hook-step’ for Mumbaikars to dance to. Talking about the song and the dance step, he says, “I love the fact that the rap is fast and crisp. It describes the essence of Mumbai, where everyone likes keeping it short and simple. It’s a fun track, which is constantly playing in my head. As far as the hook-step is concerned, it has an element of hip-hop, and comes from the Bollywood connect the city has.”

This has been captured in a video, which can be watched on FB/ Twitter/ Insta @bombaytimes. Excited to be a part of the campaign, he says, “I hope people enjoy flirting with Mumbai not just because it’s that time of the year, but even otherwise. In fact, flirt with all the cities, especially yours.” Shantanu says that it’s Mumbai’s pace and sea that bowled him over. “Being by the sea rejuvenates me and so, my two favourite spots are Marine Drive and Worli Sea Face. Also, in this city, the sea offers a beautiful contrast. While looking at the seemingly endless expanse of water is meditative and helps you introspect, on the other side is the hustle and bustle of the city, always on the move.”

And, don’t get deceived by his lean frame. The actor confesses that he’s a big foodie and loves digging into the city’s street food. “I’m a huge fan of vada pav. Main practically har jagah ka vada pav khaa chukaa hoon — the famous and not-so-famous spots. I love the pav bhaji at Sardar Pav Bhaji, too. The kebabs and rumali roti at Bade Miyan’s is another favourite. At times, when I am craving for good street food and am unable to go to Town, I go to Raju Bhurjiwala in Kandivali (where he stays)… he makes amazing anda bhurji,” he excitedly shares. Though Shantanu indulges in gastronomic delights, he also ensures that his fitness regime doesn’t go for a toss. So, besides dancing, cycling is another way for him to flirt with fitness in the city. “Whenever I have the day off, I go cycling at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali; there’s so much to explore there. I love photography and the place gives me enough opportunities to capture great shots. For those times when I am training for international dance competitions, I go to Juhu beach and play football as it’s the best way to train. I also do flip training, because there’s sand and it’s easier to practise,” he says.

A student of HR College, Shantanu’s troupe would regularly participate in intercollegiate dance competitions and would often visit Fashion Street to source their dance costumes. Talking about shopping in the city, he says, “We would pick up stuff like hoodies and shoes from there, as it was closer to our college. Even now, once in a while, I like going to Colaba Causeway to buy some funky jewellery, badges, caps and other trinkets. With tourists around, I love the vibe there. My bargaining skill is at its peak when I’m there.” In a city that’s known to never sleep, we ask him about his favourite spots for a night out. Says Shantanu, “Whenever I feel like dancing, I go to the lounges in Andheri, Bandra or Khar. If I want to enjoy a long drive and just chill, I mostly head to Marine Drive. I love the Queen’s Necklace stretch.”