EXCLUSIVE: ‘Manav’ Shantanu Maheshwari Reveals Being Unaware Farida Jalal Was Part Of Love In Vietnam; Says, “Main Song Ke Liye Aaya Tha Aur…”

Dancer-actor Shantanu Maheshwari will be seen in Love in Vietnam with Farida Jalal, Avneet Kaur, Kha Ngan and others. Ahead of the romantic drama’s release, the director Rahhat Shah Kazmi and the lead actor sat for an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble. During the conversation, Shantanu revealed he did not know veteran actress Farida Jalal was joining the cast. He even praised her positive aura and humble nature on set. Scroll down to read below.

Love In Vietnam Director Rahhat Shah Kazmi On Casting Farida Jala

When asked about casting veteran actress Farida Jalal in Love In Vietnam, director Rahhat Shah Kazmi said, “Farida ma’am, Raj Babbar sir, Gulshan sir — teeno hi legends hain apne zamaane ke, jinko hum bachpan se dekhte aaye hain. Aur teeno hi bahut acche log hain. Farida ma’am toh matlab, poochho hi mat. Unke saath toh alag hi sweet heart vibes hoti hain. She’s so bubbly, so pyari ki you don’t even feel like there’s an age gap. Hum masti karte hain unke saath, unke aage-peeche baith jaate hain sab log. Luckily, maine ek film pehle bhi ki thi Farida ji ke saath jo kaafi festivals travel kar rahi thi.”

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A post shared by Avneet Kaur (@avneetkaur_13)

He added, “Tab wo mujhe bolti thi, ‘Tu festival wala hai na.’ But unhone mujhe bahut pyaar diya tha aur unki wajah se woh experience bhi kaafi accha ho gaya tha. Iss baar jab maine unko phone karke sirf bola ki, ‘Ma’am, yeh film hai aur aapki bas duaayein chahiye,’ toh unhone bola, ‘Beta, main aa rahi hoon.’ Aur jab maine unko script narrate ki na, toh unki aankhon mein aansu aa gaye. Last mein, jab main story suna raha tha, unhone tissue paper le liya aur boli, ‘Yeh film bahut acchi chalegi beta, bahut pyari film hai.’ Maine kaha, ‘Aapne toh aisi iconic films ki hain, hum aapke saamne kya dikhayenge.’ Raj Babbar sir bhi waise hi, legends.”

Shantanu Maheshwari Reveals He Was NOT Aware That Farida Jalal Would Be Joining The Cast

Speaking about the same, Shantanu added, “Mere liye toh ekdum alag hi tha, kyunki mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha ki Farida ma’am hamari movie mein hain. Sach bolun toh mujhe kisi ne bataya hi nahi, ekdum surprise tha. Main song ke liye aaya tha dance karne, aur pata chala ki Farida ma’am hain movie mein. Thankfully, uss time mera dance part nahi tha, sirf kuch aur portions shoot ho rahe the. Main door se bas unko dekh raha tha — koi aayega, koi milayega mujhe, aisa lag raha tha. Aur she was so sweet. Aap believe nahi karoge, unka chair lagaya gaya tha wahan, ek empty jagah thi.”

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A post shared by Shantanu Maheshwari (@shantanu.maheshwari)

Concluding the dancer said, “Aur I think she has so much positivity ki dheere-dheere lightman se lekar dancers tak, sab log unke paas aane lage: ‘Ma’am ek photo please,’ ‘Ma’am aapko iss movie mein dekha tha,’ ‘Ma’am aap mujhe uss role se yaad hain.’ Aur woh sabse happily conversations kar rahi thi. Normally hota hai na ki ek point ke baad log irritate ho jaate hain, but she is so sweet, so humble. Aur mujhe lagta hai ki agar aap mujhe ek chhoti si tareef bhi karte ho, toh main bhi utna hi khush ho jaata hoon, humbled feel karta hoon. So that’s something one should really learn.”

Love in Vietnam will be releasing on 12th September 2025.

Watch The Full Interview

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Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shantanu Maheshwari Calls Avneet Kaur ‘A Very Good Dancer;’ Reveals If He Duo Had A Dance Battle While Filming Love In Vietnam

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.