When Alia Bhatt called her Gangubai Kathiawadi co-star Shantanu Maheshwari a ‘hottie’, fan says 'I hope he makes it big'

Alia Bhatt and Shantanu Maheshwari play a romantic couple in Gangubai Kathiawadi but the two had met several years ago on a reality show.

Alia Bhatt recently saw the release of her romantic number Jab Saiyaan from her upcoming film, Gangubai Kathiawadi. It features actor Shantanu Maheshwari as her lover. But less do the audience remember that Alia had met Shantanu several years before on a reality show and had even called him a “hottie”.

Alia Bhatt and Shantanu Maheshwari on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 9. 

Shantanu, who is also a trained dancer, had participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa season 9. Alia had visited the sets of the show as a guest and was blown away by his dance performance. Praising him after the performance, Alia had said, "Shantanu, I know people call you cutie. But I want to say you are also a hottie."

As everyone cheered for Shantanu after Alia's comment, he was seen blushing on stage and replied to her with a “thank you.”

Gangubai Kathiawadi stars Alia in the titular role of a vulnerable girl turned brothel owner and matriarch. The has been directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and would release in theatres on February 25.