| Shahnawaz was born in Raj Khariar, Nuapada, Orissa, into a middle-class family. |
| His family relocated to Raipur when he was seven years old. |
| He discovered his passion for acting when he performed on stage for the first time in class seven. |
| He completed his graduation from Ravishankar University. |
| While in college, he participated in local drama groups and acted in plays. |
| Renowned theatre artist Habib Tanveer selected him during college and offered him to join the theatre group 'Naya Theatre.' |
| Throughout his theatre years, he performed in acclaimed plays like 'Charandas Chor' and 'Lala Shohrat Rai.' |
| In 1991, he moved to Mumbai to pursue his acting career. |
| His acting debut was in the show 'Jan Se Jantantra Tak.' |
| He gained popularity for his role in the TV series 'Shri Krishna.' |
| He portrayed 'Sindbad the Sailor' in the fantasy TV series 'Alif Laila.' |
| Shahnawaz appeared in various TV serials and films like 'Bangistan,' 'Raees,' and 'Mirzapur.' |
| He was featured in advertisements for brands such as 'Century Plywood' and 'Honda Activa 4G.' |
| He provided the voice for the character 'Sugreev' in the TV series 'Hanuman' (2005). |
| In August 2015, he portrayed 'Hafiz Saeed' in the Bollywood film 'Phantom,' which faced a ban in Pakistan. |
| At an award function in Mumbai on 18 February 2023, he suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. |
