In a country where dance and music are an integral part of cinema, it is quite natural for a reality show on dance to be immensely popular. More so, if the contestants themselves are celebrities from different walks of life. Little wonder then, that Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, a dance contest on Colors, judged by none other than Madhuri Dixit, is a hit this season as well.
What brings Madhuri back to Jhalak Dikhla Jaa? "I guess it is my love for dancing which brings me back year after year," she says with her trademark smile. "My sons feel that I am very strict with my marks, so I will be more liberal this time," she adds.
Madhuri appears to have lost a lot of weight. Quiz her about that, and she is quick to respond, "I guess there is no mystery behind my lean look. I've just been dancing a lot. I've always loved dancing since my childhood and my parents have never stopped me from pursuing that. I continue with it even today." With the dhak dhak girl raising the mercury level on the sets, the broadcasters and makers of the show have little to worry about TRPs.
Along with the diva, choreographer Remo Dsouza and ace filmmaker Karan Johar will also judge the show. While Remo has been judging dance reality shows for quite some time, this will be a first time for Karan Johar. What made him say yes to the show?
And what will be his contribution towards judging? The suave filmmaker explains his point of view, "I will be judging the overall feel and presentation. In my career, I have been involved in almost 300 songs. It is obvious that I will be looking at the overall package. For the technical aspects, Madhuri and Remo are there."
Karan is also known to have personally choreographed many close friends' sangeets at their weddings. Is he expected to dance in this show at any point? "I won't, because I can't dance the way others can! Farah (Khan) and Remo (D'Souza) are choreographers first and filmmakers next. It's easier for them. In fact, I will talk to Farah soon and ask her for some tips . She is an amazing choreographer and we are lucky to have her."
It is a known fact that Karan Johar is a huge fan of Madhuri Dixit. Who, apart from her, does Karan rate highly on the dancing front? "Kajol," is his reply. "There is something about her moves which is very lively and refreshing. It adds a lot of meaning to the song."
There are debates and discussions on how reality shows are being rigged and scripted for TRPs. What are his views on this? "I don't know what works for TRPs. I just know that I have to judge this show with complete honesty and be as unbiased as I can be," says Karan.
There is no denying the fact that it will be a delight to watch these judges on the show. But the participants are no less exciting.
A number of them would have never expected to see themselves on stage, dancing to different numbers! Sample the list — famous singer Talat Aziz, cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, television star Pratyusha Banerjee, Gurmeet Chowdhury, Bharti Singh, film actress Isha Sharvani and some others. This season's Jhalak Dikhla Jaa will also see child-actor Darsheel Safary of Taare Zameen Par fame as one of the contestants. Ravi Kishan, famous Bhojpuri actor, is also part of the show, as is Sushil Kumar, the person who won Kaun Banega Crorepati last year.
The show, interestingly, will also have Madhuri performing in a special segment. Explains the diva, "There will be a Madhuri's 'Step Of The Week' in every episode, which the contestants will have to follow."
Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa appears to be a Madhuri Dixit show all the way, but then, who's complaining?