Filmmaker Anurag Basu is all set to co-judge the second season of kids dance reality show Super Dance 2-Magic Mehnat Mein Hai. He talks to PRAGYA MITTAl about his experience and what he has learnt from the show

What’s new in the second season of the showIJ

Talent in the contestants is much more than last season. As a judge, I consider last season as a practice match. Dance as a genre was unexplored by me last season and I was a bit nervous. This year, since I am more familiar with the technicalities and format of the show, I am not nervous. As for the format, this year, it is the same. The only difference is that new mentors have been appointed this season.

Other than dancing, is there anything else you look for in contestantsIJ

We look for innocence, as the children while getting trained by an adult trainer they lose their innocence at an early age. But we, in the show, look for innocent and pure talent to bring the authentic talent for the audience.

During the show or after winning it, contestants disappear. WhyIJ

As I said in the earlier season as well, we encourage children to take the show as an experience but not as a career opportunity. We make them feel lucky that as a performing artist they have been given an opportunity to be in front of such a large audience. But soon they will go back home and they need to go back to their normal life and regular studies.

Why no dance sequences in your moviesIJ

Earlier, I never used to have dance sequences in my movies. Also, I never had a choreographer for any of my films. But this show encouraged me to have dance in my movies and I had dance performances in my recent movie Jagga Jasoos 2. This show has helped me to improve as a  director.

How will Supper Dancer 2 cater to audience’s demand when there are so many dance showsIJ

The show’s first season was a huge hit and it was rated as one of the most viewed reality show on TV. For us, the challenge is to maintain the same level of entertainment for the audience. Also, it is a children’s reality show so it will have that authenticity and transparency which will attract the audience and make it a pure non-fictional show.

Which  medium is easiest to entertain viewersIJ

I feel TV is the most difficult medium to grab the attention of the audience. As a filmmaker, I feel more insecure while doing TV. It is very difficult to bind the audience with one show. Whereas in movies if the audience comes to the theatre they are already there to support. There are so many options available on TV which easily distracts the audience, so you have to be very careful about the content and direction with TV shows.