Proneeta Swargiary is on Cloud 9 after winning DID Season 5 last night. She talks to Sangeeta Yadav about her journey that started off as a freelance dancer in KoD and a background dancer in live stage performances by superstars as also her DID stint
How was the experience of winning Dance India Dance Season 5IJ
It’s still like a dream for me. When I finally got selected for DID, I never thought I’ll ever come this far and be the winner. I was confident that I could make a space in the top five but I was teamed with Punit Ke Panthers which prompted me to give my best, stay focussed and never give up.
Did you gave auditions before as well at DIDIJ
Yes, my dance journey started after DID Season 2 (2009) when I couldn’t get through the audition round. That made me more determined and I prepared for four years. I used to watch the competition on TV and get an idea about the level of dancing which kept rising every passing year.
When did the dancing bug bite youIJ
Hailing from Assam, (Baksa district) dancing is closely knitted in our culture and festivals. We’ve a tradition of compulsory participation in dance and music in school. I used to pay Rs500 every month to learn dancing. Since then, there has been no looking back. I briefly joined the Belly Dance Academy which helped me to not only polish my skills but get good freelance work as a background dancer in Bollywood actors’ live shows. I also worked in KoD as a dancer.
What was the most difficult act for youIJ
I found aerial dance form extremely difficult as it requires a lot of strength in the hands. It requires years of practise to get perfection and master this dance genre. I even forgot the steps in one of my acts but as I managed to improvise, it went unnoticed by the judges. Though there were difficult levels and high competition at every stage, I enjoyed learning international dance forms like robotic style.
How are you going to spent the prize moneyIJ
I have not decided yet. Rs5 lakh is a big amount and I’ll spend it wisely. Till then, I’ll save it for emergency.
How were the judgesIJ
We all had a great time with Master Siddiqui, Master Mudassar and Master Punit and they were very supportive and helpful. Out of the three, my favourite is Master Punit as I have been a big fan of him and followed him in this profession. Apart from him, I idolise Madhuri Dixit as well.
How was your experience with Mithun DaIJ
I’m amazed to see the Grand Master continuing with the show since Season 1. He makes DID a wholesome entertainer. He is very friendly and easy going. His grand salute was a treat.
Did you suffer any injury during the showIJ
Not really. But before getting selected for the show, I got a muscle pull while practising for a KoD show. I was on bed rest for three months. But nothing happened to me during DID.
Being a DU student, how did you manage dancingIJ
I have done my BA through the Open University. It was no trouble for me to manage my studies with dancing.
You have been staying in Delhi for quite some time. Coming from the North East, did you face any problems hereIJ
We always face racist comments from passersby who call us Chinese or Chinky. But I didn’t get involved in fights as I ignored it all.
Your future plans.
I have worked in an Assamese film titled Delhi to Borderland and worked in an album as well titled I love You Bung Sona. I will be looking for other opportunities in dancing and choreography as well.