Choreographers play an integral part in any dance-based reality show and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is no different. SIDHI MISHRA spoke with the two most talented dance masters on the show, Suchitra Sawant and Salman Yusuff Khan, to tell you how exactly they are paired with celebrities
You have been a part of JDJ for a very long time. How has your experience beenIJ
SUCHITRA: The experience is refreshingly different. While performing on stage, it is comparatively simpler because we don’t have to co-ordinate others things. But on a dance reality platform, the scene is completely different. From selecting a song, costumes, make-up, stage utilisation to choreographing — everything has to be done in one single act. That has been a learning experience for all of us.
SAlMAN: One thing that this show has taught me is to not take things lightly. In the previous seasons of JDJ, we used to get three months to prepare for an act but from this season onwards, the format has changed and we get only one week to prepare everything on a given theme. The competition has become more challenging now. If anything goes wrong, choreographers are held responsible. Thus, we’ve to take care of everything.
How are the choreographers approached for the showIJ
SUCHITRA: It happens through a positive recommendation. When people see us perform in events and if they like our act, then we are immediately recommended. Then the channel also conducts an audition of the choreographers, if they feel there is a need.
SAlMAN: If you have good contacts and your work is worth it, you can be recommended for the show. I, for one, never gave audition for JDJ.
What is the process of pairing celebrities and choreographersIJ
SUCHITRA: We have no say in this matter. The pairing is done by the channel’s creative team. It analyses the qualities of choreographer and celebrity before taking a decision. Accordingly, we’re allotted celebrities taking into consideration who can work more comfortably with whom and which pair will look good on screen. For a non-dancer, they need more patient choreographers. I’ve experience in handling non-dancers so I land up with them.
SAlMAN: We are just informed that we have been allotted a particular celebrity. I’m lucky to have been paired with pretty girls and it can’t be co-incidence.
How difficult is it to teach a celebrityIJ
SUCHITRA: It’s a huge challenge and requires a lot of hardwork from the celebrity as also the choreographers.
Do choreographers have to bear tantrums of celebritiesIJ
SAlMAN: That’s why they’re celebrities and we are not! But I don’t bear any tantrum because I can’t compromise on performance. If I believe that this step or this idea will work then I don’t bring any variation to entertain the tantrums of celebrities. We’re here to give our best in competition.
Your favorite partner in JDJIJ
SAlMAN: Isha Sharwani is an amazing dancer. She is the best dancer I’ve worked with.
SUCHITRA: Suresh Menon was very hard working. He could have gone further.