Karanvir Bohra is producing his first Punjabi film and also busy rehearsing for the reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Ja. He talks to Divya Kaushik about learning nuances and discipline of dance
What is dance to youIJ
Part of skill development. I am glad to be part of the show because I get to learn about many forms and spend time on each, be it salsa, kathak, rock and roll. I have no choice now, otherwise I would have avoided learning so much, or bunked classes. And while learning I realise that dance makes you used to a certain schedule or discipline, which helps in life.
Share your earliest memories of dance…
There have never been dancers in my family. I began understanding dance when I started acting. I was drawn to dance and loved watching people perform, but I was never focussed enough to learn it. I don’t think I even performed dance in school or college. I get bored easily, so I never thought of giving my hundred per cent to dance.
Performers in Jhalak are pitched as non dancers...
I don’t know about sales pitches, but personally speaking, I have always been interested in the show and followed it from the first season. Sometimes my work commitment and tie-ups with channels prevented me from being a part of it. But when opportunity came, I didn’t think twice about it. Though I am busy producing my first Punjabi film (its in post-production stage), I didn’t want to bypass the chance to participate.
How will this influence your movie careerIJ
It is a boon in disguise. I am very competitive and want to win. I will be very proud of myself if I am declared best dancer. I put in lots of effort as an actor. There will be expectations and I am sure I can deliver better on stage than others. This platform has given a chance to follow a target.
Do TV stars have voting advantageIJ
Not just them. For example, Shaan is a popular singer, with huge fan following. They would definitely support him. Whatever your profession, if you are popular you will have an advantage.
Favourite dance forms...
I have started doing tap dancing and am loving it. I read a lot, I do my homework.
Your strength and weaknesses as a dancer:
I learn fast but impatience is my weakness. My choreographer has it tough, as I like to take a break every 15 minutes. Besides I have weak shoulders, so there are problems with lifts.
Favourite dance sequence...
Puttin’ on the Ritz, with music by Fred E Ahlert.
After Saubhagyavati Bhava, you have taken a break from serials…
For me, everything I do is new. After Saubhagyvati Bhava, I got busy as a producer. My wife told me she wanted to do a Punjabi film and I thought why not make one for her. Nothing in life is planned but I want to be an actor of iconic status.
What have you learnt from your choreographerIJ
She once told me she does eight beats for over 80,000 times to attain perfection. She taught me to practice till the time you know you are perfect, then it will be impossible to go wrong . But she is a tyrant, a little beast. However, when she is not training, she is pretty chilled out.
Your favourite dancer:
Michael Jackson.