MUSBA HASHMI speaks with the judges of Sony TV’s India’s best Dancer to tell you what makes the show different

Dance can never go out of trend. This can be one reason why makers are not ready to give up on the format of dance reality shows anytime soon. While these shows is not new for the audience, but what makes them worth a watch is the talent from across the country.

Raising the bar is Sony Entertainment Television’s latest offering India’s Best Dancer. Adding to the charm of the show are the judges — Malaika Arora, Terrence Lewis and everyone’s favourite Geeta Kapoor.

Tagged as the toughtest dance reality show on TV, what sets it apart is the 90 seconds format. “The contestants will get only 90 seconds to give their best shot in front of the judges, to prove their talent. The contestant will have to impress us with their three ‘best’ moves in order to get their ticket to move to the mega auditions. From a large number of talented contestants, we will pick the  ‘best barah’ ! Also, this show is different from any other dance reality show because we are not going to judge them only basis the number of flips, stunts and tricks in their acts, it’s beyond all of that,” Arora tells you.

All the three judges are expecting talent who will surprise them with their range as a performer. “We are glad that the contestants on the show are uniquely different from each other. The audience won’t see any similarity between two contestants. Each contestant brings uniqueness and variety on stage. And we, as judges, will ensure that we review them objectively as well as encourage them to realise and tap into their infinite potential. So far, the contestants have managed to intrigue us with their acts and only set the bar higher for themselves. We are waiting to be blown off by their power-packed performances,” she says.

Arora will be on a lookout for entertainment quotient in the performances this time. “We will be judging contestants based on three main elements, which is entertainment, newness and technique. Therefore, we are calling ourselves the ENT specialists. While Geeta will be evaluating them on the novelty factor, Terence will scrutinise their dance techniques, and I will be assessing the entertainment quotient in their performances. Lastly, we are looking at originality in their performances,” she tells you.

Kapur tells you that the reason she said yes to the show is that it stands out from other dance reality shows is that it is not harbouring duets, crews, groups or trios. “After a long time, a show is only going to showcase solo dancers, which hasn’t happened in many years now. It was high time that someone came up with this concept, and now here it is. Such a concept was much needed,” she says.

Internet has become a go to option for people who would want learn dance. But, Kapur believes that physical training is a must. “It is great that people are taking interest in learning dance and in case they can’t reach out to a formal guide or guru they are turning to internet. But I would recommend that there should always be someone who can guide you with technique because you can learn dance on the internet, but you may not know or understand the technique. Personal training has always helped me. There should be someone to keep an eye on you and train you with care,” she says.

Kapur is one of the most loved judges on reality shows. What makes her everyone’s favourite is the aura that she possess and the love that she showers upon everyone on the show. She says that she was fortunate enough to have been in the industry for so long.

“Every person has a story to tell, and I have been a part of this industry for quite some time now and I have a long story to tell. But to cut it short, all I can say is that it has been very fruitful. I have been trained by the best, worked with the best and that has helped me foresee the future of dance, and the creation and evolution of dance. I have had a blessed journey. I have never looked at my journey as a struggle; it has only been a learning experience,” she recalls.

Kapur admires a lot of people in the industry to name a few they are Gopi Krishnanji and Birju Maharajji. “They dance beautifully, and I don’t think there is anyone who can compete with them. Also, Farah Khan and Michael Jackson continues to inspire me till now,” she tells you.