It's hard earned money for this couple. Tina and Hussain had to sweat it out for the Rs 20 lakh prize money they won in Nach Baliye 2.
Tina, who shot into the limelight after her fantastic performance throughout the dance competition, says, "It's a dream come true for me. It is Star One's biggest and most precious gift on our first wedding anniversary (on December 21)!"
Tina had never faced the arclights before this show, and still cannot believe that she has actually won the much coveted prize on one of the most popular television shows. "When my mausi called me to congratulate, I was like why she is congratulating me? I could not believe my ears."
Her husband Hussain echoes Tina's feelings of disbelief. "Believe it or not, this is the first contest I have won!" he exclaims.
What was it that made them stand out from the other couples? "I feel we always tried out something different right from the early episodes," says Hussain, better known as Sumit from Kumkum. "The full credit goes to our talented choreographers, Harshall and Vitthal."
Tina adds, "When Sachin and Supriya were announcing the results, we were astonished to know that the difference of votes from Yash and Gouri Tonk is 4 lakh audience votes! I thought we would lose because a non-actor like me will never get so many votes."
Would it have been more difficult if Bakhtiyar and Tanaaz were competing in the finals? "I don't think so. We gave our best shot in the finals and would have done so irrespective of who our competitors would be," says Hussain.
Hussain feels the toughest hurdle was the blindfolded rounds. "All the hard work paid off during that round," he says.
Apparently, it was at Hussain's insistence that the duo decided to participate in Nach Baliye 2. "We all know that Hussain is a fabulous dancer, and I am a non-dancer. He always wanted to participate in Nach Baliye. I didn't want to dishearten him, so I agreed," explains Tina, adding, "My family kept telling us not to join the show as they thought we will be eliminated within the first three rounds. But it was sheer hard work and the grace of God that we won the title."
Tina had to work really hard to hone her dancing skills. "I did not take the judges' comments negatively because I know how I am as a dancer. I always practiced more than Hussain."
The couple are planning a short vacation but not sure when because Hussain is tied up with his serials. "He has to make up for the time he spent behind Nach Baliye!" she exclaims.
Will Tina start acting now? "I don't know A of acting!" she says. "So if any producer/director approaches me, they have to teach me from scratch. But Nach Baliye has made me confident of facing the camera."
Hussain, being the finance wizard among the two, will decide on how to spend the 20 lakhs booty. But not before giving Tina a good chunk for shopping.
