Madhuri: I want to take dance to every person in the world

Madhuri Dixit is excited about returning as the judge in the next season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the popular dance reality TV show.

"I like the show as it brings out the interesting journey of contestants. Anyone can dance but it is important to put your heart and soul into a performance," Madhuri says. The show will premiere on June 1 on Colors.

Madhuri chats about the show, her upcoming movies, and how she still looks so gorgeous.

For the opening episode of Jhalak..., you will perform the item number Ghagra from the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor. What was it like working with him in the film and on TV?

Ranbir is a talented actor and a very good dancer. The kind of energy he gets on the floor is wonderful. I had a blast dancing with him.

What was it like being teamed with noted classical dancer Birju Maharaj in a special act on Jhalak? (He choreographed her songs in Devdas, Dil To Pagal Hai and for her upcoming film Dedh Ishqiya)

I am happy and honoured that I will be dancing with him in Jhalak. I am getting butterflies in my stomach. I am nervous about being able to match up to him. I will treasure this moment.

You have recorded a song with your mother Snehlata Dixit in your upcoming movie Gulab Gang...

They wanted a voice for a particular sequence, not a proper song. A couple of instruments play in the background and they wanted an actress -- me -- to break into the song. They wanted to make it realistic, so when the director asked me, I thought about it and agreed.

How did you convince your mother?

Actually, I tricked my mother (laughs). I just told her to come along as I was recording. The artistic talent what I have is because of my mother. She is interested in music. She had four children but still managed to do a Masters degree in Vocal Hindustani Music.

She couldn't learn dance but made her daughters learn it. All those things we have got from her.

I quietly took her along and asked her to sing one line for me. She sang and I was like 'Mom, you have made your debut at 80!' (laughs).

How did your children react when they saw you dance to Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?

The first time they saw the song on TV, they came running to me and said 'Mom, you are on TV'. They are still innocent and don't understand it fully. But they were happy that their mother is on TV.

We have not seen a dancing actor like you.

That is your thought (smiles) but I don't endorse it completely. Everybody has their own personality on screen.

You have lost weight and look fit and gorgeous. Was that for a role in any film?

I have lost weight to keep myself healthy.

Second, I have to be seen on screen, and I have to be slim because the screen adds a lot of weight.

Third, in this profession, you have to look after yourself because I have to dance and be fit.

So how do you keep fit?

What you eat is very important. Eat healthy. A workout is very important. I workout or dance for an hour.

I don't starve but I believe in a good balanced diet. I have five small meals in a day, each meal after every three hours.

What is new in this season of Jhalak?

We have associated Jhalak with my online dance academy, Dance with Madhuri. On Jhalak, they will teach seven steps every week. You can learn and upload the steps from my website.  

If someone is good, s/he gets a reward. The better ones get to come on the show, while the really good ones will get a chance to dance with me.

This season it's not only for the celebrities but also for the aam janta (ordinary folk).

What is that one dance form that you wish to learn?

I want to learn tap dancing. During the Stardust awards, we added a few elements of tap dancing. But when I see Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, I feel I should have learnt this also.

Is there any international reality show that you watch?

I like American Idol. I love the singers who come on the show.

Can you talk a bit about your production house?

Under our banner, we have formed an online dance academy. Right now we are working on it to make it more comprehensive and getting more styles into it with different choreographers and gurus.

I think everybody should be able to dance and be exposed to these gurus who have so much talent.

I want to take dance to every person in the world.

It's a stress buster and keeps you fit and just gives you joy. We try and make it easy for everyone to learn at leisure. We want to bring different dance forms, be it classical, western or Bollywood style, under one roof.

How was it working with Juhi Chawla in Gulaab Gang?

She is a very good actress herself and we have very nice scenes together. I enjoyed working in the film.

Any dance based film that you have liked in recent times?

ABCD is a good attempt by Remo D'Souza (choreographer-director). I loved the dance in the movie and it's innovative.

What kind of movies are you interested in?

I found the two roles in Gulaab Gang and Dedh Ishqiya interesting. If I get something challenging, I would love to do it.