Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar Rajul Hegde in Mumbai
Bollywood's favourite dancing queen is back.
Madhuri Dixit is judging the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 along with item girl Malaika Arora Khan and choreographer Remo D'Souza.
Here's what she has to say about her latest innings and more.
How did Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 happen?
The channel and the producer of the show have been chasing me for last two years. I agreed to do the show after I saw how Dancing with the stars (original show) was shot in Los Angeles.
I haven't really been in shape for the last two years. But when I saw how serious they were about the show and since dance is my passion, I thought why not?
The celebrity contestants are untrained so it would be exciting to see them perform different dance forms.
But some of them are trained dancers...
Some of them are trained in certain forms but not all. Dancing on the show is different from dancing in movies. Here, there are no retakes. They have to dance and maintain the expressions as well, so it's different.
'Now that my kids have started school, I have more time for myself'
Image: Malaika Arora Khan and Madhuri DixitWhy did you refuse the show earlier?
I had many reasons including the fact that my kids were too young. Now, they have started school so I have more time for myself.
How are you preparing for the show?
I have to judge and give some positive comments. I have to make them realise their flaws and guide them to excel.
Which is your favorite dance form?
Kathak is my favourite dance form. It's very close to my heart. I also like other classical dance forms.
'I am under no pressure'
Image: Madhuri DixitPhotographs: Roy Madhur/Reuters
KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati) did well and now Jhalak has replaced it. You are the main attraction of the show. Do you feel any kind of pressure?
I am under no pressure. I'm just having fun. I think everybody who is participating in the show is also enjoying themselves.
Of late celebrity dance shows have failed to attract the audience. What do you think will attract viewers to this show?
These celebrities on the show have a lot of energy. They have also taken the challenge to showcase different dance forms.
'I always feel that everybody is a born dancer'
Image: Madhuri DixitPhotographs: Roy Madhur/Reuters
Who is your favourite actor when it comes to dancing in Bollywood?
There are quite a few. I like Vaijyanti Mala, Hemaji (Hema Malini) and Helenji.
Have you been able to teach your sons to dance?
[Laughs] As of now, both of them have rhythm. I always feel that everybody is a born dancer. It is all about shedding your inhibitions and the courage to face the audience.
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