"Dance gives me peace." - Monica Khanna

Monica Khanna who is seen essaying the role of Payal Rubel Diwan in Star Plus' very popular show Pyaar Ka Dard Hai...Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara... speaks with TellyBuzz about what she would have been if she would not have been an actor. The lesser known fact about her is that she is a trained Salsa dancer before and wanted to become a choreographer before she stepped into this acting field.

This is what Monica had to say when asked her about her love for dancing.

"I am a professional Salsa dancer and I have learned dancing in New Delhi. Actually it was my dream to become a choreographer but somehow things changed and I am here as an actor. But yes, this passion of dance will not go from my life."

What is that thing about dance that you really like? "I love dancing. Whenever I am happy, in anger, whatever mood I am in, I just dance. Dance gives me peace."

Who is your inspiration when it comes to dance? "I have grown up watching the queen of dancing Madhuri Dixit and following her step. Today also if anyone asks me to do any of Madhuri ji's steps, I can do that blindly. Madhuri Dixit Nene is my idol when it comes to dancing."

Any incident you would like to share with us when you showcased your dancing talent on the sets of Pyaar Ka Dard? "One recent incident where I showcased my dance talent was for a few episodes Nakuul Mehta, Khushwant Walia, Disha Parmar and I had been to Australia and there I had choreographed a duet song for Nakuul and Disha. It was fun."

Under whom are you trained and if given a choice, which choreographer would you like to join? "My choreographer is Fatima Khanam. She is a Delhi choreographer and I am trained under her. There are many choreographers today in our industry but out of everyone I really like Shiamak Davar. I really like the way he presents himself and also his dance acts. I have seen many of his events, many of his dance performances and it is just amazing. They have some other level. I respect all choreographers and every choreographer has their own genre. Farah Khan is very good with Bollywood choreography whereas contemporary is Terence Lewis 's forte. But Shiamak is something else. So i would definitely go with him (chuckles). I have not got an opportunity to meet him personally but as a person I have heard that he is a very sweet person."

Any desire of getting into the dance race of Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa? "If I get an opportunity I would definitely like to participate in Colors' Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa."

Well Monica, you truly have a bright side if we are to keep your acting career aside. You surely can be a good dance teacher. No doubts in that! 

Upasana Patel