Footballer turns dancer...

After Vijendra Singh and Kamaal Khan could not make it, the channel and production house has finally zeroed down on the well known footballer Baichung Bhutia, who will now fill up the spot of the 12th contestant in Sony's Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

"I have taken this show to overcome my fear for dancing. During my child hood days, I was so much fascinated with the trend of disco dancers emerging on the big screen, that when the offer from Jhalak came to me, I simply could not refuse it", says Baichung.

He adds further, "This is something new for me and I wanted to give it a try. I'm really looking forward for the show and hope that janta too likes me".

What is more easy, dancing or playing? "Of course for me playing football is much more easier than dancing. In dance you have to synchronize with the tune, provide apt expressions and also have to remember the lyrics of songs; while in football, one has to play the game without thinking of how I'm looking and many such aspects. The game speaks for us. I can dance in the clubs as there are no choreographed steps in it. In other words I know 'Wild Dancing' but this is the first time I will dance to a set rhythm",  he quips.

It's heard that you are good when it comes to dancing. "Being a sports person the moves come naturally but acting is bit difficult", states the footballer.

Talking about his choreographer Sonia Jaffer he chirps, "She is the best choreographer I could have got and is a wonderful person. She is also supportive and helps me in the steps that are bit difficult".

There are two sports personality in the show, with Mohinder Amarnath also in the line-up. So is there any competition between the two? "Not at all, we are here to enjoy. Definitely winning is there is our minds but that's later on. For now dance it totally new for me and I'm trying to get uses to it", he concludes.

For a change, the footballer will be playing with his foot to get his steps right on the dance floor!!

Reporter and Author: Rachana Trivedi