It's a bit early for us to become the face of the show- Marzi Pestonji

How were you approached for the show?
I was approached by chance because Shiamak Davar was supposed to judge the show. But his dates could not match up with the requirements of the channel, and this is when Shiamak roped me in and gave this idea to the channel.  

What made you take up the role of a judge?
When the offer came to me initially and when Shiamak  asked me to do it, I immediately said no. I thought that I could not be friendly before camera, even though I have done many stage shows and have been to lot of award functions. Being a judge and to stay in front of television did not come easily to me, and I felt it was really not my cup of tea. But then Shiamak insisted me to do it as he had the confidence in me. And today I realize I would have missed a great opportunity if I had not taken it. I am thoroughly enjoying being here.

Did you ever think that you would be a judge on national TV?
Never, because I never believed I could do a job like this on TV where so many people are watching you. Performing on stage with a group is different from judging because people look for the comments you make and spectators are counting on you.

How has the experience been judging with Geeta Kapoor and Rajeev Surti?
The experience has been very nice till date with them. We think differently, and come from different school of thoughts, and working together makes it more interesting. Rajeev is a very nice boy and Geeta is really helpful. Since Geeta has been in the show for a long time she knows what concept works in the show and whenever we discuss the theme and concept she is very helpful.

What do you think is the challenge being a judge of such a show?
To keep up the work and living up to the expectations of people are challenging. As each episode proceeds, people expect more and better performances from us and I am actually fighting to make my performances better each time and I am nervous all the time when my students get on stage.

If you have to mention one drawback of the show what would that be?
I do not have anything to point out on the drawback of the show. The show is popular and the ratings are so good that people want to be a part of the show. Every aspect of the show is good and the talents that we have pooled in are great. If I have to point out a drawback, it is the only judge Marzi (laughs).

You are specialized in Shiamak's Contemporary style of dance; do you think that it will be tough when you have to choreograph the other styles?
Not at all, because I have learnt and performed all kinds of dance styles and as a judge, I am expected to know the other styles as well. Shiamak Style Contemporary is just a style that I am specialized in and have been doing for eighteen years. 

How sporty are you towards the comments of Mitun Da?
Oh, I am very sporty to all the comments and I am a Parsi. I believe that if you are making fun of others, then you need to take it with the same spirit when you happen to be on the receiving end...

Any memorable moments from the show?
There are a lot of memorable moments from the show and I loved the performance that Amit and Falon did on Tadap Tadap ,and when Pritvi did the Robot dance..

When compared to the other judges what is your weakness and strength?
My strength is the ability of visualization of the props. The weakness is that there is a lack of time to concentrate on all teams. Now I have to compete with the best teams of Rajeev and Geeta.

How do you feel about the strategy of elimination? Did you feel any elimination has been unjust?
Very honestly I feel that they are very just because even I had a wrong impression about the reality shows and the voting system. But I can proudly say that this show is very genuine and all have been honest eliminations.

How do you take this show in your personal career?
This is a major step in my career and the journey has been really beautiful and I really feel at home now. But at the same time there is very little time for myself but I make it a point to see that I watch one movie whenever I get home. My most favourite is Amar Akbar Antony and I still watch it whenever there is nothing good on TV.      

This is your first time in television; what were your expectations?
There was no big expectation because I had made up my mind that it is just dance dance and dance and I am here to choreograph.

You saw your first elimination recently, did you expect it? How did you feel?
Actually I had expected it and that's why I earlier said that the show is completely genuine and eliminations are fair.

When there are differences between the judges, how do you sort it out?
It is a healthy competition between us and even though we have opinions of our own we do not literally fight over issues. We stick to our views and respect each others' opinions.

If given a chance, will you accept if called for the next season?
I have not decided yet, it all depends on the situation.

Terence and Remo have been the faces of DID along with Geeta, do you think that you have succeeded in making a mark in the show?
It is really too early for us to become the face because they have been in the show for two years. I think we will definitely require some more time to be the face of the show.

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan