'Kritika and I got petrified seeing the stage' - Karan Kundra

Did you experience first time jitters regarding Zara Nachke Dikha as you've never been a part of reality shows before?
No no, I've always been a very inquisitive person. I like to do new things I've absolutely no clue of. I was a businessman who did not know the basics of acting, yet I landed up doing Kitani Mohabbat Hai. And now, even though I don't know anything about dancing I'm all keyed up about Zara Nachke Dikha!

You mean, you've had no brush up with dancing in your life before?
No, because basically I come from a family where dancing is the last thing on anyone's mind. We are more worried about which business school to attend rather than joining dance classes.

So how are you coping up with rehearsals?
I'm working really hard with the choreographers. I'm really concentrating hard on this one task- learning to dance. Just for this reason I've rejected two very good shows on big channels. I won't say which shows or production house but I just want you to know how seriously I am taking up this venture. I'm a person who always believes in quality, giving a hundred percent.

How are you faring so far?
Everyday I'm improving. Fifteen days ago I knew nothing about beats or rhythm. But now I can honestly say I'm far better.

Was Kritika an added reason for you to take this up?
Well, I don't know. But we love working with each other. We like to spend as much time as possible together even though most of the time we keep fighting (laughs).

What's your take on the face-off between girls and boys?
I think this 'clash of the genders' is the most fun thing happening on television right now. Just imagine if only guys would've been there, it would've been so boring. The presence of gorgeous girls and good looking boys is the highlight of this show. And it's not just the tiff between girls and boys or dance, there are a lot of other things like flirting, chemistry, takraar (clash) nakhre (attitude)and it'll make the show all the more fun!

Apart from Kritika who do you get along with on the show?
I think I get along with everyone quite well. I've worked the least with Kritika for ZND till now (laughs). It was nice working with Sangeeta Ghosh. Sushant, is a great buddy. Additi, I know quite well because she is from Balaji camp, just as me. Hazel is this gori pataka (white bomb) all enthusiastic about item songs and anything Bollywood. Rakhi is fun! I love taking panga with her (laughs).

Was there any other dance novice who you could empathize with?
I think all of them are good dancers. It was just me and Kritika who got petrified seeing the stage thinking how we'd dance on it!

How do you and Kritika manage to spend time together with such busy schedules?
It's a priority for us and we love being with each other. So I go to her sets. It's been very stressful for her to do a daily soap and attend the rehearsals for ZND. But thankfully her show is now coming to an end. So I'll make sure she gets ample rest. I'll see to it that she de-stresses with me and behaves like a normal 21 year old should. You know she takes two- three shows together and removes all the frustration on me. What did I do?!

Will we see you guys doing a romantic show together again?
How many shows yaar? The audience will get bored!

No, they won't! They'd love to see you onscreen together again!
Well, right now Kritika needs a break once Zara Nachke Dikha gets over. Maybe after that we'll do a show together. I'm a person who believes in health and happiness and I'll see to it that Kritika gets it all. Everything including career step comes after that.

Message to your fans
I love you all a lot. Keep loving me and saying nice things about me. I will do my best to continue to entertain you.

Reporter and Author: Susan Jose