'People have forgotten why judges are on the show ' - Saroj Khan

Saroj Khan, ‘The Dancing Guru’ of the entertainment industry hits the television screen with yet another reality show, post ‘Nachhle Ve with Saroj Khan’ on NDTV Imagine.

The ‘Masterni’ has now adorned the Hot Seat as a Judge for Sony’s Ustaadon Ke Ustaad, yet another reality show, where the best battle to beat the best. However, Saroj Khan isn’t quite happy with the reality show outlets, right from the judges to the audience votes. The Telly Buzz team talks to the very respectable Choreographer on her take on the reality shows, currently on television.

“There is nothing different left on reality television”, exclaims Saroj Khan. “All you can see are people singing, dancing or giving their comic touch in reality shows. Where is the variety left? I have tons of reality show concepts, which though I cannot let them out, I would surely want to execute someday”, states the Ace Choreographer.

When asked about judging such reality shows, Saroj immediately replied, “I came forward to judge Ustaadon Ke Ustaad, because it is related to performance. I know I am not a singer, and I cannot be the best judge when it comes to singing. But being a dancer, I can surely have a relatively fair take on the contestants’ performance”. Further Saroj Khan argues, “People have really forgotten why there are judges for these shows. Only a singer can judge a singer, a dancer can judge a dancer. No offence, but I have seen a show, where an actress who is not even related to singing or dancing and does not know the basic 'ABC' of it, is on the judge's seat. My question is what is she doing there? Judges are supposed to help out the contestants. If a singer comes and asks me to sing and groom that person, I wouldn't be able to do it”.

Last but not the least, Guruji makes it a point to hit out on the very controversial SMS voting and the concept of shows as she says, “The SMS voting and show formats, are all a part of the Channel's game. I just hope channels and the concerned people choose appropriate judges for their shows; also it will be a blessing if we could see some fresh concepts coming our way, rather than the mundane, tried and tested ones”.

Well said Saroj ji, hope the channels and the production houses put their thinking caps on and approach reality shows with a fresh mind!!!

Reporter: Melanie
Author: Hiral Anju Bhatt