"Terence is the gyaan baba, while I will be myself on the show"- Bosco Martis

The choreographer is all set to be one of the judges on the upcoming dance show..

Published: Friday,Apr 22, 2016 19:35 PM GMT-06:00

Kunal Nirmal Kothari

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The popular dance reality show, 'So You Think You Can Dance- Ab India Ki Baari' is all set to go on floors soon. The show was launched with a bang, a couple of days ago. With Madhuri Dixit, Terence Lewis and Bosco Martis as the judges, and Rithvik Dhanjani and Mouni Roy as the hosts, the show promises to be a massive one.

In a vis-a-vis conversation with Bosco, the choreographer talks about his journey, about the show, and Terence Lewis.

So, how did dancing happen to you? When did it all start?

It goes back to 1992, in Mumbai, where I won the All India Dance Championship. There weren't different dance forms being staged back then, as they are today. And of course, the All India Dance Championship was more like All India Mumbai Dance Championship as there wasn't much exposure. In those times, there was just western dance or break dance that was known; where classical was the only form which was given respect. People also had this notion about pop icon Michael Jackson, that he does epic break dancing, whereas actually he did not do breakdancing but it was called that. And then, suddenly, MC Hammer came with hip-hop and today with the internet everything has become so huge. So, it's amazing to be a part of this evolution from the scratch.

You have been doing Bollywood choreography throughout your career. Did you ever feel that you should have tried something else or did the fear of being typecasted ever haunt you?

See, the system will change. The music especially is very commercially driven. The whole thing will take time. Hence, for us to incorporate different varieties of dance forms and present it in films as the whole variety may not be as appealing to all as it is to some people. For eg- there is krumping; not everyone is going to like it, hence, we have to be thoughtful about it and balance the elements of the dance form and the commercial aspect to present it. The story has to be balanced, the medium has to be balanced, and our actors, at times, may seem desperate when they attempt something out-of-the-box, but that is necessary as that is what is appealing.

So, how do you rate your journey in choreography?

I feel blessed, and thankfully God has been kind to me. It's been 15 years now and it's brilliant. The choreography in Bollywood has evolved over the years and I feel great to be a part of it. I recently finished Raees, Dishoom, and Banjo.

How does it feel to judge So You Think You Can Dance'; with this being your second reality show after Chak Dhoom Dhoom'?

It feels great! This is literally one of the shows which I have looked forward to for numerous years. And when this Indian version came to me, I was like, I have to be a part of it. And, I haven't really done a lot of reality shows till now, as there is a lot of sacrifices that go in when it comes to your work front. I had to say No to some assignments to be a part of this. But then, I would have always loved to be a part of the show, so it is worth it!

How difficult has it been to manage to judge So You Think You Can Dance' and choreographing in Bollywood at the same time?

It has been very difficult actually. It's like shock treatment (laughs). There were some acts that were given for us and then you are back to choreographing in Bollywood. So, your mind takes that shock and has to adapt accordingly. However, eventually, this is something that you love doing so, it all seems justified.

Terrence is touted to be the knowledgeable and technical one, so how do you plan to be on the show?

I am just going to be myself on the show. Terrence, my friend is the gyaan baba (one who has all the knowledge), so I will let him be that. I like what I see, where I will not be throwing any technical jargons or strict stuff. I will totally by myself, else I will come across as very desperate to the audience.

Who, according to you are the best male/female dancers of Bollywood?

In one breath, Hrithik Roshan, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Tiger Shroff in the male list.

And among the females, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

We wish the choreographer All The Best for this new venture.

Kunal Kothari