Will the Viewers 'Nach' again, in this Season of Nach Baliye?

Finally the wait is over! Curtains were raised from India's best Celebrity Couples' Dance Competition - Nach Baliye 3! The 1st season was welcomed by one & all, for its unique concept of celebrity couples competing against one another. Some of the finest names in the television indstry were given a platform to showcase another side of their persona..a part of their personality that the audience were, more or less, unaware of. The show was a huge success and left the audiences wanting more. The 2nd season took the success story to greater heights, having gathered the best & most popular television celebrities in one show! Unfortunately, the 3rd season met with a mixed response. At the onset, viewers didn't seem too excited with the line-up of jodi's. Not to mention, the judges too were all new! Nevertheless, the concept and excitement of their favourite show in its 3rd season, had the audiences' looking forward to it. So, how was it? Did it live upto the standards set by the 1st & 2nd seasons? Did the audience get what they expected? Well, the answer is - Yes & No!

In the first episode, the audience were treated to some fun-filled & fabulous performances, not just by the jodi's but judges' too! Ishaa Koppikar & Vaibhavi Merchant set the stage on fire with medleys of their popular item & choreographed numbers, respectively. Bollywood's 'Partner' jodi, Salman Khan & Govinda, joined in the revelry and introduced the 3rd judge - David Dhawan! The superstars regaled the audience with anecdotes of their experience working with the 'No 1' director.

Speaking of judges..do they fit into the shoes of Saroj Khan, Kunal Kohli & Malaika Arora Khan? Only time will tell..though ofcourse, comparisons are inevitable. Vaibhavi Merchant is a renowned choreographer, having choreographed some of the best dance numbers with the best in Bollywood. But her unpopularity amongst the audience, could it prove to be a setback? Saroj Khan's 'teekhe' comments, her seeti's & Rs. 101 shagun were sorely missed. Kunal Kohli's "pappi's" were replaced by David Dhawan's "jhappi's". With his penchant for comedy & loud dances, hope David Dhawan is able to do justice to the judge's position! Though ofcourse, his smile is so endearing..he deserves to be given a chance! Ishaa Kopikkar & Malaika Arora Khan - both item songs' 'specialists', with the so-called 'X'-factor in them. However, the spark was missing in Ishaa..the vivacity and oomph we associate Malaika with. We miss you, Malaika!

Jodi's performance's were a mixed bag..some superb performances, some okay and some surprises! Well, it can only get better from here. With some terrific dancers, like Rakhi-Abhishek, Krushna-Kashmera, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Hanif Hilal amongst others, the competition will be tough.

The second 'Pardaafash' (reality) episode was laden with controversy..not 1, but 2! First, in the form of the very popular Juhi Parmar, who was brought in by Star to participate in the competition as a 11th contestant..not with her real 'baliye', but a contestant chosen from amongst the public through auditions. This 'surprise' did not go down too well with some of the contestants as they thought it deviated from the main concept of 'Nach Baliye' - that of participating with one's real partner. If that was not enough, the Rakhi-Kashmera rivalry (since Big Boss) was further fueled! Rakhi accused Kashmera of some uncalled for comments lashed out at her..while Kashmera vehemently denied making any such comments. What does one call that - 'nautanki'? A TRP's raising publicty gimmick?? In all this, the hosts - Husein & Tina - looked like they were stuck in no man's land! Nevertheless, they & fellow contestants called a truce between Rakhi & Kashmera. Whether they were successful or not, we need to wait & watch in the upcoming episodes. Lots of 'spice' in store for viewers..

Until next week..with, hopefully, more fun, more masti, and more moves that burn the Nach Baliye dance floor! Check it out!

Author: Ekta

Note: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author. Any further information please contact the author.