Jassi wins Jhalak... title
May the best dancer win? Well, Mona Singh's popularity seems to have had the edge over Shveta Salve's talent
Subhash K Jha
It's final. The first winner of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is Mona 'Jassi' Singh. This puts an and to the suspenseful contest between the two finalists Mona Singh and Shveta Salve and their respective choreographers, Toby and Longi.
While Mona was over the moon minutes after the SMS votes from audiences declared her winner, Shveta, considered a far more superior dancer by most and declared the best dancer since Madhuri Dixit by judge Sanjay Leela Bhansali, lost by a narrow margin.
Hours before the verdict Shveta had said, "I've done my best. Even if Mona wins I'd be equally happy. I'm having a party for family and friends regardless of whether I finally win or not. I've enjoyed every second of this contest, although I must admit some comments by fellow-contestants did affect me personally and also affected my chances adversely."
Mona on the other hand is ecstatic about the open support provided to her by the contestants. "I'm referring especially to Pooja Bedi who went out of her way to express her support for me. It was very, very sweet of her. Considering I was no dancer to begin with, I think this whole experience has changed my life . Yeah, I'm over the moon," said Mona.
• Considering I was no dancer to begin with, I think this whole experience has changed my life. Yeah, I'm over the moon — Mona Singh
Mona darling
By: Sandipan Dalal
October 28, 2006
| | | Mona Singh celebrates with choreographer Tobby, while losing finalists Shveta Salve and Longi look on
Pic: Rane Ashish | Winner of Sony's reality-based dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Mona Singh is looking forward to gorging on all the food she has been deprived of for the past few months.
Singh trounced actress Shveta Salve to win the grand finale last evening, grabbing Rs 50 lakh and a crystal trophy.
"For over three months I have not been eating fried and fatty foods. Now, I'm going to break that rule. I want to put on weight again," the ecstatic actress said.
Singh, of Jassi fame, attributes her success to amrit (holy water) and Lord Siddhivinayak.
"Before leaving from my house, I drank amrit and then visited Siddhivinayak temple to offer my prayers. I had kept a mannat as well, and now that I have won I'm going to keep a day's langar this coming Sunday at a local gurudwara," she says.
Was she under a lot of pressure? "My mom has been sobbing all day long and urging me to take the results in good spirit. I simply kept my fingers crossed, because Shveta is a tough contender. I'm glad that I've broken my Jassi image!"
| | | Shveta Salve and her choreographer Longi | However, beau Karan Oberoi reveals that he wasn't expecting the results to be in Singh's favour. "I wasn't quite sure till they announced the results. I'm overwhelmed. Mona more than deserved it for the hardworking girl that she is. Aunty (referring to Mona Singh's mother) hasn't stopped crying since."
Money matters
As far as the prize money is concerned, an ecstatic Singh hasn't yet given it a thought. "All these weeks I never let the money aspect rule my mind. My goal was to win the contest. I believe you should work as if you don't need the money, love as if you have never been hurt and dance as if nobody is watching you," she says.
Salve disappears
Hotstepper Shveta Salve was visibly disappointed with the results. She even went into hiding inside her van after stepping out of the sets.
"I'm human and I'm feeling a little low. But I'm glad that the show has come to a close and I don't have to deal with the pressure," she says.
While the rest of the contestants and choreographers headed for Aziano at Phoenix Mills for some revelry, Salve was in no mood for any celebration. "I'm heading home. I need a good night's sleep." | |
Edited by Amna@20 - 18 years ago
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