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Jhatkas no more!

Being the only participant who had no affiliation to Bollywood, there was a feeling that the judges on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' (Sony) should be less harsh on celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor being a non-dancer and his offbeat movements. Well, this week his journey on the show has come to an end.

"This was to be a show that judged celebrities from different walks of life. It takes guts to be part of this. I agreed thinking it would be ballroom dancing but it ended up being more Bollywood jhatkas that I was not comfortable doing. But having said yes, I gave it my best shot though it did not fit my image," says a relieved Sanjeev at being ousted out.

That the judges were very upset over Rati's (Agnihotri) elimination also made him more determined to make a graceful exit. "I did not treat it as a competition and unlike the other participants, I was not in it to compete, or for the money or fame. Mobilising viewer support was an easy task but to know that I would have gone ahead while the remaining pairs who are definitely better danc,ers, would suffer because of my popularity with viewers was not acceptable to me," says Sanjeev.

"Nicole too had her exams and 10 hours of rehearsals would end up with her missing a year. I spoke to Nicole and I made an effort to make sure that I was ousted. I had fun and have no regrets at all. I cherish the experience as my basic motive here was to learn new things," says a cheerful Sanjeev.

Sanjeev's 19 year old choreographer Nicole Alvares states that her biggest achievement on 'Jhalak..' was getting "Sanjeev out of the kitchen and on to the dance floor".
"I am so proud of how he accepted his weaknesses. I admire his grit and determination at learning waltz, rumba, salsa and even some cool Bollywood moves," says Nicole.

Overseeing the technical aspects of the choreography is Sandip Soparrkar. "I have yet to see a more dedicated person like Sanjeev. He worked hard at mastering various dance forms, concentrated on techniques and would not rest till he got all his movements right. Most of all, I am going to miss his chicken momos and sabudana vadas," laughs Sandip.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1055468

Jaddu's fixing fascination

Ajay Jadeja

A SMS doing its rounds these days is that former cricketer Ajay Jadeja is game for taking money to lose his 'dancing' match (read Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa) too.

Jadeja's promising cricket career came to an abrupt end after he was found guilty of match-fixing.

Dear AJ, your greed for moolah finished the sportsman in you. It seems you are all set to end your alternate career (that of an actor-entertainer) as well. Not your fault entirely. Old habits die hard!

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/september/144287.htm

'I didn't know Farah would be judging me'



Akashhdeep Saigal on whether former-girlfriend choreographer Farah Khan is a stern judge


ROSHNI OLIVERA




Akashhdeep Saigal's working hard on his dance moves for the show Jhalak Dikhla Ja to impress the audience and the judges. Incidentally, one of the judges on the show Farah Khan was seeing Akashhdeep a few years ago. So, what's it like to be judged by an ex-flame? BT quizzed the the light-eyed actor...
How does it feel to be judged by your former girlfriend Farah Khan?
On the first day it felt a little strange. But from the next round onwards it felt like... she is a judge, one of the judges.
Did you know she'd be judging?
No I didn't know that earlier. I got to know later.
Once you knew this, did you think twice about participating?
No, not at all. Why should that make a difference?
Do you find Farah rather strict in judging?
I think she is just doing her job.
Were you and Farah in touch after you split a few years ago?
Yes. But we lost touch after she got married.
Do you consider yourself a good dancer?
As of now I'm just learning. I can dance, but I may not be the best. But, yes, I will get there someday soon.
What's the response to your Eklavya character in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi?
Women are loving my new look! I think they are liking the positive character that I'm playing. I have been well-accepted.

Hat-trick for Longinus and Shveta

Usha Thomas
The stellar dance performances by choreographer Longinus and television actress Shveta Salve in 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' (Sony) week after week are one to watch out for. This week, for the third time in a row, they have received the highest marks and are known as the technically most perfect pair.
The credit for this goes entirely to 40 year old Longinus. Having choreographed over 200 music videos and advertisements each and numerous corporate shows, he has also worked on many Bollywood projects like 'Bombay Boys', 'Moksh', 'Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar', 'Khushi', 'Corporate' and 'Page 3', amongst many others. He has also choreographed many plays by Bharat Dhabolkar.
Enjoying his stint on the show, Longinus says, "It feels good to be appreciated by the judges for all the hard work we are putting in. We have just four days to prepare the new dance form for the next week and we rehearse endlessly, late through the nights, as Shveta gets free only after 10 30 pm. My aim is to maintain the maximum of Latin American dance and I am comfortable with the format veering towards Bollywood's style of dance."
Complimenting Shveta, he says, "She has a great flair for designing clothes and helps me wear colour co-ordinated clothes that make us look good on stage. I wear my own shoes and capes when required and that helps to enhance our overall performance. Shveta comes from an acting background so the zeal to do more Bollywood is there but she leaves it to me to take the final decision on our moves. She is a not a great dancer but is very hard working and trusts me completely."
On the shoot, this week, Longinus had a minor mishap with his dhoti for the dandiya round. Despite expressing reservations on wearing the outfit, he went ahead, only to get it under his foot while dancing to 'Dhole tara..'. "I lost balance as the edges of the dhoti came under my feet, but I regained my composure and finished the dance. Like they say, the show must go on."
'I have not taken part in a dance competition since 1991 and am enjoying the experience. My son is thrilled that I am a part of it, especially at my age. The concept is to make my partner shine and I am working hard to make Shveta the best dancer on the show," signs off Longinus.

Vigilant Parmeet

My best friend: Apart from my wife, it is Apurva Agnihotri.

One thing no one knows about me: I observe a lot and am constantly making mental notes about things.

If I weren't an actor: There's a long list of things I would do—be a restaurateur since I love food and meet people, be a producer, director, writer or anything associated with the creative field, be a businessman since I was into garment exports earlier.

My dream role: Dilip Kumar in 'Gopi' and 'Ram Aur Shyam'

What turns me on: Mental stimulation—a good conversation with a point of view that is intelligent.

My recent buy: Nokia N73 for my wife and myself.

What I love and hate about my profession: I love the fact that being an actor saves us from standing in queues for anything. But I hate the fact that I can't spend much time at home with my family.

My food fetish: Mutton biryani and rajma chawal made by my mother. Archana makes excellent sandwiches.

I'd be lost without: A purpose in life! I wanted to make a name for myself in the industry and that keeps me going.

Last time I was on a high: This morning when I was practicing the Sudarshan Kriya (Art of Living) as it does wonders to me.

Parmeet Sethi is hosting 'Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa' (Sony)

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1055644

What a fan

Ajay Jadeja is undoubtedly one of the popular contestant in Sony's Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. Recently, he was in Lucknow to promote the show and was giving an interview to a radio station. He was pleasantly surprised when a fan of his entered the station and told him that she is so fond of him that she has changed her name from Naina Singh to Naina Jadeja. Howzzat!

http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=13644