JDJ- Ronit Roy - An interview

Q What prompted you to take part in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa?

For the last seven years I have been only doing soaps. But Jhalak is a reality show and it's completely different from what I have been doing on television for a long time. It's not only a good change for me but also going to be great fun.

Q But why did you prefer Jhalak over Nach Baliye?

I was approached for Nach Baliye twice but last year my daughter was about two-months old and therefore I couldn't do the show. This year my wife is pregnant and we are expecting our second child.

Q Have you learnt dance before or are you leaning now because of Jhalak?

I always wanted to learn dancing but couldn't because I didn't have the time. But this is the best opportunity to learn dance and luckily I have got an excellent dance partner in Nikul Alvares. She is an amazing dancer and an expert in Latin dancing. I am really enjoying it.

Q But the fact that you have worked in films and done songs and dances must be an added advantage for you.

I don't think so. It's almost 15 years since I have acted in films. Whatever little dance I learnt has been forgotten now. Besides, in films it's the choreographer who makes you rehearse and dance and once the song is over everything is forgotten. I have never learnt dance like I am doing now and I am very serious about it because after the show gets over I am planning to take it to another level. I have spoken to Nikul and we have decided to do something big together.

Q Since the show is not about Bollywood style of dancing, how difficult is it for you to learn Salsa and Samba form of dance?

Believe me, it is extremely difficult. My body is in agony. Every day I rehearse for three hours from 7 am to 10 pm after which I leave for my shoots. I am learning the basics of everything and mixing it with a Bollywood style of dance. It's going to be tough but I am determined to learn as much as I can.

Q How far do you think you will go?

I am not taking part in the show to win or lose. But I am going to dance with the right spirit and whatever has to happen will happen. It's a tough competition and all the participants are doing their best.

Q Everyone says the same but itsn't it natural to hanker for success?

I do have a competitive spirit and I will try to do my best but how far I will go will depend largely on my performance, jury and viewers.

Q Why has your character suddenly disappeared from Kasamh Se?

I have no clue. My absence from the show is a call taken by the show's creative people. My presence lasted for five months and having handed over Bani to Jai Wali, Aparajit Dey has gone abroad with his mother and three adopted sisters. I have no clue when I will be back on the show.

Q Will Mihir also disappear from Kyunki some time later since you are likely to return to Kasauti?

I don't think so. Mihir is a constant factor in Kyunki. Television fiction is a sum total of characters and story. So many things keep happening and sometimes one or the other character takes a backseat to accommodate a new character. But Mihir is the mainstay of Kyunki. As regards Kasauti, I have no idea when I will be back on the show. I am yet to discuss things with the show's creative people.

Q Aren't you bored of playing one character for over five years?

Why would I get bored? The feeling of monotony does set in but then as the story goes forward there are always new twists happening which bring in new energy and zest.

Q Why do you lead a non-materialistic life? What made you turn to spiritualism?

I like to live in a good house, own a good car and live a decent life. But I wouldn't lose my sleep if I don't have these luxuries.I live for a handful of people and my extended family, which is my audience. I have gone through low phases in life, especially after my career in films hit the rock bottom. There was nothing to do and I hit the bottle. But gradually I got into reading and spiritualism and reconstructed my life and career.