Yes I want to win Jhalak badly - Article

By Subhash K. Jha

The grand finale of Sony TV's dance show "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa" will be held Saturday and all the three finalists - Prachi Desai, Jay Bhanushali and Sandhya Mridul are equally confident of winning the title.

Prachi Desai: I've been working so hard on my dancing in "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa" that my blood pressure has become low and I've hurt my foot. I'm shooting non-stop. Earlier I only danced to have fun, at parties and so on. But this is different.

What do I have to say to my fellow-finalists? I'd be happy for them if they win. At the end of the day winning or losing isn't a matter of life and death. But obviously all three of us want to win.

When I returned through the wild card I got to know some people didn't like my re-entry. Strange, they seemed so supportive when I was eliminated! But I'm not bothered. I know I'm back because of the love of my audience.

The other contestants don't bother me. I confess I feel the other contestants don't want me to win. I know last year the same had happened when everyone thought Shveta Salve should have won.

They feel if I win the situation would be just like last year. So they want Sandhya Mridul to win.

According to them, Sandhya is a better dancer. But I've worked really hard. They say I'll win because I'm popular. What's wrong with being popular?

"Jhalak..." has taught me so much at such a young age. The lessons that I've learnt will help me all my life. This show and my serial "Kkasam Se" have helped me get my first film "Rock On" with Farhan Akhtar. But I'll never leave "Kkasam Se" and Balaji. After "Jhalak..." is over I'll look at my schedules.

Jai Bhanushali: I've become popular through "Jhalak..."If eight people used to know me after my serial ("Kayamath") now 10 people know me. And to think I was such a pathetic dancer!

I worked hard to get where I am. I'd love to win the "Jhalak..." trophy.

They see me as the brat on the show, but that isn't a cultivated image. I'm exactly the same way at home and on the sets of "Kayamath". I'm always naughty.

I do get into arguments with the judges, but I'm an honest person. I like to say whatever I want to. When I didn't like the judges' decision I said so. I'm very friendly to the other two finalists.

I've known Prachi through Balaji. But I've made a new friend in Sandhya. She's as outspoken and honest as me.

My employers Balaji have been very kind. They adjusted my schedules according to "Jhalak..." Yes, I want I win. Look at Mona Singh who won last year. She's doing so well for herself.

I'm getting a lot of movie offers because of "Jhalak..." Regardless of what happens I'll continue learning different dance forms.

Sandhya Mridul: What do I feel about the finals on Saturday? Well, people seem to genuinely love my dancing. Sadly, the outcome on "Jhalak..." depends on voting rather than ability. I hope the public roots for me.

I feel no stress about the finals. But I feel sad that the journey is over. It has been a learning experience.

Regardless of whether I win or lose I feel like an achiever. I'd like to tell my fellow contestants that we should dance in a spirit of positive competitiveness.

I've a film "The Great Indian Butterfly" coming up where I play the lead. I can't keep waiting for the big break in cinema. I'm just going along with my work, and leaving the rest to destiny. I've really enjoyed dancing on "Jhalak..."

Dancing was something I always wanted to pursue seriously. I never thought I could do it. But now I intend to make it an integral part of my life. I'm now going to pursue kathak seriously with my choreographer Javed.