*Lauren Gottlieb Appreciation Thread* (Lauren acts added - PG 1) - Page 19

I bring international credibility to Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa: Lauren Gottlieb

Lauren Gottlieb, who first appeared on Indian television as a contestant in a dance reality show, is now a judge on a celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. We spoke to the dancer-turned-actress about the transition and more.

How does it feel to judge a dance show as opposed to be a contestant on one?

Once I enter a family, I never leave. Whether it's So You Think You Can Dance, All-Star, ABCD, ABCD2 or Jhalak. For me, that just proves hard work and loyalty. Last year was when I first entertained the idea of judging but I felt that it wasn't the right time. This year all the stars aligned. I feel a responsibility to help the contestants through this journey just as the judges helped me on mine.

What do you bring to the show that others don't?

I have dedicated my life to dance. I have years of serious training in over 15 different dance styles. People may see me as new in the industry since I've been in Bollywood for just two years, but I had a full career back in Hollywood where I danced in movies, TV shows and would give dance lessons to Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire and performed with artists such as Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Shakira. I bring a lot of international credibility to the show.

Tell us about your look on the show...

After getting to know that I was going to be the only female judge on the show, the first word I screamed out loud was diva that's exactly what I'm going for. A very glamorous look.

How has your interaction been with co-hosts Shahid, Karan and Ganesh?

We all love to have a good time. We come to the sets ready to have fun and put on a good show. Everyone on the panel can dance superbly and as a lover of dance reality shows, I'm glad to see that finally happen. During commercial breaks we all hang out in our judges' zone and chat about this, that and everything.

Why did you opt to speak Hindi instead of having a translator or subtitles?

I'm trying my best to give a mix of Hindi and English. JDJ being a Hindi show, I want to be able to connect with everyone around the world who doesn't know English.

Who according to you are the promising contestants this season?

There is some crazy talent this year! Each contestant brings different qualities to the show. I don't see one weak link. Scarlet, Faisal and Raftaar stand out for me as the best dancers though. Non dancers such as Sanaya, Ashish, and Vivian will impress you as they are improving week by week.

-Deccan Chronicle

I actually hated dance," reveals Lauren Gottlieb as she chats about her tryst with dance inspirations and her growing love for India

Pretty and talented dancer turned actress Lauren Gottlieb has for sure impressed us with her dance moves.

And not only us but her fan list includes the top business honchos of the country as well.

Well, we recently reported that during the IIFA Awards main events all of a sudden the music stopped due to technical errors while Lauren was dancing on the stage.

But the lady did not mind the goof up and continued to perform even without music. And it is indeed difficult not to notice such a spirited soul.

Though the entire crowd cheered for her brave act, one man who was completely impressed by her performance was Raj Nayak, CEO of Colors, who immediately roped her for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded (BBC Worldwide).

Recently when we caught up with the lady, Lauren shared the incident with us and mentioned, "When the music stopped at the main event I kept on dancing as I knew the beats all by my heart, hence I did not need the music to go on to perform. And within ten seconds everyone was cheering for me."

"I believe that everything happens with a reason and the goof up that happened that day was also because that something better was about to come to my life. And when Mr. Nayak saw me dancing like that on stage, he immediately decided to offer me Jhalak," added Lauren.

So, how is the experience of doing Jhalak? Lauren said, "Honestly speaking I feel like it's a big responsibility that has been bestowed upon me. And I have received so much within two years hence it is my duty that I should not disappoint anyone. And I believe that Jhalak will give me a big platform to prove my capabilities to the world."

As the lady is geared up to add another feather to her cap, we wish her all the best.

-Telechakkar