Bravo on jhalak

West Indies cricketer and singerDwayne Bravo aka DJ Bravo will soon make his debut on TV with dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. In an exclusive conversation with the TimesOfIndia, the cricketer reveals that he would like to challenge Indian cricketer Virat Kohli on the dance reality show.

What brought you to Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9?

It is the biggest dance reality show of the country so why not? It's a new opportunity for me and also gives my fans to see me do something different as well. Also this is something out of my zone and I'm looking forward to the show. I'm happy to be here.

Are you aware of popular Bollywood songs?

I am aware of a few popular songs like Disco Deewane, lungi dance, Chammak Challo. (he then sings Dhinka Chika Re Ae Ae Ae!) I like some of these songs, when I hear those songs I know them better (smiles).



Describe the moment when you danced on Salman Khan's song Jawani Phir Na Aaye?

I saw the towel dance on TV for the first time when Salman performed it. I actually enjoyed and laughed. I found it cool and when I came here on Jhalak they told me that this is the song I have to dance to. I got really excited because the towel step is part of the song and it was fun. My choreographer makes me comfortable with the steps. I like some of the dance moves from Indian genre. Its different and at the same time very challenging to remember the dance steps, sync with your partner, to be judged and dance in front of the audiences. Cricket comes naturally to me while dance needs a lot of hard work.

What similarities do you find in Indian and West Indies culture?

I come from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and dance is a part of our culture. I have been dancing since forever. It's natural that Sports and Entertainment go hand in hand, especially when you are born in culture where entertainment is top of the list. I come from a place where there are 45 per cent of Indians, there is a cultural mix which includes music and dance and there are a lot of similarities. So it becomes easy for me to do the Indian steps as well. I have always tried to do different things and I very happy that I am able to kill two birds in one stone like most people say. I am in a country where I am loved by the fans no matter what I do. I always try to put smiles on their faces, try to be successful and be humble at the same time.

If given a choice which Indian cricketer will you challenge in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9?

(Laughs) Virat Kohli is a good dancer. He has also danced in one of my music videos. He is so natural, cool and definitely one of the best dancers in the team. Then you have Ravindra Jadeja. I think all the players can dance well. I think if you are born in India two things is for sure to do - one is to be able to dance and the other is to play cricket.

You were recently spotted lunching with actress Shriya Saran? What would you like to say?

(Laughs). No matter where I go in my country no one cares. They might just call out my name and say 'Hey Bravo' and walk away. The only time I am in news is when I do something on cricket or music. No one would be waiting outside a restaurant or a night club waiting to get a photo of me (smiles). But it's different here in India. Shriya and I are good friends. There is nothing more to it (Laughs). Yeah, she is a beautiful girl.

Talk about your shooting for a Bollywood song?

It was really a good experience. It was a party song, a fun song in the night club. I got to learn a lot and meet new people, which was good.

After Jhalak can we except you making a Bollywood debut soon like Brett Lee?

Hopefully yes if the right opportunity comes my way why not? As long as its something positive I would love to do it.

Who would you like to act opposite to? Who is your favourite Bollywood heroine?

(Laughs) I don't know. All of them are so beautiful. I like all of them. If I have to pick one, then it's Jacqueline Fernandez because I have interacted with her on the dance reality show. I am more comfortable around her. The others I have met briefly, but overall Deepika Padukone has been my all time favourite. I have been coming to India and have admired her work for over 10 years.

As you said you have been coming to India. What are the things you like about this country?

I have some loyal fans here no matter where I go and play they keep up with my progress and performances. That is something I always cherish.

It is a new pitch? How will you sweep the competition?

You mean Jhalak competition right? (Laughs out loud thinking it was about Shriya) Yes, it's a tough competition. I want to enjoy each and every moment of this adventure. I am happy to be a part of the show. What I really like is that all the contestants wish each other very well. There is no rivalry here. Even though the competition is tough, I'm going to give it my best shot.

Whom among the judges in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa do you like the most?

Jacqueline Fernandez.

You said you like Jacqueline, and you also said that Shriya is really beautiful. So if given an opportunity, which Bollywood actress would you like to take out on a date?

Nahi nahi nahi nahi (in Hindi). Whoever wants to go out on a date with me, I'm ready. (Laughs)

How much Hindi have you learnt?