Nahin, yeh ho nahin sakta!
When Star officials decided to get Juhi Parmar as a Wild Card entry after the seventh round, the NB 3 participants would hear none of it
By: Vickey Lalwani
Star Plus' decision to introduce Juhi Parmar as a Wild Card entry on Nach Baliye 3's seventh episode (with a partner who will be selected through auditions) didn't go down well with the other contestants.
Distorting concept
In fact, they voiced their displeasure in a meeting with Anil Jha (Star One) and other officials from Star Plus before shooting for the first episode on Friday. The contestants categorically told Star Plus that if Juhi is introduced with a partner who is selected through auditions, they were not interested in continuing with the show.
In fact, actor Karan Grover suggested that Star Plus should then call the contest Dhond Baliye and not Nach Baliye! Their vociferous protests paid off in the end as the channel is reconsidering the decision.
Says an eyewitness, "Participants fear that this decision will hamper their chances in the competition. Their fear is justified. Juhi is very popular and will get votes even if she dances badly. Remember how far Gauri Pradhan and Hiten Tejwani went in Nach Baliye 2 on the basis of their popularity alone?"
In-house motive
A female participant says, "Alexx (Swetta Keswani's partner) is learning dancing from scratch. There are others who are working very hard. Why should Juhi get the privilege of having a professional dancer as her partner?"
She adds, "We are definitely not lesser mortals. We don't mind Juhi's inclusion per se, but she should bring her real-life partner, if she has one. Else, forget it. Nach Baliye has always been about couples, unlike Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa where you can dance with anybody."
Parivar comes first
The contestants strongly feel that Star Plus wants the winner to be someone who has been part of the channel's family. "There are actors in this competition who have worked for Star Plus — like Aamir Ali and Swetta Keswani in Kahaani, Vikaas Sethi in Kahiin To Hoga — but that is history. Karan Patel is doing Kasturi now, but he is not someone who is very popular as yet," says a contestant on condition of anonymity. Pooja Bedi says, "We've been directed not to speak about this. It'll be better if you confirm with Star Plus if Juhi is still on the show or not, and if so, in what form."
According to Kavita Kaushik, "I dont think Juhi's inclusion will happen. I am sure that Star Plus will not do something that doesn't fit into the concept of the show."
Kashmera Shah remarks, "Real-life couples is the USP of the show. Let that remain."
Rakhi Sawant chips in, "I am ready to fight any contestant howsoever great he or she maybe in dancing. But I want a fair game."
Juhi Parmar and Anil Jha remained unavailable for comment.