Usha Thomas
Going on the sets to shoot for the first episode of Nach Baliye 2 (Star One) was quite an experience for the participants. Apart from the tensions of getting the steps right, and facing the judges, it brought back earlier memories for some of them.
Gauri Pradhan was an ex-Miss India contestant and after participating in the event went on to star in three music videos. "The first music video I did was directed by Kunal Kohli and seeing him in the judge's chair reminded me of my earlier days of struggle. Seven years ago, Kunal had selected me for the video that was sung by Hans Raj Hans," recalls Gauri.
The song 'Jhanjharia..' also had Bollywood actor John Abraham as her co-star in the video. "It was a nice experience as Kunal knew the technicalities of how to make a great looking video. It was very well received by the public and I went on to do two more videos, one for Talat Aziz and another for Sonu Nigam."
On whether she stayed in touch with Kunal all these years, Gauri says, "No, I really haven't even met him socially. I saw him in the studio for the first time after years."
Did she make small talk with Kunal before the shoot? "No way, I am not the kind who would throw my weight around just because I worked with him years ago. I let the shoot happen and only after it was wrapped up, did I go and speak to Kunal. I asked him if I was as bad a dancer like in the music video," smiles Gauri.
How was the experience on the first day? "Despite all the rehearsals these past few weeks, being on stage was an entirely different feeling. The jitters of being one among so many couples who are such good dancers does make one nervous. It is a competition and irrespective of how the others dance, Hiten (Tejwani) and I just have to be better than them."
Hiten and Gauri danced to the 'Right here right now..' song in the first episode. "I did not perform as well as expected, but hope to keep improving as the show proceeds."
Kunal was abroad and when contacted said, "There is no question of being biased to any contestant as that would defy the purpose of being in the show. I had a good time watching the contestants perform and gave them an honest reaction. I am not a great dancer but I as my roots are from television, it is like homecoming for me. Besides, the program has got a tremendous following among viewers," signs off Kunal.
Kumkum Bhagya
