| Nach Baliye couple Sweta-Alexx have a tough time as O'Neill doesn't understand Hindi songs
 | | Language blues: Sweta Keswani with fianc Alexx O'Neill | Nach Baliye couple Sweta Keswani and fianc Alexx O'Neill are facing a peculiar problem — Alexx does not comprehend Hindi. So how does the duo gyrate to Bollywood tracks on the Star reality show?
It is learnt that Alexx had enrolled for a crash course at the Landour Language School in Mussorie, which is known for teaching Hindi, but left it halfway when rehearsals for Nach Baliye 3 began.
Slow process
Says Sweta, "Alexx can't speak or understand Hindi. Before Nach Baliye, he did attend Hindi classes. Though he has picked up a smattering of words, he can't rattle off the way we do. So I have to be very patient and speak extremely slowly so that he can follow it."
Alexx is part Irish-part Dutch. Though based in the US, he has been in Mumbai for quite a while. Besides his own outsourcing business, he is keen on acting too. On the big screen, he did brief roles in Balki's Cheeni Kum and in Manish Acharya's Loins of Punjab Presents (he spoke in English in both projects).
At the rehearsals, their choreographer Padmini Haralkar also has to be extra cautious. "When we rehearse, Alexx is always looking at the mirror because he gets his cues from the steps, and not the lyrics of the songs. Also, I have to write the lyrics for him in English," she says.
When the channel approached them for the show, Alexx did not want language constraints to prove an obstacle. "He was determined and our rehearsals take extra long because of language problems. We practise for over six hours, and as a result I can't take on any other show," points out Sveta, who was last seen in Mohalla Mohabbatwala on SAB.
The duo almost did not do Nach Baliye 3 as Alexx's sister will shortly be getting married in Holland. "I wanted to spend time with his relatives at the wedding.
I have only met his mother, who came down to Mumbai for the engagement. I was quite keen to meet everyone else, but now we will barely get three days off from the show for the wedding. We have to be back for Nach Baliye in time. As a result, we practise through the day to make up."
Permit issues
Besides the language problems, Alexx also had to get his work permit sorted out for foreign nationals working in India. "He flew to the US just before Nach Baliye rolled to get all the paperwork done. He did not want any hassles," says Sweta.
Even though Nach Baliye 3 has been on air barely two weeks, Alexx has already had his brush with fame. "Alexx stays at a rented apartment in Seven Bungalows, and now everyone looks at him differently. It isn't easy for a bachelor to find a place to rent. Nach Baliye has made things a wee bit easier!" |
Bollywood
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mangal Lakshmi
