| Merchant wants to be behind a movie camera
Contrary to impressions, Vaibhavi Merchant, who's a judge on Nach Baliye 3, was initially sceptical about being a judge on the reality dance show.
She reasons, "I was apprehensive because I am not a judgemental person. But the channel and the production house allowed me the liberty to be objective, so I relented."
Vaibhavi denies feeling any pressure about filling into the shoes of the former judge Saroj Khan, "It was a smooth transition
In fact, I'd asked the channel to bring back Sarojji because she was instrumental in making the show so popular.
But they wanted to change the profile of the judging panel. In the introductory NB episode, I was asked to dance and I was ecstatic. Because I stepped on the centrestage after a gap of eleven years," she chuckles as she gets her make-up done prior to facing the cameras.
Hate facing camera
When asked about nursing secret dreams of facing the camera, having started off as an actor in a Malayalam movie Snehapoorvam Anna, she laughs, " No, for heaven's sake, I hate facing the camera and detest wearing heavy make-up.
The South film happened because of my good buddies, director Sangeeth Sivan and producer Joy Augustine. I was helping them in the movie casting, but they compelled me to enact the lead role which was the first and last time."
The other side
Didn't Vaibhavi have this secret dream of stepping onto the directorial bandwagon like most Bollywood choreographers Saroj Khan, Farah Khan and her uncle Chinni Prakash? "Plans for directing a mainstream Hindi movie has always been up my sleeve.
I faced the camera so that I know what it means to be on the other side. But as of now choreography is my prime passion. The day I feel I have had enough of making stars dance to my tunes ( laughs ) I will glide into direction, " assures the outspoken National Award ( for Dolaa Re in Devdas) winner.
Vaibhavi recently played dance guru to Madhuri in Aaja Nachle, "I had choreographed Madhuri way back, for Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam. So when we met again, the ice was already broken.
I've given Madhuri steps and movements which she has never done before. Unfortunately, I could not do Saawariya because I was busy with Aaja Nachle," insists Vaibhavi who won't comment on her link-up with Sanjay Bhansali, "I am not game to discuss my personal life.
Whether I am single or otherwise, I would rather not divulge anything." |
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