‘I’m happy Prachi’s back’-Negi

There are no two opinions that Chak De! India has changed his life for good. But when Mir Ranjan Negi's name was announced as one of the participants in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, nobody gave him a chance to last even two weeks. But Negi has survived for seven weeks and even got full 30 marks twice. What makes the 50-plus ex-sportsman dance like a flexible 30-year-old?

"I don't think I am that flexible. But being a sportsperson, I can work harder and am not scared to take my chances. In sports you play the game till the end. I try to follow the spirit of a sportsman," says Negi who is least worried about getting eliminated. "I am not here to win or lose but to perform and enjoy my dance. Neither am I doing Jhalak for money. I am here to promote my foundation for hockey and this is the best opportunity for me to promote the game. In fact, I don't even ask viewers to vote for me and let Mona (Singh) do the job," he adds.

But Negi admits that being an novice, it wasn't easy for him to get into the groove. "I was nervous in the beginning. In my first performance there were no expressions on my face. But Marischa (his partner and choreographer) made me work hard on my steps and expressions," says Negi, adding, "Having never danced before, 50 hours of practice before the show went on air wasn't enough for me. But I am happy that my journey has been good so far."

But what really made him join the show? "I love challenges. Sony approached me after seeing me on a reality singing show on another channel where the Chak De! team was invited. I thought let's do this show, let's dance and see how far I go," he elaborates with a smile.

He has reached the last five and it seems he stands a fair chance to be in the top three. But Negi says the competition has become tough now. "From next week we will have to perform on two songs and I will have to work for at least nine to 10 hours everyday," says Negi whose inspiration is the show's jury member Jeetendra. "When I see him dancing I get inspired. When he can dance at his age why can't I in my 50s," he asks.

Saturday is a tough day for him. It is the day when they shoot the show's elimination episode, followed by the next week's gala round. "I felt bad for Sudha because she is a great dancer. But I cried for Prachi because I really didn't expect her to go. I am happy that she is back," he adds.

While Negi has no issues with Prachi's comeback, others are not happy with Prachi's wild card entry and have voiced their grievances against the decision. Negi, however remains neutral. "Sandhya and Sonali felt that all the eliminated contestants should have got a fair chance for a wild card entry and I agree with them. But I have no problem with what the channel has done. It is a game show and if the channel and makers have got Prachi back to boost the TRPs, there should not be a problem for anyone. The show belongs to the channel and they know best how to twist the format for better ratings," explains Negi.

You expect a diplomatic answer when you quiz him about who he thinks is the best dancer on the show. "All of them are good but I think Sandhya and I are the best," he smiles, adding, "You have got to believe in yourself. Otherwise you will never do well. Don't give up till the curtains come down." Famous last words?

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