Women lusted after his sculpted body and the judges raved about his performances. Perhaps as a result, the other contestants were jealous of him and tried to target him whenever they could. After making it to the Top 6, the Big B of television was eliminated. Ronit displayed his anger against his colleagues' criticism through his last dance. He also said that he appreciated the judges and had never been a part of a crusade against them. We talked to Ronit soon after his elimination. Excerpts:
Tell us about your experience on Jhalak.
It has been a journey filled with happiness, anger, jealousy, frustration and what not. But I must admit that it was quite interesting to work on themes and develop dance steps around them. For so many years I have been doing saans-bahu serials... I had actually got into a rut. This has helped me get out of the rut both mentally and physically. Also, I believe that whatever happens, happens for the best. I want to take home the positives.
The allegations made by the contestants—was it because of jealousy?
Yes, they had spoken against my Don performance, which was beautifully choreographed. My last dance in the show was a kind of answer to all of it. It said 'pucca naheen kuch bhi, kuchcha naheen kuch bhi, sab khel hain' and that's what it is. Who are they to say anything, when we have the judges to decide what's right and what's wrong. If the judges gave me 30 points and appreciated my efforts, then I don't care about others.
Are you planning to do something beyond acting now? Like dance?
I will definitely continue dancing because I like it. It has made me physically fit. As far as my serials are concerned, they're my commitment. Especially Kyonki… and Kasauti…. I am what I am today because of these two shows. So till they last I'll work diligently. But now because of this new awakening, I've started looking elsewhere also.
You seem to have vowed to work for Balaji only.
The intention to look beyond Balaji is not there. You know, the entire Balaji television is like a family to me. It is a bridge that has taken a lot of years, effort, pain, sleepless nights and other things to build. And it's a bridge that I will not want to burn. If I ever go beyond Balaji, it will be with the blessings of Balaji.
Even Bipasha complemented you on your body. Did you work hard for it?
My body has found a new form because of this dance show. I've become fit. Even the grace that is there in dance has helped me. In fact, it's very unfortunate I got out now—I was planning to show off my abs to the audience in the quarter or the semi-finals. But now I have to wait for another programme to show them off. [Laughs.]
Do you agree with the allegations made against the judges?
I have never seen a fairer panel of judges. Since the first two episodes, people have been going for their throats. This, according to my judgment, is absolutely incorrect. People complained that the points didn't match the judges' comments. So what did they want… did they want the judges to be rude to them? The judges said nice things and gave them proper advice, all masked with politeness. Which I think is a good way of putting their point across.
I was never a part of the crusade against the judges. In fact, I have not been a part of any controversy on the show. It's been a roller coaster ride for me, and they've marked me accordingly, very fairly. Shiamak and Urmila have pointed out a few footwork flaws, which I have corrected. Jituji is the sweetest,
What would you like to tell the remaining contestants?
I want to wish the remaining five pairs all the very best. May the best pair win. I would also like to tell them to take things with a pinch of salt. If you get too serious about this, it shows on your face. I've been telling some of the contestants from day one to be more relaxed. Somehow, in the last week, I was not relaxed and that's why I got the low marks. So go and have fun.
Any message for the janta who didn't vote for you?
I have been told that I am not getting votes. But I want to tell them that I know they really love me. And the lack of votes doesn't translate to lack of love for me. Whatever I am today, it's largely because of them. I will try to keep them entertained in one way or other. I hope they keep loving me.
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