Can Parul’s popularity save her? - Article

Can Parul's popularity save her?

Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa 3 contestant Parul Chauhan is in deep trouble. After being amongst the bottom two contestants twice in a row so far, the actress also receives the lowest marks on the upcoming episode that will air this Friday. This makes her the candidate most likely to be eliminated on Saturday. But can her popularity save her?

Parul, who is a household name because of her role as Ragini on Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai, has always claimed that her popularity with audiences would be a boon to her in the competition. But with the contestants down to just five, and her performances not being up to the mark, it looks probable that the she'll have to bid goodbye to the dance show. In fact, the actress has had what could be termed as a lucky run so far, with no spectacular performances till date. Parul's first performance with her choreographer Deepak was on the hit track Desi Girl from Dostana and though she had the sexy look down perfectly, she had a lot to learn dance wise. Luckily, her acting skills came into play and she was praised for her expressions. Parul managed to score 20 marks; a good start. Her next routine was a little more dramatic…and she wasn't acting either! While performing to the folk number Choli Ke Peeche Kya, Parul was so worried and tired that she fainted. The performance was cut short though she was judged for whatever she did and scored 22 marks. In addition to this, she garnered a whole lot of sympathy from the audience and enough votes to move on to the next round.
After the fainting incident, which made news everywhere and gave the actress even more publicity, Parul did the samba. This time, she wore a skimpy, sexy little outfit; something she claimed she would have never dreamed of wearing before. The song she performed to was Ishq Kabhi Kariyo Na. From bahu to bombshell, her look was appreciated by the judges and audiences too liked Parul's sexy avatar. She was safe yet again in the elimination round, even though her performance failed to impress and she stagnated at 22 marks. But Parul's luck ran out when she performed next on the romantic number Baa Khuda Tumihi Ho. The concept behind the routine, based on the first night of a newly married couple, was unique but Parul fumbled with her prop, an elastic band. She tried to cover up but the judges noticed and gave her just 19 marks. This was the first time that the actress was in the danger zone; though she was saved by the judges' marks.
Last week, Parul managed to impress with a new form of dance: Bachata. She and her choreographer danced to Aayi Ye Mehrban and scored 28 marks. However, she landed in the danger zone for the second time and was saved from elimination by the judges, who eliminated Shilpa Shukla instead.
In the upcoming week's circus themed show, everyone performed on songs related to the circus and even wore clown costumes. But Parul didn't manage a good score and there are high chances that this will see her in the face off round for third time consecutively.

Though Parul is an audience favourite, it seems that it is becoming difficult for viewers to choose her over the other four contestants - Karan Singh Grover, Hard Kaur and Baichung Bhutia - who are performing better. Now, her fate on the show completely depends upon her popularity and whether it will translate into votes from the public.

http://www.indya.com/news/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2009/May/News_20090506_30

Sonali Joshi/Hill Road Media

Wednesday, May 06, 2009