Article - Still the best - DID Review

Still the Best

Friday and Saturday, 9.30 pm, Zee TV

A new season, new mentors, a new host and dancing doubles instead of individual performers, these are a few things that make up this edition of the immensely popularDance India Dance.

Yes, we by now know the entire rigmarole - the long queues, the gruelling auditions, the emotional back-stories, the back-bending performances, heartbreaking rejections and heartening approvals, the gala rounds, the final 18, so on and so forth. Yes, it's all part of DID and the performers are ek se badhkar ek. Interestingly, they are not just boy-girl boring jodis but also two boys and two girl-pairs too which is a refreshing change. Also, the different dance styles they bring on stage are awe-inspiring… seeing them come from far flung corners of our country and the globe, you know there is a sizeable population for whom dance is serious business. And so they don't leave a single move, a single bend, a single arch, those pointed toes, those gravity-defying jumps, lifts etc unturned to make their two-minute presence on stage, memorable. All they want is an encouraging word from their judges - the immensely charming Rajeev Surti with his flop of hair and good voice, the ever-dependable and smiling Geeta Kapur who contestants call Maa (it's a bit irritating though!) and chocolate-boy Merzi who with his sweet smile and polite demeanour still calls a spade a spade! Then there is Shveta Salve who is filling Saumya Tandon's shoes this time to be with Jay Bhanushali. And last but not the least is Mithun Chakraborty, who with his infectious smile and straight-from-heart-comments, takes his role of a grandmaster very seriously and binds all of them together. Particularly interesting is his playful interaction with the three mentors, especially Geeta. No attitude, no egos, just plain old leg pulling! And that's what makes Dance India Dance a truly entertaining experience apart from the superbly gifted contestants. Though, we feel the mentors should keep the contestants on a tight leash especially when they go overboard with their emotional outburst! Come on, guys, leave the acting to others, let your dance speak for yourself.

The heat has just begun... the eliminations will start soon, more tears, boundless joy (courtesy, the performances) and as for competition from rival shows, no sweat… DID is like Pied Piper, it knows how to lure its viewers!

Verdict: ***

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