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Sony TV finally gave us a jhalak of their upcoming show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, a desi version of Dancing With the Stars. Coupled with some real power packed peformances, the channel unveiled their chosen eight well- known personalities who are determined to put on their dancing shoes.

Commenting on the format of the show, N P Singh, COO SET India PVt Ltd, said, " Since Jhalak has been adapted from it's original format owned by the BBC, it will definitely keep viewers glued on. The format has swept global audience off their feet across 27 countries. The challenge has really been to Indianise the format."

Shedding further light on the show, Singh says, " We have selected a mix of celebrities from all walks of life who may have never danced before. These celebrities will be paired with hightly skilled dance partners who are accomplished dancers. They will train and complement the celebrities and teach them to dance professionally."

Now, coming to the personalities, the biggest surprise came in with the selection of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor of Khana Khazana fame. He says, " Initially, I was apprehensive about taking this up since I am a bad dancer. In fact, I am still apprenhensive and have developed cold feet. But then my wife happens to be a good dancer and she encouraged me to take this up. I am obviously not here to win any prize money but just to have fun.Also, I've decided in life to learn something new in life every six months."

Actor, director, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, known for his path breaking films like Vaastav, Astitva and Kaante says, " I am quite kicked about the show. It's a different thing to be a filmmaker and now I will seen trying to match up to the dancing skills of versatile choreographer Sonai Jaffer. It's quite a challenge to try and learn Salsa, Ball room Dancing, Rumba and the works."

" Latin American steps are complicated and we have to make sure that our footwork is precise and the show is essentially about knowing the techniques. My choreographer is very good and we fight, he's pointing out my mistakes, tripping and laughing all the time. My dad and my kids have seen the rehearsals and they think I am getting better," chirps Pooja Bedi who has anchored many a shows on television.

To get things grooving, the channel has roped in famous choreographer Sandip Soparkar as the technical head for Jhalak. Sandip who has choreographed six movies and has 15 years of experience in Latin American dancing will also help the choreographers and the participants put their best foot forward.
" We will try to blend International dances along with Bollywood. I will meet the judges, watch the rehearsals and train the choreographers," says Sadip who insists that all the celebrity contestants have the determination to do well.

Bu then there also others on the show who are already good dancers and don't need much training. Yesteryears' actor Rati Agnihotri says, s"I am the oldest of the lot and needless to say I am having fun considering I have no dance background. My choreographer is very kind and patient with me and I loved the fact that at my age something like this came my way. I loved the format, loved the way they are presenting the show, so I instantly said yes to the offer," smiles the down to earth actor who is putting in six hours of rehearsals every day. The actor had a foot injury in spite of which she danced gracefully at the press conference.

Very kicked about the show, a rather jubilient Jassi aka Mona Singh says, ' we have three weeks to prepare and we all are working very hard to learn the steps. Currently, I am training in Free style, Jazz, Cha Paso Doble, Waltz and Boogie. It's amazing that I've got this opportunity to learn all these styles."

The judges include the likes of ace choreographer Farah Khan, actor and dancer Shilpa Shetty and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The vivacious Archana Puran Singh along with husband Parmeet Sethi will be seen anchoring the show.

Shilpa Shetty one of the judges of the dance show is blocking 16 days of her busy schedule for the show." I am passionate about dancing, so here I am judging a show that I've knowledge about. I enjoy dancing so it will be fun watching the celebrities dance and I am sure the family audiences will love it. The participants need to have an aptitude, grace and enjoy dancing besides there are other technicalities which we will look but cant divulge any details about the same," smiles the gorgeous actor who was a last minute choice by the channel in place of Karishma Kapoor.

The show will be launched on air on September 7 and is being slotted in the 10 pm band.

another article abt the show and MS PIC