Here come the hotsteppers
Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar talks about the eight contests of Sony's Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
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| in step with a new tune: Pooja Bedi with Hanif Hilal; the show begins on September 7 |
Shaheen Parkar
shaheen@mid-day.com
For the last couple of weeks, choreographer Sandip Soparrkar has been doing the rounds of several rehearsal rooms overseeing the dance practices of the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa contestants. As the dance consultant for the Sony reality show, his task is to ensure that the international dance forms appeal to the Indian viewer. "It's a 'Bollywoodisation' of salsa, jive and cha cha for the contest," says Soparrkar, as he shares details about the eight participants and their choreographers. The show airs from September 7.
Mahesh Manjrekar and Sonia Jaffer
He has added a fun element to his dancing. That should earn him a lot of points. Mahesh has infused humour into his steps that the viewer will definitely like. He is dancing with a band around his waist due to a bad back. Even though Latin American dancing is alien to him, he's been moving very well. He is a director and is used to barking orders, so here you should see him taking instructions from Sonia!
Pooja Bedi and Hanif Hilal
Pooja is hot and has a beautiful body and so does Hanif. In Latin American dance forms, apart from the dance it is also the chemistry between the couple that matters. In their case, it works wonderfully as that bit of flirting enhances their performance.
| | | Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar | |
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| go green with envy:Shveta Salve and Longines Fernandes |
Akashdeep Saigal and Bindi Khare
He's a stud and she's a beauty. That makes for a hot, sexy combo. As Akashdeep is busy with his television commitments, they rehearse late at night. The chopped tresses make him look great and his negative persona will change once people see him on the dance floor. He's extremely agile and that's clear from the way he lifts and drops Bindi at every step.
Shveta Salve and Longines Fernandes
She is a good dancer; moves beautifully and this adds to her performance. She and Longines make a great couple as they match physically thanks to their body structure. They look nice together and this will translate in their performance.
Ajay Jadeja and Rea Krishnatraye
He is rehearsing in New Delhi and the tapes keep flying to and fro. His playboy image seeps into his dance steps. You can feel those seductive steps on the dance floor in keeping with his flamboyant image.
Sanjeev Kapoor and Nicole Alvaris
It was quite bold of Sanjeev to take part as all the other contestants are related to showbiz. But now he can dance as superbly as he can cook. I thought he would not be able to do a good job but he has been a big surprise. I've been proved wrong after seeing him do the waltz. All his Khaza Khazana contestants have a big shock in store. He is spicing up his dance and how!
Rati Agnihotri and Feroz Khan
Despite a bad back and foot due to past injuries, Rati is the most dedicated of the lot. She has a fixed rehearsal schedule and even though she is a senior actress she is the most dutiful student with the choreographer. She does exactly what is told.
Mona Singh and Toby
She is gung-ho into it and the stellar performance shows. Mona seems to be having a particularly good time dancing.
| | | colour me up: Ajay Jadeja and Rea Krishnatraye | |
| | | raring to go:Mona and Toby | |
| | | black magic: Rati and Feroz | |
| | | dark horse: Mahesh Manjrekar and Sonia Jaffer | |
| | | Ice spice: Sanjeev and Nicole | |
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