Why Nach Baliye 4?
Well, it's the most popular show in the dance reality genre and yet it's not only about dancing though you get to unearth some real talent. Sanjeeda (Sheikh) can give any of the top heroines a run for their money. You also see the growth of a non-dancer like Varun Badola into a really good one. Also, the chemistry or lack of it between celebrity couples. It's fun! I've watched all the three seasons regularly.
Who were you rooting for?
First season, definitely Sachin and Supriya (Pilgaonkar). Even though they weren't young they were high on energy and enthusiasm and terrific dancers. Second season: Tina and Hussain Kuwajerwala were the best. And last season, even though Rakhi (Sawant) and Abhishek (Avasthi) were as good as Aamir (Ali) and Sanjeeda, I knew the audience would vote for Aamir-Sanjeeda because they were so dignified and classy.
Saroj Khan gave the Perfect 10 duo seeties and money.
(Cuts in with a laugh) I want money, for good marks.
Kunal Kohli blew kisses..
(Incredulously) I'll blow nothing.
Compared to some of the others you're a pretty lenient judge?
Why be nasty to those who admit they're not dancers and yet are trying so hard to match up? I can help with tips.. and just being myself.
Most reality show judges are demanding a change in format with the final verdict resting with the judges rather than the SMS polling viewers. Your take?
In Nach Baliye 4, we judges will have 50 per cent of the voting power and the rest will be with the aam janta. I prefer it this way because then the responsibility is not on my head. Besides, it's the viewers who determine the popularity of a show.
If they vote for Hiten (Tejwani) and Gauri (Pradhan) week after week because they love them, who are we to veto their choice? We may go for merit over popularity but the couple then may not be as interesting and the audience will tune out. There are allegations of shows being rigged. That's a defence mechanism we all use when we lose. But in the case of Indian Idol, Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa and Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar, I can assure you that there was no rigging. After every episode we got to see the vote charts.
Would Shirish (Kunder) and you ever appear on a dance show as a participant couple?
Unlikely, I've judged too many such shows.
What about judging aspiring actors now since you are a successful director?
There's only one such show on air and it's terrible.
Will we get to see your triplets on Nach Baliye 4?
Where's the need to expose themselves to attention when they are so little and and have no say in the matter?
Do your children react to music?
Of course, and the camera too. They look straight into the lens and pose. We have music playing at home, day and night. When I leave, it is Bach and Mozart. When I return, it is Om Shanti Om. They love the title track.
When do you start shooting your next film?
There's time. I'm still working on my script. But Shirish should go on the floors with his film early next year.
Will you be his choreographer?
I guess so.
And will you be his editor?
I don't think so. I wanted him to edit Om Shanti Om but now he'll be busy with his film and it wouldn't be fair to drag him along.
Is he a better husband or a daddy?
Daddy definitely. He dotes on all three kids and particularly on our daughters. They're daddy's little girls.
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