Baichung Bhutia: Having A Ball
Baichung Bhutia has fans all
over India. They know him for his prowess on the football field, but no
one expected the sportsman to gain fans for his dance moves as well.
The footballer surprised judges as well as viewers of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa with his superb performances. However, Baichung isn't surprised himself; in fact he expected to do well.
He
says, "My main motive for participating in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa was to
learn how to dance well. I expected to do well on the show. I always
give it my best. I have been learning things every week here. I don't
bother about marks but I listen to the comments. I am happy when my
performance goes well and the judges like it."
Baichung credits part of his success to having a
great choreographer. He adds, "Sonia is the best choreographer so I do
not mess with her steps! I try my best with the time I have to practice
and I do get tired. I have to finish my matches so it becomes tough to
manage."
The footballer also claims he has an advantage over the other
contestants, "As a sportsperson, I have that ability to grasp things
quickly. I just have to give my 100% to the steps given to me by Sonia."
And now, he is approached in public not just for the sport he plays but
also for his routines on Jhalak. He says, "Now, whenever I hang out,
people come up to me and compliment my performance. My family as well
as the audience is very supportive. I have never danced before.
Whatever little I did was in clubs or after winning matches."
Baichung would like to dance to a folk number next. He says that
because of his profession, he is used to performing under pressure,
adding, "I still remember the compliment Sarojji gave me. She said that
I have the potential to perform well but I need to be more expressive.
Even my co-contestants tell me that I look very confident performing. I
have been competing for many years so this is not new to me. Everyone
is better dancer than me here."
As for the wildcard round, Gauhar Khan was not his choice of entrant. Baichung says, "I wanted Mohinderji to come back."
Baichung now recommended dance to everyone, saying, "It's not easy but
it's a very good way to keep fit. You can also have fun. For me, it is
nice way of exercising."
Next week, Baichung will perform to
O Haseena Zulfon Wali, which, he admits, he is struggling to lip sync.
http://www.indya.com/news/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2009/April/News_20090429_134
Sonali Joshi/Hill Road Media
|
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 |