Source:Star Plus
Date: June 10,2011
National award winning choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, who has wowed the nations with the moves in Dhol Baaje, Crazy Kiya Re, Kajra Re, Avai Avai, will now be a judge on STAR Plus’ ultimate dance reality show Just Dance, with Hrithik Roshan and Farah Khan. Vaibhavi explains her reasons for accepting the show and why she loves reality tv. Vaibhavi has judged reality shows earlier - Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Zara Nach Ke Dikha 2, but she claims she loves meeting new talent. “I chose Just Dance because not only was the concept novel and exciting for me as a choreographer and a judge but the idea of meeting the new, fresh talent was simply wonderful. I am very inspired by the energy and confidence of these contestants. Of course I have a great relationship with STAR and have done Nach Baliye with them before. And yes sharing a judging panel with Hrithik Roshan too was an incentive. I am looking forward to an interesting and engaging experience.”
She feels the youth is brimming not just with confidence and talent but manages to surprise her too. “Every time a contestant comes on stage they perform with such abandon that it inspires me. And I find it very interesting when they perform on Farah’s or my songs. It is very gratifying to see their take on a product. It is like a market survey. As a choreographer, you had a thought that you executed with your team, producer, director and stars and then the same song is picked up by a member of the audience and they add their take to it. I am always amazed and feel very good about it. That experience is like job satisfaction as we make movies and songs for them and to see their version of our songs is cool.”
Does she feel there are too many reality shows on tv today? “Not at all. We have seen the kind of reality shows that appear on tv and then we see the new concepts added every year. The audiences too love reality shows as they have a set format and time frame so it is a win-win for both sides, the channel and the audiences who get to view a variety of reality shows which don’t stretch endlessly. I also love doing reality shows because I love dressing up. I get to wear lovely clothes, put on makeup and feel like a star. I love the attention and the experience too.”
Mostly, it is the song and based reality shows that garner popularity in India and Vaibhavi agrees. “Sure and why not. We Indians love naach gana and having fun. We let our inhibitions go and rejoice in our lives through song and dance. Moreover we have always had the tradition of song and dance in our movies so having reality shows based on songs and dance is an extension. The audiences want entertainment and what better way to be entertained than song and dance.
What will be the USP of Just Dance, according to her? “Presence of superstar Hrithik Roshan- without a doubt. Also I feel the quality of dancers too will be a criterion. People will switch in for Hrithik but will stay on for the dancers and their stories. The concept of Just Dance, the level of the show too is unheard of and will sure attract a lot of viewers.”
Ask her about Hrithik as a judge and she quickly replies, “He is too cool and too good. He has been a trouper through and through. He is meticulous and very focused as a judge. He even scared Farah and me with his dedication,” she laughs. “Seriously he is aware of every contestant, their details and background story. He had a tough time eliminating them. But he is encouraging and supportive of the contestants. He is superb as a judge.”
Vaibhavi who adores Hrithik’s dance simply loved him in his Just Dance music video. “He was so fluid and so great in the video. I enjoyed it. The video spreads the message of the show very well. We all know what a great dancer he is so there is nothing much for me to say here.” Talking about her rapport with co-judge Farah, Vaibhavi says, “Farah and I have known each other but never really ‘known’ each other. Being from the same industry we used to meet often but through Just Dance, I am glad to say I got to know her. She is now a friend. She is quick witted and straight forward just like me and perhaps that’s why we get along like a house on fire.”