With so many reality shows on air, what’s different about Tyohar Dhamaka?
I know too many reality shows are happening too often. The formats also look similar - performance, judging and elimination. But Tyohaar Dhamaka on 9X is different and exciting. It has good dancers. It is about celebration of our festivals and hence it has only Indian dances. Each episode has a different theme, the story and dances are in sync with the theme. The emphasis is more on graceful dancing. Also, it’s not a long drawn out competition but only a three-week contest with best of Indian dances, music and colourful costumes.
Did it take you long to decide to be a judge on the show?
No. When I heard the concept I said I would love to do it. It’s a carnival of Indian dances and culture and it’s so beautiful and enjoyable to watch and judge the performances. Since it’s only a three-week show of half-hour episodes I found it easy to say yes. Also, it’s a SOL production which has lot of young, positive and energetic women on its staff. I couldn’t have said no to them.
On what basis are you going to judge the contestants?
I will judge them for their performance, synchronisation, energy, style, expression, choreography and lip sync. I will also be watching how gracefully they dance and whether it is in sync with the theme.
Generally such shows have two to three judges. But you are the solo judge on this show. Is your job more difficult?
Yes, it is. It’s really tough for me to see everything in every performance and mark it. But I am doing my job fairly and honestly.
Who are the good dancers on the show?
Most of them are good dancers. Of course, everyone can’t be the best. But then they all have done dance shows before and have the experience of performing on a competitive stage. I think Narayani (Shastri), Sayantani (Ghosh), Mouni (Roy) and Naman (Shaw) are good dancers. Sudha Chandran who is hosting the show is a very good classical dancer and she will also perform. Over all, it’s a nice show.
Post-Kora Kagaz in 2000, you haven’t produced and directed much of fiction. Why?
I did Kangan, Kuch Pal Saath Tumhara and a Gujarati serial. Somehow things didn’t work well for my shows and I lost interest.
Do you watch television? Which are the shows that you have liked lately?
Yes I do watch TV but I find it monotonous and shallow. There is no substance in most of the shows and technically they are faulty too. I enjoyed watching Zara Nachke Dikha but the show is over now. Lately I have been watching Balika Vadhu. It’s so real and technically beautiful. Now that the show is doing well, very soon we will see its clones.
