Punit Pathak talks about being a judge, the responsibility of being a master, the success of ABCD 2, and other dance shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Dance Plus…
The star actor-dancer –choreographer made his way from being a contestant to a judge on the same dance reality show. This has never happened in the history of Indian reality show, yet Punit is still as grounded as he was when he started off. Of course now he dreams to be a director like his predecessors Ganesh Acharya, Remo Fernandez, Farah Khan and Ahmed Khan. Read excerpts from the interview.
How does it feel to be a judge on Dance India Dance?
DID has given me name fame and everything. I learnt the D of dance through this show. In season 2 I was a contestant and now I am a judge in Season 5. I was speechless for two days when I got the offer. It’s a dream come true.
You were trained by Terence Lewis in season 2 of Jhalak, now you are in their shoes. Does the responsibility scare you?
Terence Sir, Remo Sir and Geeta Mam – are great masters but they’ve grown and gone beyond that. Everyone grows to prove their potential, I am grateful to Dance India Dance and Zee TV ‘coz they believe I have the potential to be a master this year. It is very difficult and a huge responsibility to step into their shoes. But I accept the challenge and I hope I make them proud.
Your movie ABCD 2 is a worldwide success. How does that make you feel?
I am elated and on seventh heaven. I feel lucky to be a part of such a project which has become the biggest opening of 2015. I hope it becomes a part of the Rs 100 crore club as well. For me last week was ABCD 2′s release and this week is Dance India Dance 5′s release – it just can’t get better than this.
How are you planning to celebrate the success of ABCD 2?
The party just happened. But I believe success is not time bound you can celebrate it whenever.
How have your fans reacted to your performance in the movie?
I got a very positive and good response. I didn’t know I would connect so much with people as Chandu in ABCD and didn’t know people would connect with a deaf and mute character like Vinod in ABCD 2. People have connected with my dance and it has now become a rage, a dance style by itself; although it was barely for a minute and a half. It’s a dream come true for me.
You are not part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa this season, but will you be watching it?
I would definitely love to catch it once it goes on air. Not only that, I also want to watch Remo sir’s Dance Plus. It’s strange ‘coz I was offered all the three shows.