Monday, July 27, 2015

JHALAK RELOADED - Define Dance Please!!!


When I looked up for the technical meaning of Dance it says “ a series of steps and movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of Music” and as a verb it means “gently swaying and moving on Music” Our Contestants did just that but our ESTEEMED JUDGES AND DANCE GURUS are attempting to do just the opposite. I was left wondering what exactly do they want??? Only Karan Johar seems to actually understand what Dance means…and while I was mooning over some performances and filled with delight we had our judges just redefining their weird sense of dance on the contestants.
I mean the theme was Jhalak in Motion…cool…did they specify in any way Use so and so Prop and risk your life? The unwritten messages Dance gurus are sending is “Guys go and jump…hurt yourself…we shall appreciate if you injure yourselves…we are looking for bandages on your body and not Expressions…we care not if you can sway to the music...go with the rhythm…we are looking for broken bones…ya rite…more damage more the marks and approving comments!”
Only Karan seems to understand what DANCE and this show stands for…others make a complete mockery out of it. 
And so I break my own polite rule and will not present the blog in my customary way but shall put those Acts first where I actually felt Dance happened…Consider me an angry Fan…anyone who does not agree with me always has the choice to Ignore this blog and my opinion…no big deal…I and you both shall survive...
The celebrities, I feel did a Fabulous job are Shubhreet Kaur, Shamita Shetty, Sanaya Irani, Raftaar, and of course FAISAL KHAN…My reason to even consider watching the show and following it so avidly for every tweet every update and every development…
Shubreet as I always maintain has a lovely rapport with her sensitive choreographer and he is so so paternal, sensitive, creative and rocking…

 She swirled and twirled like a dream…Diwakar was so adroit as to be prompt at any place she might falter and lifted the Act to sensitive heights. It was inspiration in tons and she is truly an example to any girl in India who has the gumption to follow her dreams…Go girl you truly rock and wish you super tons of kisses and hugs for this dreamy voyage…I loved it…and except for Karan most of the people now are getting a little patronising towards her just a bit…do not pity her…she is doing an amazing journey up here…

Shamita along with Deepak who cutely underwent so much torture to be the Girls Gang that swings was also splendid. 
She looked so dainty, naughty, elite and elegant…I loved her Swing and felt that they actually did Dance and gave the “look at us we are so cool” Attitude. She carried that Arrogance a beauty carries on her delicate shoulders and delivered sucha super dimsy vimsy Act and what do the Judges come up with… “Oh there was nothing to put hurdle on…” Indeed Jhalak with Hurdle should have been the specification…they only could have given a Prop if they did not want to be open to creativity. Do as told adage if you want…then might as well give a prop and test them…You anyway do not consider moving rhythmically and sensuously is Dance…

Raftaar and Sneha also were everything fun and naughty. 

I think because Judges just wanna say something and not something Nice they are Nit-picking on nothing…either the participant did too much or less…if the choreographer has instilled more confidence in the celeb she is dancing with...it is a fault?? It is an achievement…FANS are sitting to watch their Celebrity and not the choreographer no matter how handsome or beautiful she is…Raftaar is so confident and did superb but well again …judges felt they were doing too much…honestly I enjoyed the masti element, the cute flirting and the use of stairs was amazing and mischievous…if it shook a little ...overlook it Mr.Hegde we overlook far too many things just now in you too..Simply made the little girls esteem lower...beats me..

Sanaya put in a great concept…
Actually Treadmill did use the Motion principle truly. It did reflect this Act wonderfully. She brought in good energy…She was herself today..chirpy..bubbly...Fast...connected and most important she enjoyed herself. Obviously again THE HURDLE was not too much speed...again Mr Hegde puts in his Atrocious" You did not endanger yourself enough" line.I am having Grave doubts about his technical interpretation of Dance. Honestly, I take My Epithet Technocrat back...I will reserve it for some other person...
Kavita KAUSHIK…hmm the prop used was Oh My God! so dangerous and at many points the choreographer could have got injured and Kavita was already carrying bandages…she seems to be  little bitter too…with her post Act comments coming Loud and sharp…She has been independent maybe a bit too long to gracefully surrender to sweeter moments and probably so when those moments of leaning on the partner…clinging to the Man comes she seems a little held back…She cannot allow it herself to loosen her Guard maybe.OH Dear Kavita! you looked so stunning out there…and you did Dance as much as you could given the risk and the Battering your body took while rehearsing…Its OK to lower your guard and enjoy…just surrender...it is an Act…I would love to see you more on the Jhalak show…Do not go yet..
And now COMES Faisal khan…
As soft and mushy his Act left me…as much livid and sense of unfairness stuck to me due to Ganesh Hegde and Lauren Gottlieb’s Comments…Madam Lauren you were lucky you had Remo sir...a wise and gentle Dance Soul who never expected you to hurt yourself but show dance technique and expressions…cannot say the same about you…
Mr. Ganesh Hegde …Motion is A Subjective word when it comes to Dance…The kids danced Non-stop and changed expressions in milliseconds…and danced…moved and swayed rhythmically on Music…Remember the definition of Dance? Mr Hegde?? Do make a flex painting outta it and hang it where you can see before you sit on the chair of Judge…
Shahid you were at a loss as to who should you side with…your initial expression were like wow!! And then you changed your opinion…Mr.Hegde in order to please you if these kids attempt Stunts and incur injury…what shall be your opinion?
Whose responsibility would that be?? What exactly do you want the kids to do? Jump on dangerous props and just show they can…OH! both are so hard working…they will deliver that too…only I would feel that possibility is not worth encouraging…your sense of Dance simply does not agree with the universal Sense of Joy Dance is supposed to mean…the way our Dance ancestors meant it to...fill both the dancers and viewers with joy…Maybe you went to a different Dance school…I do not appreciate...I guess I made that clear…and in all this I forgot to praise…
Dear Faisal and Vaishnavi and Vivek Chachere…your concept of motion…abhi fast abhi slow...abhi change...was fantastic.The concept was cool and to non-stop to deliver body movements in such a way that you Dance and emote and rule the floor is not easy...it is too easy to hide behind the so called props and give those precious seconds in manoeuvring and showing risky moves…it is equally difficult to dance, dance and dance for full two and a half minutes...You did it and you have my respect kiddos…all of you…love you tons and loads…
And MY DEAR KARAN JOHAR…accept my truckloads of hugs and kisses for being the only one to take a stand instead of looking unsure like Shahid…and then siding with one…You stood up and applauded an Act that was creatively interpreted. I maintain anyone who Praises Faisal automatically finds a place in my good books.
You already I admire as we both share the same Sun sign. I love your movies not because you are a lovely Director but in your movies there is not a shred of poverty…there is romance and loads of love as a theme...your over the top reunions are super cool…The stars you gave the industry are…wow too…Here is a cheeky request...You are creative and I hope you understand the Metaphor that I am putting forward to you…
You have cooked too many readymade Noodles and savoured them. It is easier to cook them, less messy and they take less time…also they are very presentable…
Try cooking a slow cooked Biryaani…add spice by spice and cook it to perfection…it may take time, precision, and deeper thought but it is always a pride to present your own Delicacy…without beating around the bush...I ask you to take our Faisal under your larger than life Mentoring Attention…
You have gifted the Industry some lovely people and even you must admit that they had a sound grooming and super background to their credit…but Faisal Khan…He is naïve…he needs grooming…he is ready to be trained and do as told...he can romance, emote, dance and fight already and get women to go weak in their knees…elder women see their son in him…little younger see a brother in him…young gals weave dreams tons on him…boys wanna imitate his dance...
I invite you to read my book on him #FANFORTHEFIRSTTIME on his character in a recent tele series…A fan has literally written volumes…but that is all I can do…You, on the other hand are a Mentor par excellence in the field he aims at…Take him in your creative wing…groom him…give him your expertise and you never know...you may give the tinsel industry another Khan, it will remember for years to come….
At the moment, he is just another boy aspiring…your Midas touch can change everything for him...he probably does not know to say… the right thing to present…do the right thing to maybe impress...he has his raw talent…would you take interest?? Not an obligatory interest  that will give him an unmentionable side role but a thorough Mentoring ???Why should you? Because we Geminians love challenges ...
YOURS TRULY FAN
Hmm that was cheeky alright but I said what I wanted to…as I Always maintain you are a free citizen of Democratic India…Read my piece with amusement or give it a thought….
While we are at it a little note to Shahid…You are so so Handsome why do you hide that breath-taking face behind a foliage of beard and moustache? Your eyes have settled down now in these two episodes I saw…
You have overcome this need for attention and are now happily giving those smiles through eyes and smiling often…we like that...I like that…but when it comes to giving opinion you think you have to be knowledgeable and show attitude …you do not have to…just be your honest candid self and you will get back your heartthrob self back.
The performances which failed to have much impact on me were ON THE FIRST day…again the culprit are the silly props…just when these dancers are co-ordinating with dance movements and building a rapport with self here comes the injurious foolish demands…maybe later in the show once the contestants have found their grounds it could have been ok…

Good prop discussion sure helped Vivian Dsena to hide behind.
 He is just about learning to dance and smile while he pirouettes…but Shahid was so fascinated by the whole gadget that the Dance feedback kinda got watered…except for the Tatting...hmm...miles to go before you sleep...or dance...
Vivian you just about managed…but I feel your choreographer was doing all the hard work and you are simply lifting her here and there… I wanna know why she is sombre and solemn while all the other choreographers are all smiles with their partner…??Well! the Gadget was great...I will never need to buy it…more than three-fourth of India will not…but enjoy it…Happy Riding…

Ashish Chowdhary had a new choreo-partner and she is cool and smart and knows how to get him to be comfortable. 
However he failed to help me “Palat”. This song too has such a fun and “Come hither” Quality to it…an agile dancer would have truly rocked the stage and made us all turn back and well, watch…Him…blame that Prop again…poor thing shall he dance or manage that goddamned thing…???
Ashish, you smile so well and you did make a moment outta Madness where you goofed but made it an adorable moment…full marks for that...I do not blame you for all that transpired. You are just about learning the ropes…you will find your niche…and hopefully grace…

Mohit Malik…ditto…
poor thing he is just yet learning to look into the eyes of his choreographer and dance but…the prop thing again…It appeared it was an exercise in weight lifting…So much for trying to fit in…not your fault hunk...this round came too early for comfort…Hope you get to do floor work more often…
You are an outstandingly tall and well-built frame…We love to look at the two of you. We can see all the hard work you two are doing…Just wait for a better round and you will shine…

Scarlett Wilson…pretty lassy…
she looked so Adorable and insy vinsy darling…she is putting out all stops to prove her mettle and I am impressed…The neck roll…awwww my Godddd…It was dangerous and the song was so naughty…but with you looked like a cool invitation…and I enjoyed…again if that goddamned prop was not there, you guys would have shown some more rumpy tumpy moves…
However it felt Music was happening somewhere and you two were busy showing something else…Not your fault …the unwritten message says…jump...hop…injure…dare…hurt…you are so new and everything…you would do anything to get in the good books...
Oh Please! Be safe...your neck is such a vital part…India is a generous country...we have already noticed your talent…You are accepted girl…offers would have started coming in…just take care of your dainty self…

Radhika Madan is another heart-broken missy by the judges insensitive remark…I still repeat this prop round could have been saved for a better part of the day…when the Stars have become confident and comfortable…She tried the prop…she tangoed alright but the energy did not come out quite right…
Some cool moves in the beginning…the horizontal walk was so lovely…
and Mr Ganesh Hegde remarked that her haughty demeanour, he does not approve and she otta humble down…but it is a part of her elegant makeup…she is humble but observe her otherwise she carries that aplomb all the time with her...it is natural it is not borne out of any arrogance or conceit…I request to watch her few episodes on the tele show…that is how she is…period. Poor thing she almost cried for something ,she just cannot discard…
I miss Remo SIR...His remarks were always technically oriented and never aimed at personal make ups of anyone…neither on interpretations nor body language…I do feel it was extremely unwarranted…but it is their show…they have been given the reigns of the Judges chair... their rules...however arbitrary they are…
All I can exhort is Karan Johar to take a stand and bring dignity back in the Judge Arena as even when he gives a not so favourable feedback he has a decent route that he employs…I have followed Jhalak…people cried for untoward injury…eliminations…never because there was ever any personal attack on any contestants…
Jhalak guys I may not be the only one to express…I am sure there are many more like me…

But as usual we look forward to the next week once again…and call it my manifestation…Ma Faisal has been selected by Karan Johar in his team and his team shall win. For Karan is the winner Himself who knows how to create a team…support a team and take them to the finish line…  Karan Johar you are my version of Pied Piper of Hamelin happily lilting a tune that promises magic untold and lure the Followers to just happily jig and go wherever it is that you take ...You are the King Midas who will touch sparingly for you know, you make gold and so will use that gift thriftily so that you do not have to exhort Gods to take it back. I  WILL CHEER YOU and your team mates for you have all my favos...is that telepathy or co incidence? Faisal...raftaar...Scarlett...Kavita...You have all winners and sporting guys who will pull out all stops to make you win and do what it takes to win...I am lookung forward to the next week...Hope you enjoy all the Madness...and give us some happy moments too...:)

Start a conversation with me on Twitter:@SonnalP74

The author claims no rights over the images used in this post.

© Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Jhalak ~ Just about Reloading???


Everyone seems to have settled down with their pop-corn so to speak and slowly and steadily finding their comfort zones and maybe gangs back stage…
Being a Blogger and a true blue Jhalakite I was a tad bit disappointed with certain turn of events and was impressed by few breathtaking moments of…ummm…shall we say Dance???
You read that right…where is the Dance??? Call me Old School Girl but I indeed have witnessed few films where dance Maestros have truly given me this idea that dance is the language of the soul and expressions and body movements form an integral part of it. It is a mixture of Bhavas and Rasas…
Ok maybe too much to expect in this time and day…But is Dance all about Lifts…??? Dangerous stunts and throwing around each other and catching from a distance???
At times I feel so distracted and disturbed at the injury that can be inflicted and incurred…Is this what dance is??Do the choreographers have standing instructions to simply carve out moves that are more stunts than dance moves??? Is there not supposed to be some form of story-telling or touching the heart through moves…
Maybe the show makers and the time has flown faster than my ideas about Dance has…and so we have to make do with whatever it is that unfolds and enjoy what we like and discard what we do not and as a blogger I also exercise my right to at least express it…
The theme of the Jhalak this week was “Party all night” and our “Quite a Crowd” judges are desperately trying to appear merrier and all geared up for the “ Do”…guess it’s also getting noisy a bit…
Thankfully Manish is Abducted and well there were few cool gags on 50 rupees with Shahid wanting to negotiate even further and Karan not having seen that denomination ever since 1997…quite possible and so brought a smile at the “happy arrogance” I do like the candid sense of humor Karan brings with regards to his luxurious status…
Lauren is also getting vocal and her accent is quite cute with her “JHANDA GAAD DIYA “ for Faisal Khan’s performance…Anyone who praises Faisal does get into my good books however I do see certain cold currents from certain participants while accepting verdicts from her post performance; maybe she is junior in age to certain participants and her position as a Judge is resented a wee bit…
Ganesh Hegde has come up with A “Happy Dance” each time he likes a performance…that was a bit cool…and it will again serve to fill time and space in between the Acts…However let us refrain from referring to a certain Dance guru who did a splendid job all these years and poke fun and comparisons...“Stand in your own light” and have fun...sense of humour can be clean and healthy and we need not always aim to tear someone down to raise oneself up…if you have not seen an act of someone no point in commenting that this choreography was better …than whatever…just praise that Act…in millions of ways that are your own unique words…
Subhreet Kaur- Diwakar
Style –Free Style/Bhangra
subhreet-kaur-jhalak-dikhla-jaa


Jhalak Score       She dances with her heart and her choreographer is the sweetest guy who has humbly accepted the challenge of her contestant and also is pulling out all stops to actually make her Rock. The song London Thumakda is in itself so energetic and her wide smile and graceful body gives out such lovely Thumkaas…she actually hopped…Oh my god!!!  She must have worked arduously for hours to practice and get that balance to come back and keep moving…she is amazing and her spirit needs saluting…but now I am moving away from her challenge and focusing on the dance that follows …she does put in her soul into it and so we begin the mood for the party…I do feel like getting up and shake my clumsy self and simply enjoy a thumka or two…cool beginning I say..
Look into??? Challenge yourself further and further and surprise yourself…do some dreamy numbers and try moves that will make us gasp in wonder.
My Score: 9/10

Radhika Madan-Rishikaysh
Style-Contourion
radhika-madan-jhalak-season-8
Jhalak-ScoreI hate to do this but being honest is a tough job. This act was supposed to be a chilly, eerie, vampiry one with the specific event to freeze your bones and return as your nightmare…well I have seen such acts on this stage only by a capable dancer and it was creepy…This was none…no thrill effects…no
scary feeling…half way through the Act it was as good as any act…I used the break to go check the food being cooked in my kitchen…sorry for this one…but if an Act failed to impress …that is that...she better try something else…she is probably so cute and dainty that she just cannot look evil…end of the story...or maybe she needs more experience in her kitty to emote that kinda feeling and transmit it…
Look into??? Romantic numbers….maybe humorous one…pick a social issue….maybe better luck next time. I do not deny your hard work ...I just felt nothing stirring…
My Score: 5/10



Mohit Malik-Marishcha
Dance Style: Street Jazz
He is cute and it does feel he is waking up to himself with surprise and like saying silently to himself…whoaaa…it’s me Dancing...I would say Kudos to his choreographer for bringing him into this super zone of trying and succeeding…and it was such a cute little act. The colour combination of their clothes complemented them perfectly and there was superb flirting and skirting by both of them.

I did feel from the beginning he is the Tall dark and handsome guy of Jhalak and well go on to be the discovery of the show. They romanced with their moves and cheekily put in a gentle chivalry and gallantry…Mohit has an amazing protective frame that makes you believe he can pick a damsel effortlessly and cross a threshold. I enjoyed the performance.
Look into??? Maybe just maybe, Mohit became little self-conscious of his wife being there in the audience and so he quite did not look into her eyes (choreographer) in the beginning…and really I wanna ask are those tumbles and dumbles and lifts needed…? Can there be no some good ol” dancing moves…
My Score: 8/10
Scarlett Wilson – Dhiraj Bakshi
Style-Hiphop/Salsa

One word...she is jazzy…her energy is stupendous and infectious and If I have a party like that in ma house and I would surely invite her to groove. Her floor work is superb. She reigns and how…again few lifts were superb and few lifts broke the tempo…but I enjoyed the Act so so much…
She is smiling widely all the time and trying so hard to fit in…but when she is on the floor she rules, she throws caution to wind and says come Dance with me…and we do…coolest dance so far..
Look into??? Try now a slow number…when you gotta show what you got…you show’em everything in your kitty of talent. It should not feel that she can only do rumpy numbers but also sway gently like a breeze…
My score: 9/10

Faisal Khan- Vaishnavi Patil
Lindy Hop
Holy God and Christtttt ….it was a power packed performance alright and they both are just so astounding. An entire building could be electrified with the energy this Little Man carries…The stamina that was on display was a whirl wind…where was he exactly…in which part…with what …and whirrrrrrr….was he flying??? For that is how it felt…I felt like panting just half way through the Dance and was little worried about the fall and trips that were taken…
My God they must have amazing trust and faith and tons of practice to reach this gale…their energy could cause a storm and thunder somewhere…yes these foolish lifts???  Are they mandatory??? Are they not  killing all the floor work these two cooked up…one minute he was here …another where...and another up there and then...oh look where??? And that was the purpose of the Dance here….to express and whip the audience into a sweet tutty fruity scoopshake…he is a bundle of Talent and someone in the industry can look to…for a future gen dancer…Train him someone…groom him someone…look at his naivete.
Oh Mr Karan Johar he needs your sophisticate attention…do transfer your gorgeous vocabulary…your uber cool drawls your panache and style...my kiddo so so needs a mentor like you It is time you Mentored someone and create yet another success story…he will not disappoint you...look at his innocence…when he sees the score of 10…he shyly chortles… “Pehla ten…” I know the feeling….You work hard and yet to retain that innocent quality of “Was I good enough?”
He is still assuring that next time he will leave no scope of mistakes…yes Sir here is a boy in the cusp of Manhood….he is all there with his sincere self to make him do as you please…Mr.Choreographer…do take care of our Masterpiece…he is not to be trifled with…focus on Dance…floor…body…


Look into??? They both Are amazing…and humans.I request the show guys and the choregraphers to remember that they are still young and naïve and ready to adventure but do be a little more cautious…This is a dance show not a stunt show...take care of both…and Dance…
And serve us more lovely acts of memorable dance…expressions he has trillions…just try…stamina…he has tons…try powering an entire 20 storey building…but he has a vulnerable self...give him deep confidence and a panache…he will take your name further with his Midas touch…Just like  that we do not call him Honey drip…did you see the way he melted with “pehla ten” He is a thorough gentlemen…give him the highest score and he will give the perfunctory hug to Vaishnavi unlike the sticky slicks I see other give…given a chance…. Tell him he has made a mistake and he will readily assure you I will avoid next time…I will do better…Is there any doubt in any one’s mind why we absolutely adore him…there should be none…
And if you have Oh well…you must see the performance again and check if you have a heart…if you did not get happily moved…maybe …just maybe…that important organ is missing from you…ours was looted long back…look at that Caramel-Coded smile…who would not find it adorable??
If you do not…well get yourself fixed with a Doctor he or she will surely sort you out…and now here I have a stern word to put in for Shahid Kapoor…You just hugged him and complimented him…and well…after that you just did not let him speak…you went on a tangent with Karan on possible meanings of Badtameezi…and all in all you took away those moments where the Kiddo could have got some chance to say something about ….just anything like other contestants do…
So much leverage Mohit was given with his wife “Addie n all that” it was cute and I enjoyed but well we also wanted our Dude be given a chance to interact...say something...He has an entire Book #fanforthefirsttime to his credit…he is an amazing fellow but well Mr.Shahid you in your endearing way eclipsed the dude and well we Fans stand disappointed…do learn the wisdom of when to step aside gracefully and let others have their moments too…
My score: 10/10

Ashish Chowdhary- Vrushali Chavan

...unfortunate and just what I have been writing all along…Yes Rigorous schedules are necessary…yes new moves are necessary but this unnecessary injuring of vital body parts…unnaturally arching does take its toll on the system and so his choreographer just fainted and lost control so much so that the dance performance had to be terminated and oh god…disappointment for Ashish as he wanted to record this one for his children and grand children…Do be careful all you guys….Dance is supposed to energise…not inure!

Day 2 brought back My Dear Manish back…even alone he is quite the Boatman who propels the show forward… Yes Shahid is charming but to be honest it does seem that at many moments he is getting carried away and probably taking up the space that is not meant to be his…Already there is quite a crowd of judges and gurus and well…we miss the serene yet powerful moments of Judge Verdict…Its like the performance is getting over and Shahid is simply waiting to spring forth…at times it is cool...at times it is uncool and unwise and unwarranted…

Shamita Shetty- Deepak
Style-Latin free style
It was good compared to the last bland performance. She looked fragile and sexy and beautiful in an underplayed way. She swayed and twirled and jumped and spinned effortlessly and it was a soothing vision for the eyes. Yet as throughout the blog I have been reiterating…Unnecessary lifts are breaking the tempo that they create with their floor work and just when I am enjoying all the rhythm…thapak breaks the spell for the music is fast and lift kinda breaks ma connect to the dance that unravels in front of me…
Look into??? She still is disconnected from her choreo-partner…yes she slings and twines around and yet that chemistry is missing. The choreo needs to work hard to get her that missing link and she is one of the few contestants who would give us some entertaining acts…
My score: 10/10

And the Thumka competition...less said the better guys…are you running short of creative Gags??? It felt you were just trying to fill space with whatever...however irrelevant stuff you can cook...again it was Shamita’s Moment…why conjure up a demon that every cine-sister gets pulled into…why call for Shilpa’s Jhatkas…embarrassing…Shamita you are gorgeous and Radiant you have come into your own…you are a Stylish Diva and Delicate…speak your dainty word and let the world know you…the simply simmering self is waiting…let her out…

Vivian Dsena-Bhawna Khanduja
Dance style- Robotics
He forgot few steps and he was static…though it was a robotic dance where he would be spared of any expressions it still looked clumsy…Judges may have their own reasons for probably cheering him up but I can say only this…Like me you too are quite lost to Dance land…we better stick to being a spectator and enjoy someone groove than attempt it. Still I would say you are stepping out of your comfort zone and trying your best…

Look into??? When you cannot prevent it you must enjoy it...this is the sharp piece of advice I offer you. You cannot Dance but you can most definitely Smile and enjoy it with all of us…let Manish tease you a little...let yourself be inspired by Shahid a little and talk nineteen to dozen...make it best while you are there and leave some cool memories for the Fans who are avidly watching you and are waiting for few Dialogues from you…I am sure your Fans agree...they do not care if you dance or not…but they sure wanna see you interact…
My Score: 5/10
The tissue game??? Utter waste of everything...even sense of humour…and Manish??? Me ukso “Mummy” buna sakta hun??? That double entendre could have been avoided for pat came the question from my ten year old…mom He is not married to her than how he can?? So much for calling it a family show??
Raftaar-Sneha Kaporo
Style-Jive

He has a different name (Dilin Nair) but I like this Name(Raftaar)...it has so much fun inbuilt in it. In one word they both are so so so shweet and cute and adorable and fun and everything in between…their rapport is awesome and their smiles are super infectious. I loved...loved...loved the Act…of course the song was my latest Fav…Dil Dhadakne Do...but he did bring out the energy and the dhamaal and for once the Lifts were appropriate and not over-done and not at all misplaced…
They did not break the rhythm too…what he paused before lift he more than made up with his fun  smile and body attitude and…I enjoyed the whole time they were there on the floor and I DO Look forward to all that they do...they are my hulka fulka dope…I agree more and more with myself...he is indeed the happy go lucky friendly guy who will pipe you a cool smile and not wait for you to catch it…he will be busy blowing bubbles at someone soon….Just a happy Dance…
Look into???: Just slight consciousness creeps in before he lifts his partner as if he just might miss her…So the expression freezes just for a second but all is soon well in this happy lalala land…
My score: 9/10

Kavita Kaushik- Rajitdev
Dance Style-Bollywood

Masti and fun and rowdy giri are her zones and she lived it up to the hilt…Humka bhi peeni hai…ukaa saath…she was jhatka and matka and wow…I enjoyed the Act and was smiling throughout…thinking that maybe just maybe it is possible to do those steps she is so thumak thumak ke doing...it sounded all so easy…It was fun all the way and sucha party even I would love to attend and safely get drunk if I have a tipsy partner like her…

Look into???: Tell yourself that you have all the grace and feminine side is ok to let loose...you do not have to be rowdy all the time and you will do just fine…keep undignified steps and jokes away and you shall sail further…with or without that bottle of whatever you were drinking…
My Score: 8/10



Dipika Kakar
Style: Free style

She stands fully in her glory. I wish the choreo had chosen this avatar as herfirst Act. She looked pretty and dolled up and quite in command of her full self and she pranced pretty. Tap tap and tap a roll. It was a lovely visual treat and it was good while it lasted though I will not savour it in my mind with the after effect moving on to other things…
Look into???: Energy level is something you need to work on. Maybe the serene bahu has too much gotten into the skin or is naturally reserved and so the high voltage full power is not shot into the whole act…I do guess you are the one who will be in the elimination round yet again…
My score: 7/10



Sanaya Irani-Jai
Style-Waltz
This is sucha romantic dance form and a dance for lovers all the way...it is chivalry and gallantry…it is courting your girl and beau in the most exotic way…it is to depict the elite coming together, flirting and offering your speechless messages through your eyes…saddddd…her eyes were covered and this vital contact was lost once again…
She looked pretty…flimsy…fragile…delicate…but again…that gentry atmosphere was lost…it was picture perfect setting to create a lasting impact on anyone who is in the first throes of falling in love…I could have fallen in love but I simply tarried at the shores and dabbled in the shallow waters and decided not to get wet…for it reached not my soul nor my heart beat…
It was nice but could have been magical but it was not…
Look into??? Hey Literally look into the eyes of the one with whom you are waltzing…else it feels two different people are doing again their own perfect thing…but when the eyes meet…skirt…flirt...seduce there is a whole new quivering language we call Romance and land of fairy land…
My score: 7/10       
                 
That was the Voyage of this week…somewhere it rocked for me somewhere it was a smooth sail...at some places I felt giddy with Joy…and at some places it was an uneventful rippling…Hope I was honest with all that I saw felt and went through for I am still enjoying and hoping for better discoveries and uncovering of talents...I want to be able to Gasp with sheer delight at the dance poetry someone creates next week and sigh at the riveting romance if it unfolds…
My fevometer for this week goes to the person who set the floor ablaze and made me go back to Colors website and view and review and partake of the soaring temperature yetto again….and that this week clearly is whisked away by none other than Ma magic kiddo…
Faisal Khan for his electrical and energetic whirlwind…I am looking forward for you to weave magic once again next week and we yet await that Full Forty from the judges and cheers you can accept from all of us…
Hoping Shahid exudes more persona...enigmatic smiles and cool currenty speeches where we hang on his every word instead of he tryin to be one up anchor and take up space that is not his…Hoping for Lauren to speak more of her cute Hindi…keep gaading whatever you wish to but keep up that cute accent...never give up that …it is yours…and so unique…

Hoping Karan keeps up his luxurious drawls for us to smile and repeat and hoping Ganesh Sir gives in more techno tips …he observes keenly…and We wait once again for the next Jhalak round of visual treats…the pics have already made us sit up and begin guessing what shall it be this week…Jhalak in motion…we are ready with our emotion… 

Who raised the fevometer for you? And whose performance are you looking forward to this week?

Leave your thoughts & answers in the comment section below or start a conversation with me on Twitter: @SonnalP74

The author claims no rights over the images of contestants and performances. All fevometer images are property of the author and this blog and may not be reused without author's consent. 



 © Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

JHALAK RELOADED…n …How!!!

               Karan Johar is so cutely flustered and frustrated with the evident boredom and sends a comico-tragic appeal up in the ethers that he will not be silent…well till our Shahid appears with his by now symbolic warning “Silent ho jaa varna main violent ho jaunga” and goes on to set the floor roaring. All we audience could do is sigh and wish why was I not there to join him? Why ever do we not do something in the field of dancing…It was a screaming for applause performance and we loved it…
This time we have an array of judges however seated separately and termed Dance Gurus…namely our Ganesh Hegde who brings with him deeper than thou Knowledge of this arena and the Dainty Lauren Gottlieb…
It did confuse me for a while that why we had such baffling separate seating arrangements but it did become apparent a little later as both the episodes unfolded. Shahid has been given a separate open “La Chaise” for he doubles up or rather spreads himself around in multi farious ways…He is the judge after the performance…he is the motivator before an appearance like the the Dope he gave to Vivian D’sena as he was very nervous and needed a healthy dope of Humour for his wavering confidence …only he  could understand what it means for the person who has not ever danced and has to face Dance Mavens and top brass from the industry…Each participant was a bit trembly…jittery…
He also was the Anchor in crime with Manish Paul with the Stars post the dance and in the audience when he had to encourage a crumbling Deepika Kakar after her “Freeze n fret” phase…It was extremely sensitive of him to get to the audience to make her cart through such a mortifying morass…naturally he needed to have his chair open and outgoing literally…
Karan was his charming and affluent self…literally the Shaan of the show …he proudly claimed it is not easy to replace him…or establishes his supremacy by sayin
“Main toh free main Smile bhi nahi deta” well that was so cutely arrogant but tells all well “ I am Important and do not trifle with that fact. No one would dare …no one would…
Ganesh Hegde brings rich rich and sensitive knowledge…He is extremely well versed with each terminology and I must say I learned a few new ones and was like…Ummm…it is called…that..ohhhh
He too was very sensitive in pointing out to Deepika’s Choreographer how he could have avoided too many prop manoeuvres in the first performance and shifted the onus of the Mal functioning of the Dancer rightly where it belonged…while we were all going tch tch…and sending waves of sympathy to her, he swiftly and efficiently gave the verdict how the calamity could have been avoided and the dancer’s comfort level be established…after that piece of advice I sat up and took notice and said to myself...Oh yes He is the Technocrat to look out for…for us he will be venerable source of knowledge; to dancers he will give crisp verdicts and choreos a quick assessment of what they did and what they could have done…
Lauren Gottlieb is a Pretty presence however she is still groping with the language and trying to fit into her new role of Judge where just few years back she was a contestant…Her Comfort level is yet to come…she is playing safe with happy and halting statements in mixed Hindi and English…she is yet to pick up the language of Hindi to dole out quick n witty repartees to Machine Gun named Manish Paul …well well well..you will learn on the go I guess…but she is getting straight to the point with the participant with “Aapko bahut mehnat karni padegi…” with a reprimanding but smiling gaze which is just about getting stern…just about…not yet…so we do have all these new people thrown in …tryin to get a rapport goin with each other!
They will get there I guess…slowly as the show progresses…even our Machine Gun seems to be a little Lost …maybe Kapil or Bharti could enliven his chins up a bit…or maybe He will Strike up a Chemistry with Shahid and they go by name SHAMA…but for now we are Content with The cute bonding of Shohar…cheeky one !!!
One word for the Judges who did Adorn our Jhalak Stage all these years…We miss you Remo Sir and scintillating Madhuri Dixit. We miss the Calm aura and radiant reflecting persona of both…but Change is the name of the game…we play it by their rules…We are the audience we either watch what is there or change our Channels…hmm…I’m not yet ready to do that…but someone please give a PALLO or some other delicate accessory to prank with…he needs it…
Getting to the performances…I am no Dance Know all so when I see a dance it is basically how I felt about it…do I wanna go again and search the repeat value of the performance…what did it make me feel…and how entertaining it was…and that is what I shall put forward in the show…do forgive techno goofs if I make any…
Radhika Madan-Rishikaysh
Dance form –Contemporary Lyrical
She announced that Jhalak will see the Real Radhika and she I felt is far far lovelier than Ishaani. She looks so so the dreamy Damsel-young and kissed with little bit of fairy dust. Her act was clean and smooth. It almost felt that the gentle dream came …feathered my senses and left as swiftly…
Strength: Cool lifts and spins with absolutely no mistakes as far as I could see. She danced with complete freedom and elan and was pretty sure of her moves and was well supported by her choreographer who knew her strong points and brought it out equally well
Look into???: It was a simple performance like a whiff of cloud that came and went and floated past with no lasting impact or memory for me…I would love them to give a sassy and saucy performance that makes me get up an d look again…
My Score: 7/10
Mohit Malik- Marischa
Dance form: Afro/Krumping
Tall, well built and energetic is how I expected this dance to be…and to an extent it was but…The choreographer did her best to bring that grace and attitude in him. We did get to see some excellent lifts but there was an awkwardness which was visible on his face. I will put it down to his first time on stage of this magnitude.
Strength: He is well built as I keep repeating and looks awesome on the stage...many outfits and attire will go super awesome on him. He can do the most dangerous lifts in a flick…
Look into??? : His upper body was stiff and it showed…he was little uncomfortable. His expressions too were restrained and slow in the coming…we will give him one more chance…
My score: 6/10
Faisal Khan-Vaishnavi Patil – Vivek Chachere
Dance form- HipHop
God…!!! The entire act my heart and mind was in my Hands…I was praying that my two little cute ones be safe and that slidewala better do a good job…They were so earnest and eager and their rapport was super awesome…They covered the entire stage and moved and whirred and plonked and uff…I had a difficult time whether to admire their Dance or Adore their Gumption. The Dance choreo had too much faith in them to use sucha difficult and complicated prop for both my little ones and they returned it manifold…
Strength: Complicated prop handled deftly and all the possible “show me what you got” moments there. Excellent Rapport between both of them and camaraderie! I’m sure they will pull out tons of surprises for us and I am soo so eager to watch each one of them…My kachchi khilti dhoop he is…effortless grace he is …
Look into???: I wish I could play partial and not use this segment for him but well…in all fairness…I did see a slight clumsiness while moving on the goddamned prop…Not his fault…never for me…I can at least see no wrong. Jeezzz…I will put it down to First performances in front of so many industry’s mavens and who is who…
Both the kids were nervous and a little petrified not for their safety but more so that they do not miss a step and disappoint…Choreographerji…please have mercy and use the beautiful floor to get these two to show their skills…I Exhort I plead…I command…
My Score: 8/10
Shamita-Deepak
Dance form: Free style
She is in Jhalak with an important mission and that is to be known as Herself and not sister of Shilpa Shetty. She need not fret, she does make a cool picture...confident and curvy…However the Dance performance did not really move me to any extent. The choreographer stuck to too much of familiarity and really did not give any edge to her performance that it will stay in the minds far after it is over
Strengths: She is a dancer alright and made all the right moves and crisp cuts with lifts and spins!
Look into???: It was a Bland performance for me. It did not really make me sit up and say...OK I wanna see what she does next. I do request the choreographer to take few risks with her and well make her deliver Some sexy stuff…
My score: 6/10
Vivian D’sena- Bhavna Khanduja
Dance Form-Freestyle
Vivian needs to really let go of all his deep seated inhibitions that do not let him let his heavy guard down. I do know it is an already accepted adage by his own-self and it showed. The choreographer does have a handful job. She will have to work at a multi-level to get this hunk to groove. I can sympathise with him that he needs help loads and loads for I am equally helpless when it comes to dancing…My sympathies with him!
Strengths: He does look handsome in an earthy sort of a way and if he smiles he can churn out some charm out there on the stage.
Look into???: Tons o inhibitions blocking his free movement. He needs to let go and well, let loose…but will he be able to? Time will tell…
My score: 5/10
Subhreet kaur-Diwakar
Dance Form: Freestyle
If anyone who has been handed by God an opportunity and blessing and a challenge it is this lady’s choreographer…She is dollops of determination. She comes with equanimity…she comes with a calm request…do not look at what I do not have look at what I do have…she has lot of inner beauty and charm and abandon of dancing…if anyone it is her who loves Dance and has been demonstrating what worship is all about…Accept my claps #SteelnCotton..She cut a whirling picture and unleashed energy that was unmatched…her smile said it all…I keep all defeatist notions slung over my shoulders...look at me, I dazzle…she did…Tears were of pride and splendour…
She had only strength and strength and strength at least I could not yet in this performance find any Look into??? Yes…Loved it and give 10/10
Scarlett Wilson-Dhiraj Bakshi
Dance Style: Jazz Funk
What a performance!!! It was an awesome awesome sight. Scarlett gave a sexy and sassy do and we enjoyed it thoroughly .Her moves were bold and fabulous. Jhalak is her floor alright and she is here to rock. There were some stunning lifts that they put forward…especially when she lifted her choreographer from the back. They both looked so cute. I was so right when I said that she is the butterfly who will flit and flutter and the audience shall enjoy…
Strengths: She was so cutsie and cut an amazing figure in her purple shimmer …Her leg movements were so clean and she absolutely sung the lyrics with delight..
Look into: I guess she is not a popular tele personality and does not have a wide fan baser and so she might find herself in the lower rung of elimination area quite often. My advice…go out there and promote promote and promote herself…
My Score: 10/10
Kavita Kaushik–Rajit Dev
Dance style: Freestyle
Sensuous was the word from the go…the ambience they created was misty and romantic…any lovey dovey couple planning a pre wedding video must have got creative ideas…Sand play too lend its own brand of sensuality to the whole act. Again the choreographer did choose to deviate from her comfort zone and depict her in different light. I enjoyed the possibilities and its connotations…
Strength: She has a lovely persona on the screen and she is comfortable with her choreographer enough to lose herself in the performance. She cut a stylish sensual and breath-taking painting made lovingly by an equally adoring painter…
Look into???: She looked lovely alright but she needs little finishing and few more oodles of feminine grace. Blame it on too much of Chautala hangover…do step out of that role and soften up a bit more and get into clean lifts…I dunno much on the side of dance that technical way but I sensed a certain awkwardness in moving from one lift to another and a little expression and dance co-ordination…but I want you to stay a bit longer…and on a hind note…do avoid certain jokes…My kids are sitting with me and its hard to giggle and explain…gets mighty embarrassing…though they are veiled…still…
My score: 7/10
Raftaar –Sneha Kaporo
Dance Style: Hip Hop
My first impressions were quite correct. Raftaar is kinda Mr.Good boy all ready to please but my poor guy was stiff nervous and oh so…But you did well and you were fun…Sneha is such a sweet heart and she has struck the right chord within him. She chose a fun theme and managed few crunching manoeuvres…I was like the floor is wet what if he slips…but he managed well...and contrary to my belief he was tongue tied after his performance…Oh do not be you were cool…I loved it. It was masti all the way…
Strengths: He is ready to do what it takes and that is such an asset for the choreographer. He will submit himself to the dance as and how guided. He has a good frame and he can deliver fun numbers…
Look into???: Overcome that flustered expression in your eyes and loosen up guy…you are doing well and how!!!Just smile, commit and enjoy!
My score: 8/10
Sanaya Irani
Dance Style: Bollywood
 
Ok give me flak for this opinion but I felt it was a dispassionate performance. No soul, all the right movements but no connection between the dance choreographer and her. She was doing her own thing albeit good and he was doing his own thing however the act appeared disconnected. She has tons of attitude in her body…she is a good dancer I have seen her before and I maybe expected more. She is so lovely and…I stood disappointed…nervous Sanaya does not gel for me…I will wait for the next act…
Strength: Cool attitude, swift moves, nice lifts. She is so light to pick and lift and scout around…she can set the floor ablaze and it is now the job of the choreographer.
Look into???: Create rapport with your dance partner lady. Look at him into his eyes…maintain a connect...he is not an extra dancer provided in a troupe...he is your guide. Trust him and follow him…
My score: 5/10
Ashish Chowdhry- Vrushali Chavan
Dance Style: Freestyle
Hmm he is a first time dancer and it showed. He did good for his first attempt and well he was pleasant to the eyes. I think he has a spark hidden somewhere in that determined body of his. Once he overcomes this Dance is my weakness syndrome and works on syncing dance and expressions he will be a great combination.
Strengths: He gave an honest performance and was earnest in following all the instructions to the T.
Look into???: Overcome fears and just give yourself to dance Ashish. Synchronise and flow with your movements. Stop telling yourself that you are no good at it…and tell you will get there and give a bomb performance and you will
My score: 7/10
Dipika Kakar- Vaibhav Ghuge
Dance form: Cabaret
Another case of nervousness killing the confidence and I salute HER FOR PICKING UP AND completing her routine courageously! She was nervous and pale from minute one. But she looked beautiful and new until the freeze…She lost all colour from her cheeks and her tears flooded the Jhalak floor…
Strengths: She carried on despite the freeze and I applaud that…It takes courage and split second decision to go up and do a thing like that so clap for you lady…it happens…
Look into???: Control that fluttering anxiety in your tummy. You are beautiful and will do just fine once you step in comfortably into the stage routine
My score: 7/10
A word of salute to Mr Ganesh Hegde…He was quick and a keen observer. He was the one to put the onus back on the choreographer for the debacle. True…celebrities have to work hard but the first time…she was nervous…was it not choreo’s duty to give her comfortable moves and steps…but he chose instead to use tough props and crush an already crumbling heart…he chose to demonstrate all his skills into one go instead of focusing on the individual he was given…Salut Mr Hegde and I KINDA loved the way Shahid went around the audience in order to uplift her confidence and give her the much needed boost..
This is what Jhalak will go on to become…a show with memorable moments and bonding. Few will return to their lives and few will bond forever…
I, as an audience am looking forward to the party theme and ready to party…
These are simply musings and personal opinions. They are not meant to offend anybody. Bloggers write with inbuilt honesty and with a sense of fun…I do apologise if my words miff anybody…I wish all the participants and judges EID MUBARAK…GOOD LUCK AND LOTS of love to all…
                           By Sonnal Pardiwala
 © Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.

The Writer claims no rights to the images used in this blog post.