Veteran actor and celebrated dancer Jaaved Jaaferi has voiced a pointed critique of contemporary dance reality television in India. While acknowledging the abundance of skilled performers, he laments a significant lack of originality and distinct identity among the plethora of shows.
The Sameness of Modern Dance Formats
According to Jaaferi, the current landscape of dance competitions, though evolved in format, suffers from a repetitive core. "They all look the same. While the formats evolve, the core presentation rarely does," he observed. He emphasized that despite the incredible talent pool available today, very little about the shows themselves manages to stand out or offer a unique viewing experience. This homogenization, he suggests, makes many programs feel indistinguishable from one another.
Boogie Woogie's Legacy and The Internet's Impact
Reflecting on the iconic 1990s show Boogie Woogie, which he co-hosted, Jaaferi highlighted its original concept. "Our show was original. It wasn't copied," he stated, adding that any potential revival would need to be a fresh "version 2." He also contrasted the resources available to dancers then and now. He pointed out that today's performers have unprecedented exposure through the internet, allowing them to learn and adopt global styles effortlessly—a luxury he and his contemporaries did not have.
Memorable Silver Screen Collaborations
Known for his electrifying dance moves, Jaaved Jaaferi fondly recalled working with leading actresses of his time. He praised Meenakshi Seshadri for being "very good." About the legendary Madhuri Dixit, with whom he danced in '100 Days', he shared that rehearsals were scarce due to her packed schedule. "There was no time to try something extra or new, but I totally enjoyed working with her," he reminisced. He also named Neelam Kothari as another actress who matched his steps perfectly, making their collaborations seamless and enjoyable.
A Director's Dream for Son Meezaan
On a personal note, Jaaferi expressed a creative desire to helm a project featuring his son, actor Meezaan Jaaferi. "I want to direct Meezaan someday," he revealed. Having watched his son grow, he feels he understands Meezaan's strengths as a performer and looks forward to exploring them creatively when the time is right.
Jaaferi's insights paint a picture of an entertainment segment rich in individual talent but perhaps in need of innovative storytelling and presentation to recapture the unique charm of earlier eras.
