Jaaved Jaaferi Recalls Fighting for Dancers' Rights
Actor-cum-dancer Jaaved Jaaferi has opened up about his early efforts to ensure dancers received equal treatment during live stage performances. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the star performer revealed that he was among the first artists to insist that dancers accompany stars on tours and receive the same level of respect and facilities as the main acts.
Reflecting on the early days of stage shows, Jaaferi shared that despite not being a major star at the time, he took a firm stand regarding the contribution of dancers because he understood the hard work they put into every performance. “I was not some big star. If you look at it from that perspective, I was okay, mid-level. But I used to understand how hard the dancers worked and the right that is earned. So for me, it was that they should stay where we stay. We will stay in the same hotel,” he told IANS.
Challenging Industry Norms
Jaaferi recalled that event organisers were initially surprised when he insisted on bringing dancers along for his performances. He shared, “Earlier, people used to tell me, 'Sir, you come to our show and do a performance.' I said I want dancers. They would say, 'Sir, you are a dancer yourself. Why do you want dancers?' I said, 'That's why I want dancers.'” The actor explained that while many stars at the time would perform a brief dance and leave, he wanted to present a properly choreographed act complete with supporting dancers.
He added, “The heroes of that time, I won't name anybody, but they used to go and do a little jig and come back. I said no. I want a proper structured item. Minimum I used to say two boys and one girl. If the budget was a little better, then three girls and three boys. It was a proper set kind of an item.”
Pioneering Group Dance Performances
The actor and former 'Boogie Woogie' judge also revealed that he and his troupe travelled extensively across the country, including the Northeast, performing together as a team. Pointing to how stage performances have evolved, Jaaferi said large dancer groups were uncommon in the 80s or early 90s. He stated, “Today, you are taking 15 dancers, 20 dancers, which is great. But honestly, I think I should take that credit that I opened that door, that dancers should come on and perform with artists.”
Jaaferi is currently seen as a judge on 'India's Best Dancer' and will next appear in the fourth instalment of 'Dhamaal'.
