Music director Anand Raj Anand became the latest contestant to hang up his dancing shoes after Bhagyashree and Ugesh Sarcar, as he was voted out of the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa last week.
Anand Raj Anand was doing quite well on the show earlier. However, he got the lowest number of votes and was pitted against Monica Bedi in the deciding act, 'Dance Off.' While Monica and Javed sailed through, Anand Raj Anand suddenly froze mid-act. That proved to be his undoing, ending his journey on the show.
He spoke to Rajul Hegde about his experiences.
Are your children sad that you were eliminated?
I promised my daughter that I would last until the sixth round at least. Now I tell her that the effort each round took was equal to six episodes [laughs]. I participated in the show because my children wanted me to. They told me I won everyone's heart with my dance moves and expressions.
What went wrong during the face-off round between Monica Bedi and you?
I was not ready to be a part of the face-off round. I had prepared for the next round. That's why when I performed to my old number, the disappointment showed on my face. Plus, there was not enough place to do a particular step. I stopped for a second and continued immediately before finishing off well.
What have learnt from this show?
I discovered that I can dance! I'm also overwhelmed by the love and affection people have showered on me over the last three weeks. I was shy in front of the camera before coming on this show. But now, I am comfortable with it. It will help me to face the camera when my new music album comes out. I was comfortable with the judges, celebrities and choreographers so there was positive energy around me. Now, I'm waiting for the wild card round.
What dance forms have you learnt form this show?
I've learnt the Samba, Salsa and Govinda's style of dance.
Do you think you got lesser votes because you are not seen much on television unlike other celebrities on the show?
Some of the sympathy factors -- like Ram Kapoor dancing despite being fat or Mohinder Amarnath being a senior person, Baichung Bhutia being very innocent -- did not apply to me. Mein udhar maar kha gaya. I was regarded as a proper dancer and they were expecting more from me. Karan Singh Grower, on the other hand, has woman swooning all over him [laughs].
What was your equation with your choreographer Rosita Rajput?
Rosita was brilliant, an amazing teacher. We had differences only once but that was in the heat of the moment. Even if I had to train her voice, I would have reacted the same way. I respect all the choreographers for their efforts to try something new.
Female contestants with male choreographers are always at an advantage. They can lift them, do various types of steps and even cover up their flaws. It's not the same with male dancers.
Is being a judge (of NDTV Imagine's Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka) easier than being a participant?
As a music director and judge, I had control over everyone. But after being a participant, I understand that even participants have a valid point of view. Henceforth, I will be a better judge and boost the participant's confidence, if given a chance. As for the current judges on Jhalak, I have nothing against them. But yes, I hoped for better marks.
Who do you think deserves to win?
Gauhar Khan. She is a complete dancer.
