 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Hit dance-based reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is returning for its eighth season on Colors this weekend.
With a new judging line-up -- Shahid Kapoor, former contestant Lauren Gottlieb and choreographer Ganesh Hegde join show regular Karan Johar -- the show's promised to be bigger and better than before.
Before it premieres on TV, here's a closer look at the season 8 contestants:
Kavita Kaushik
Kavita has been one of the few actresses to ditch the stereotypical portrayal of women on screen as Chandramukhi Chautala on SAB TV's FIR and has garnered raving response for her Haryanvi police officer act.
Post FIR, she's striving to change her body language and get Chautala out of her system for future projects and Jhalak has been a great help in that regard, the actress says.
This is her second dancing reality show after Nach Baliye.
Vivian Dsena
Popular television actor Vivian Dsena, who was last seen as Rishab Kundra in Madhubala- Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, says he rejected Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa for the last three seasons as it was out of his comfort zone.
Finally, his wife convinced him to accept the offer.
Vivian is quite thankful to his fans to have made him reach where he is today, “My popularity alone will not help me win the show. I would not want my fans to vote for me just for my name, I want to earn their vote.
“Money and fame fade with time but the things that you learn in life live forever. So I have come here to learn,” he says.
Radhika Madan
Radhika aka Ishani of Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi is all set to floor us with her dance moves in Jhalak.
Radhika, a trained dancer, is a fan of Hrithik Roshan’s dance, and had dreamt of becoming a choreographer.
"It’s a dream come true to take part in a reality show as a celebrity contestant,” she says.
About the other contenders in on the show, she says, “Scarlett Wilson and Faisal Khan are incredible dancers. Faisal has already won a dance reality show, which makes him a tough player in the game.”
Shamita Shetty
She has done a handful of films and was also a participant of another reality show Bigg Boss in Season 3.
The actress wants to prove her mettle and her Bollywood experience is only going to add to her chances of winning the coveted prize.
"I want to win!" the actress claims in this interview.
Subhreet Kaur
Dancer Subhreet Kaur, who dances with just one foot, is a good dancer too.
She was earlier seen in India’s Got Talent.
Subhreet wants the audience to appreciate her talent and not sympathise with her.
“The only challenge I face is to perform with a partner since I am accustomed to solo acts,” she reveals.
Scarlett Wilson
British model Scarlett has been part of some big films such as Shanghai, R... Rajkumar and now Bahubali, and has been dancing since childhood.
She says, “I wouldn’t say I am a trained dancer. But as an after-school hobby, I was only taught to just dance from the heart.”
Raftaar
Musician Raftaar aka Dilin Nair, who has many hit songs to his credit like Dhup Chik, Whistle Baja, Gabbar is Back and Tamanchey Pe Disco, is another contestant on the show.
Raftaar is also a lyricist, producer, composer, singer, rapper and a dancer, and says, “I have a lot of young fans, but this show will make me a more recognisable face.
“Hope this show will help me make a place in the hearts of reality show audiences,” he confides in us while adding, “I began my career with dancing as a contestant on Dance India Dance. So, while I pursued singing, I never gave up perfecting my dancing skills."
Raftaar is also excited about having sung the title track of Jhalak.
Sanaya Irani
Thanks to her TV stint in serials like Miley Jab Hum Tum, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, and Rangrasiya, Sanaya is a popular face.
Now she is all set to star in this popular reality TV.
Deepika Kakkar 
The popular bahu from the show Sasural Simar Ka, actress Deepika Kakkar, all set to contend for the winning prize, and will definitely double up as eye candy on the show.
Faizal Khan
The Dance India Dance Lil Masters winner and the young Maharana Pratap from the eponymous show, is all set to set the Jhalak dance floor on fire.
Will the 16 years old give tough competition to the other contestants?
The young actor says, “I am experimenting with different dance forms and concepts with my choreographers. We are working together to bring something totally different on stage.”
Mohit Malik
Mohit Mallik of Doli Armaano Ki quit his daily soap to be a part of Jhalak.
All set to show off his moves on the show, he says, “I always wanted to do Jhalak, and dance is something that helps me unwind. My role in Doli... was so intense that I'm enjoying every bit of it.”
Aashish Chowdhary
Actor Aashish Chowdhary won the last season of Khatron Ke Khiladi: Darr Ka Blockbuster Returns.
He admits that he is not good at dancing and used to get scared whenever he was asked to dance.
“I have done Khatron Ke Khiladi but dancing is like danger to me. Surprisingly, I didn't injure myself while doing Khatron Ke Khiladi but I fall down while doing my rehearsals for Jhalak.
He adds, "I don't have any competitor in the show because I am the worst dancer on Jhalak. I am on the show to learn something and make some friends.”
Irfan Pathan
The dance show has always had a sports personality in its line-up and this year cricketer Irfan Pathan has reportedly been approached to be part of the same in the later stage.