Jhalak- Tadkaa Lagaake!!!

The Class Room Fun Continues with Judges out of their way to prove to all and sundry that they are so much Fun and they laugh so much and they are so cool and having the time of their Life! Hmm…Someone please tell them it’s Ok …We do not have much choice, we have to see them laugh and wait for their sub nonsense to subside so that the Show can Begin!!! Few queries I have “Like is it really necessary to Keep grinning?” “Is it heavily compulsory to crack a Joke at every single Turn?” “Are we in some obligatory influence to Gag all the Time?”

Another queer and partial Turn of events I cannot help pointing out is…they introduced all judges so far…but ever Since Mallaika has entered the Show, have they not stopped introducing Lauren in the Same Space? Who is being Afraid of being shown in the same space? Why suddenly neglect someone you gave a certain Capacity?

 Now my observant 10 year old quipped about Lauren’s Absence in the entry segment “Shahid came…Ganesh Came…Mallaika too…where is Lauren? Why they did not show her? She is also beautiful??” I agree that she is beautiful and that is likely to ruffle few insecure feathers. Do not make it so so obvious guys that even Kids begin questioning the power play!!!

Now power play is going to be thicker and stronger, as we proceed towards Finale. As predicted another Wild card entry Neha Marda is shown the door. Thankfully they spared us the Jaan ke liye Dance and equally predictable stuff.

For my side I am so relieved that my top contenders are Safe due to the protective Shell made by these beautiful Damsels even at the expense of their Exit. However my solace lies in the Fact that maybe they knew what their role and function would be in this Show and what they would be required to do? They did not look overtly crushed or hurt...we are kind beings and would not want to be mean unless we are given heavy reasons!!!

 They probably knew well in Advance that they would have a limited amount of time on the Stage. In any case the Wild card entries did not have enough time to connect with the audience or other co-stars. The resentment would anyway not allow any bonding to happen  for each one of them have been toiling away to reach where they have reached why ever shall they want to spend their precious affection and space with them?

The Theme 90’s is so special to me…why??? Because I was young and in Love all through the 90’s!I still am in Love but the 90's was our Bloomingg Time...College and Dream phase!!!
 All the songs then would hold a special place in our hearts and memories Galore. We sung them while we had picnics, we performed in our Talent Hunts and College fests, we used them to propose Die hard Romance for each other. We grew up on 90’s songs and lyrics as close to us as our breathing…

Chura ke dil mera Goriyaan Chali was a Romantic Anthem and Tagline to indicate Falling in love …like for Real Real…and the Girl expressed and accepted her Love…Munzil meri bus tu hi tu, teri gali main chali…every line was so meaningful to us …every young girl was Shilpa Shetty and Men wanted to believe they were Akshay Kumar.

Now Shamita did look every Bit Gorgeous and glamorous like Shilpa but Can we say that for Deepak?? Chalo let us not go in that Lane…but …Oh what the Hell!!! He had no personality…when Akshay used to slide on knees we girls used to actually go weak in the knees!!!

Neva mind …Back to Shamita...

She is getting Confident with her Moves and grooves very graciously. She is finally coming to the point where whatever Act she gets she does give  Clean and precise lines without a single Mistake marring her Act. However I would love it if she would have sizzled a bit more and thrown around a bit of seductive weight around. In the Bid of doing something Different she bypassed the earthy Romance that Dripped in every Line…romance…promises…eye locks and Vows to Love and Cherish.

All went missing in giving a Modern Acrobatic jumpy tacky Do…simply to establish that She is Shamita and not Shilpa…If that is the Case why Choose and pay A tribute to Her anyways…90’s was a time of Songs GALORE…Could have chosen Otherwise…or Give full justice to what was chosen!!! Water under the Bridge in any case!

The Act was Nice…but that is what it was… Nice…Someone ought to tell Deepak to control his facial expressions which are over flattered with partnership over such a celeb Sister!!! Do your Job Dear guy…You are there for that …to put the right notes to her performances so that she shines and people are able to Nod their Head and say “She has got what it takes” Part of the reason this “Clout theory” circulates because Shamita’s platter is little too full of stilted, monotonous performances. Barring the “Helen” Dance she did…I do not remember many Acts that I may wanna revisit. Too late in the Day this Advice is pouring in, but…gave it…

A case of Creative Choreographer and Team taking Risks and serving Variety is Vivek Chachere and two Magical Beings who mean Business and their platter is such a sumptuous Spread…Plethora of wow moments thrown in…that you actually feel how one would feel when you are standing in front of a wedding Banquet…What to eat…what to leave…or simply Gaze at the Whole Delicious Fare!!!

Right from day one with the fast peddling Wall props to Lavani Act in female Avataar…to “Ishqwala love” …to Dil toh bachcha hain ji…audience can only utter a wordless wow and nodding of heads that asks…Yaar kese?????

FAISAL AND VAISHNAVI looked as Celestial beings getting down from the ethers above on a full moon night and amusing themselves.

 They Dance from the Soul and they Dance for All and None! They are one Unit who envelop themselves in the aura of whatever Dance they are given and move in Unison and rhythm…so tuned to one another…so unanimous and graceful and a Lucid story cascades from Heavens…

All this if you do have a soft heart and a glazed filter in your eyes! They looked like a lovely pair of Doves who have taken a human form captured by an artist who loves and is in love. Each frame worth capturing on the Canvass and freezing forever for eternity!

 Classical Dances needs years and years and years of training to get a certain Pose and stature of Body. It requires in Men who Dance a certain attitude of Charm and delicate turn of hand and facial movements. It requires in the Arch of the Eye Brows a Knowing and efficient Flick of waist and stance.I do not know much about Dance of this form...Mudras and todas..but I have grown up watching Great Dancers of our Times ,Both Men and Women...who dance like Gandharvas from another Realm...

 I was apprehensive when I heard that they are Doing Classical stuff. The looming worry was…maybe Vaishnavi is trained in the classical form of Dance...even if not she at least is super graceful!!! But How will my #HoneyDrip Manage? I have called him #EffortlessGrace …This was the Dance that will stand testimony to his prowess and skill. He was a Hiphop dancer…modern moves and a mere 17 year old. What would he know about Classical stuff??? How will he manage??? I need not have worried!!!

Effervescent charm…EffortlessGrace he was alright. Once the Two minutes unfolded I was almost agape…transfixed on my seat asking…

“Did they...did he just pull it off??? A classical Dance…was it him moving his hands and ever so delicately placing on his waist??? Was that perfect Eyebrows arching practiced just in a matter of few Days???” Oh Dearest Faisal…My #ButternCream you are endowed with a special Blessing of Dance. Dance is the highest form of worship offered to Forces above…

When you Dance I think a kind of Aura encompasses you in its Benevolent Trance. I am so sure A Dancer’s Soul from an era when Dance existed in its Rare and fathomless form has come and placed itself in your Tiny Frame. God Bless you then #EffortlessGrace for what you unfolded…and one mistake…camouflaged reflects the Excellent Rapport and understanding between two Dancers who are one…
I loved the Delicate way the Face moved and the Eyes played out stories and He was full of ancient Verve and Charm ...the Circular Arms in Rhythm telling a Story from some another Era!!!The Song was well just a Background Score for we were busy in being Transfixed somewhhere else !!! A teenager in White played Havoc with our Sanity and we simply Drank in the Beauty...wordlessly...Such Dance form which can be equated to Meditation of a certain depth...Exquisite annd Rare...

Why discuss the Happy Dance here...It kinda broke the celestial spell that was woven by the two minutes and two lovely folks…why make them Dance those less than ordinary steps in those clothes…I loved the divine expressions they both had...wished for once the Happy Dance could have not come in to contaminate that aesthetic picture perfect Frame…humphhhh!!!

Then comes a different zone…of Zombie…messy...muddy…murky…who?? Our Cute girl Sanaya??? 

Can she ever Look like a Zombie??? However muddy layers you put on..is it possible for Sanaya to look Scaryyyyy…? And specially when that Zombie has a tacky sense of humour and rib tickling screeches…Sorry guys I was too busy giggling away to Glory than get into intricacies of Dancing…

All I saw was jumping and All I remember is supposedly blood curdling screeches…they curdled nothing. As usual I enjoyed the Act but I do feel that just before the Finale they should have put up something memorable and glistening …and once again Judges were contradictory in their views…in one breath…it was cute and entertaining but not enough dancing…not the best…but I enjoyed…yaar…either say it like it is…or say not much just give markssss…

In any Case half the Sanaya world Hates all of you for giving their Fairy such less marks!!! You better make it up judges and spruce up your act either One way and make it Firm…absolutely Firm!!! Like I declare….just facing the Finale…Only and only DANCE that makes you whistle or sit up and wordlessly mouth “wow” is expected…This did None!!! Next Act Sanaya ….do give a bang on Performance. It is fair to your Fanworld for they Vote for you despite everything. Do pay a tribute to your Fans who love you so unconditionally…Give them a Rock on Performance!!!

90s was also characterised by another Crass and Cute Aroma of another energetic Dancer called Govinda. Even though folks in media and otherwise lambasted him for those songs…his Song and Dance routine became a Rage and was a part…compulsory and necessary part of every Shaadi and party scene.

Play any song of Govinda and even an Aunt can break into a Grin and Dance…You can easily jump and jhol on Sarkaiya lo khatiya jaada lage…or main toh raste se jaa raha tha…so I was waiting for Someone who would do this Iconic Songs…

When Mohit does it….

All I can say is how cuteee…he had the loud clothes so typical of those songs!!!I wish they had made it to the Red Lehenga or crude Jhatak Orange Dhoti ...it would have completed the Loud OUTFIT that was so characteristic of Govinda!!!  He had all the crass and cute steps that we all have danced at least once in a party and all the madness was there…I loved the Mirchi lagi toh main kya karu?? The only thing I was missing was the red lipped…perfectly tipped…diamond teeth GOVINDA GRIN…Mohit …that was the only thing Missing in this fun filled full on Giggle act…With that Flat face it looked even more amusing and crazyyyy...i ahd fun and must i say I was too giving all those fuuly madhopping on my SOFA it so so took me to our Partying Days!
And I do like the spirit that I do not wish to Get a Ticket to Finale…not looking for a Shortcut…hmm…but then Why did the Channel devise it??? They wanted someone to go forward in a short cut way??? Or they wanted to express Judges Appreciation towards someone who truly gave it all and more???

Another lovely representation was Anita Hasnandani bringing romance alive, the 90s way ending up in her Husband’s lap…

Sho shweeettt…but if it had to be honestly evaluated then she was mighty uncomfortable with her shimmering sexy Red Saree…it truly is not easy to lift and not easier still to Smile coyly and express romance but she did give a fairly honest effort…

It was simple and nice with little scattered spice…and it showed in her subdued way she took in all the comments non chalantly…silently and too much timidly…maybe already informed she is out of the race…Pack your bags…and thank you so much for joining.

Then we geared up for my Favourite section of Jhalak and that is Teen Ka Tadka…I simply Love this Section and must say…Sanjeeda and Shamita spiced it up perfectly…They began the tadka truly with beauty and Young Young Power Ablaze…

I did not know like who to look at…Sanjeeda and Shamita both were costume coordinated…looked truly smashing…with some choreo interfering with my visual Treat.

This is Shamita’s Forte…She is in her element and thoroughly crisp and Sanjeeda more than adding to her Strength. She became her strength and we enjoyed…I did…Sanjeeda seemed to me very Non-threatening but Skilful in her Art. Wish she joins Jhalak next Season...if she does then Heartelt GOODLUCK…I will not grudge them the full marks…they Both were Adorable…colourful butterflies flitting from one part of the stage to another and capturing both…my heart and the Floor…Loved it…!

Something went a little amiss again in Sanaya and Drashti Dhammi’s trio…

Steps were cool but it got overshadowed with too much of Drama and less of Dance. I have a stern word for the Choreographer. Do not depend on the Sanaya wave…do some creative thinking. Teen ka Tadka demanded it…but it was so less…and not much of Dancing or extra ordinary lifts…You had two gorgeous dames…you could have melted a Glacier…

Even the next segment I am so so so so Grateful to Jhalak for the cute little Tiff and the glimpse of a naughty #CaramelCodedSmile of Faisal Khan…We loved the Way Akshat and Vaishnavi Teased him…and so easily he got miffed and so easily forgave…so is dude…as fast he is to get Angry…equally fast he is to Forgive… I am sure it would be fun to tease him simply to get those gorgeous cheeks all goooppp...I would not Patao him...let him be like that for a while ...click few photographs...pull those cheeks till they turn red....then maybe say....Maafi Huzooor....aage se esa nahin Karenge....heeheeehheee.....Not meaning a single word!!! I would Tease and Tease and Tease!!!! but he does not really believe in carrying today’s grudge into tomorrow…smiles easily…

Teen ka Tadka was sprattling and crackling laughathon!!!

 Vaishnavi was such a lovely Agile Mother…why would Karan Arjun Not come??? They had a rambunctious time…they pulled…lifted…jeered…and all in all had all of us in splits.

They brought the element of what Childhood is all about…what would kids do when left on their own…it reminded me of my childhood when we donned sarees and cooked up mischief galore…and laughed till our eyes had tears no more…

Akshat is suchha live wire cracker of notoriety…you see him and you wanna crackle up and double up with roaring laughs. That is what we did…we roared and laughed and giggled and shook our heads in astonishment as to how much fun we were having. I could not decide who should we look at??

Kiske gaal kheenche yaaron…teeno ne ghar heela diya yaar…Koi rok lo unko …The Day was truly a Gift…we really did see all the kids and the judges let their hair down to enjoy some good old fun!!! Akshat is Fun and Masti personified and he has a straight and dead pan expression as if …amm I doing anything???

Hands down they got 40 and the Other contestants just walking out was stupendous…it was like ye bachche to kabja kar gaye…humaara kya hoga kaaliyaa….No one can grudge these happy Kids and OUR DUDE Rolling on the floor doubling up with laughter, COLORS…it’s a treat…for us…we will ever see it again and again and again…it was that much fun!!!

Thank you soo much for getting Akshat and unleashing this riot! MY CHEEKS pained at the end of it…I so wanna pull all their cheeks…who should I like really…look at…My dude…Akshat…Vaishnavi’s breath-taking moves…Astounding…amazing…rockinggggg

Compared to that Anita’s trio was pale and well just about theek hain…

OK…the rapport was missing…no element that would look-up and Bond and say…look at me…we shimmer…there was no glimmer of anything that would want me to get up and stop eating that Morsel of dinner I am partaking…I could look down at my food and well...I would not miss Much…We are looking at Semi-finals and yes you are supposed to go all out there and say… “Bingo” Sorry Anita…#Snowflake…this time you fail to have an impact on me.

But another Guy who liked benefitted tremendously in the Tadka…who truly steamed up the whole equation on the Set was Mohit…

He actually set the thermometer bursting at the seams with the Greek God effect. Guess Gautam Gulati offered mighty Masculine competition and Mohit had to rise to it or Fizzlee…

Could he dare not take that risk?? I am glad he did not…So there they were…Mohit and Gautam…Oiled…flexed…Virile… Brazen...rustic ...earthy....Full of Tashan Attitude!!!  And Even Mallaika could not resist admiring…was rendered speechless. The Act I guessed touched something primitive…In her. She was Frank enough to admit it too.Hope at home she got away with it.Mohit I was so glad to see this beauutiful side of you...Raw and exuding male personaa to e Hilt...Sensuously male!!!!

WE do belong to the Era of Mills and Boons and did grow up on description of Tall, Dark, Handsome Brooding Hunks…Mohit represented all of that and more and for once the bemused expression helped…Jhalak guys That is what I had been asking you…why not get virile males on the floor instead of creating overdose of Ladies special…Hope lesson learnt and next season you will equally divide the Man and Woman power…

Then comes the Moment where they give A direct Ticket to someone in Finale who has impressed the Judges. Who else to Bag it other than Faisal…? Straight into Finale…no elimination for him! Thank god He can Practice without stress…Thank God we getta see him till the End…

Winning pressure I will not give him…
I have some Gyaan to share for all the Contenders who walk into Semi finals…for Winning JHALAK does not seem to be having a super lasting...or Career changing effect…Participating in Jhalak and Show casing you are a Talented dude in Jhalak Till the End and COLLECTING PUBLIC OPINION that you indeed are Talented and Versatile MATTERS…

Before you frown…Read again…Stay with Me…I WILL EXPLAIN…my proof existed there in the Show Itself…

We had Drashti Dhami who was the Winner Of a certain Jhalak Season standing there accepting comments on her performance with Sanaya……silent tad bit…accepting what they did with a composed well trained polite smile…from???

None other Than LAUREN GOTTLIEB…who was also a contestant in the same season and did not win the season in spite and despite of being the Best dancer on Board at that time…Today she Happens to Adorn the Chair of a Judge…doling out comments and verdicts….

Point proven…Talent takes you far...Both the girls have done tremendously well for themselves in their respective zones ...what helped was being a part of Jhalak and show casing your talent till the very End....reaching this far is what is truly important. For me all who make it to the last Episode are truly my Winners regardless of who walks away with the Trophy

There is lots of humility that this child contestant whom we also call Destiny’s Little MAN that creates Miracles and people are compelled to Handover VICTORY TROPHIES IN HIS HUMBLE PERSONA…Even if he Does not Win the Trophy for me He is the Winner…And this is definitely not the End…

For him things get Carved, like the Chocolate hamper from Cadbury Bournvita …why was it never given to anyone else after that??? Have you been reading my blogs…liking my suggestions…heeding my reprimands and making hidden amends??? I love it…Anyways I represent the audience…FANKIAWAZ…

But does our #FatalFaisal has any of these Airs even after receiving the Ticket…he appeals to his folks that he is not yet sitting on his laurels...he yet will practice hard and come back with more…Sign of a winner for sure…

Good luck then to Faisal and TEAM…MY request of pehla nasha…or pehla pehla pyaar hain…is pending…Vivek, hope you are listening…

Good Luck to all who make it to Finals...Enjoy fully as I already said...winning Jhalak has no long standing Significant results but staying in the Show till the End and proving your Mettle is…Go on...have a blast and let us all celebrate…I had a great time Blogging and connecting with all Fandoms across the world…It was a huge pleasure to know all of you…I exhort each one of you to come out and full on show your loyalties…share you appreciations…fight with other fan clubs for your star and end up befriending…WE ALL MUST LOVE AND HAVE FUN…

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.

Jhalak- Uncoordinated, Hurried and Undramatic…

With due consideration to all the hard work that everyone puts in the show, something is terribly going wrong!!! Everything looked so hurriedly put together and the promises made were not delivered. The Jhalak Floor looked like a class left in the hands of bunch of children designated to Mind and Monitor the Class while the Teachers Played Hookie. The Judges do Lack the Wisdom and their Feedback lacks the punch where a Positive word I may trust and savour or a negative opinion I may shrivel with and vow to do better. Maybe the Judges are contemporary to many contestants…maybe they do not really have the Expertise that can Knock the Creative Door and really, really make a difference!

I have seen that especially when there is a Theme that is vague like Filmy Masala. Again the Choreographers went on an Overdrive of so-called Creativity and ended up bringing not much, except anxiety for the contestants and unsettling remarks! Where the contestants are left wondering “We tried our Best but well Judges did not like what we did...” Or maybe there was very little time for the contestants to practice on their themes and so it went all awry and messy???

All the Hard work was there…All the precision and the Clean acts required were lacking!

Saving Grace for the Contestants was the Cover up forwarded by the Wild Card Entrants. I was so right that they have been only brought in to be eliminated so the top contenders can be retained. Two weeks can be utilised in removing one at a Time and save those who have been in the Race from the beginning…Wise Move I would say from the Jhalak guys. For this late in the Competition, Loyalties have already been picked and people are not really willing to Bond or Invest for a new person!

We have naturally Roopal Tyagi and Neha Marda in the elimination! 

Dance after a prolonged, artificial monologue by Manish Paul and judges over four contestants being in the Danger Zone. Sanaya is heavily heavily Voted and Shamita …her vote Bank is a mystery …Both were declared SAFE…What a Relief!!! Really??? Like we did not know????…we were like so relieved and maybe could have attempted something drastic if not…too predictable…too boring...too uninteresting…

Neha Marda has a Body Language of Defense…too much of a protective shell to defend herself. She is a Good Dancer but nervousness gets the better part and the Actions come forcefully. Besides, she probably did not really try and get her rapport settled with the Choreo partner so a lot of movements were not in synchronisation with each other.

Result: Clumsy incomplete steps, nervous energy resulting in automated responses towards judges and stilted moves. Too much effort was visible. Next time enjoy while dancing and smile a little..hmmm

Roopal also was in the same boat. 

Maybe they considered their expertise more in the Dance then the choreo-partner. She could have tied her hair, perhaps that would have yielded in little more comfort and composure. As I pointed out earlier it did look unfinished and like two school kids...novice and new were simply amusing equally new folks.

I am sure if Remo would have been there he would not have even allowed to Air this kind of stuff. But that is only my speculation!!! Could be wrong!!! Maybe…but someone who does hold the reins ought to give it a rational thought what are they canning into a show???

The Judges could not even give a decent reason as to why they chose Neha and not Roopal…no reason…Just WE sitting out here who have been given the Authority to be important have simply decided…No marks…no opinions…on behalf of all Shahid announces…Roopal goes Neha Stays…

Guess all the judges are interested is in Letting the Audience know which designer outfit they are wearing…what look they are adorning…Dance??? What is that??? We will come around to thinking that too!!! Maybe they will…but someone tell them, only three weeks are left…Spruce up fast guyssss…Couture and jewellery are a Byproduct of being on the judges Chair…not an End in itself…Please give it a thought…You guys show some cool Authority...Expertise and Panache!!!

They are much better at the Gags on making a Masala film...I enjoyed their Banter over Mohit reducing the water woes in Malad and Faisal being mightier than thou over 20 item girls…He indeed was an Example to be modelled after. Being a Mere entrant into this world of Dance he is trying level best to offer variety and drama…

And they tried again but could not succeed fully for they had too much to do. The technique was unique, concept creative but it camouflaged their actions. At many places, they were hurried to complete their steps so they could move to other objects.

 It was visible plain and clear that the little ones had so many things to manipulate that their faces showed that impatience to not falter and the important thing called dance and steps kind of took a back Seat. As usual they looked cute and Adorable, in their colourful outfits and dazzling smiles. Wish the Judges would give out their Verdicts in a way that clarifies what exactly can be altered.

I do Agree with Shahid that Choreographers need to refrain from getting carried away as the competition has moved into the last stage. When they do visualise an act they must add all the ingredients required while keeping in mind Dance and comfort factor of the People involved. We did enjoy the Act but could not see more of Faisal or Vaishnavi or their Heavenly Faces or steps. Hope they Rectify it soon. Why not give him a Romantic number? Is it because he is in the Child Category and should be kept away from such influences yet??? But Hello where does this sense of right conduct and Right Age theory evaporate when Mr Manish Paul the Great decides to bring his sometimes Murky sense of jokes which I even want my Kids to not hear or explain for that matter while having Dinner? Though I must admit He has lightened up and has hugely avoided Jokes that can offend !!! In that Avataar he is fully Huggable and his Rapid Fire rounds or Getting Ganesh to Sing were moments of mirth n merriment.Still,

I have to keep repeating the Show seems to have lost strong hands that hold its reins and flavour together and roll it with a sense of Rules and Principles…But Entertainment !!! “Anything works!”

 For my dude stood here bemused and confused at exactly was he being criticised or praised? Did he get a reprimand or…???

While all the Judges are like grinning and giving contrary views and contradicting self, Faisal decides "Janne do yaaron …Dance Karte hain" He Invites Ganesh and Shahid to JOIN HIM on the floor and All forgot about the Score…Unruly Classroom...fun loving KIDS…I sure would love to be a part of this wacky classroom where all are having such a whale of a time that we forget for what purpose did we assemble!!!

Actually Ganesh and Shahid have got too informal and friendly that the line between judges and judged is fast losing its golden line of Authentic Flavour. Now I do not really Mind it…We got to see all four Dancers dance…now why would I mind? I WOULD neva mind my Cutie pie groove to any number with his heavenly shy smile and the Cricket slow-motion was cooler than cool!!!!

Straight from a classroom we are transported into a mythological world of War Dance between Shakti and Demon. That requires again a certain sense of suppressed Fury and controlled Aggression.

Maa Shakti is the Ultimate example of Duel between Light and Darkness...A duel of feminine latent power overpowering and annihilating destructive forces. Shamita, it was very bold of you to attempt it. You looked very Divine… however I will fully drop the Onus on your choreo-partner to leave lot of gaps in your performances. The Prop, The Trishul took precious six seconds to arrive and Shamita was left holding out a Hand for far too long for me to notice it. Deepak took complete 30 seconds to himself, in the beginning of the Act and  another 15 seconds at the inadequate entry of Maa from Above looked very awkward. 

Perhaps the Harness guys were new and unable to fully co ordinate…with all these filling up the two minutes that Shamita had, the choreo liked himself far too better than Shamita and only focused on her Jumping and pushing than creating steps  that would depict Power and control….unleash the Conflict and bring about the subjugation and surrender and finally move on to regaining Compassion as the mission is accomplished. 

It was again a very hurried Act and I feel Shamita’s Talent was not brought to the fore…Now I do have the Conviction to atleast Voice my opinion firmly…Judges have lost that ability. They seem to be unsure whether the performance was cool or lacking...it had what they needed or did not…even Shahid is not able to make an “I” Statement that says “ I did not feel moved…” He keeps issuing vague warnings to the choreographers to experiment carefully or Dance as a prerequisite. He keeps talking in third person and on behalf of All of them. Why would he not look the contestant in the eye and say “I did not like this Act and there was no Dance in it!” why Blabber about Shamita is my favourite and we have invested in all the contestants…and etc etc etc…  

  Shamita my verdict…loosen up Gal. You do not have to be silent and intellectual types all the time. Little mischief is worth your while. Invite a little twinkle in your eyes…pull someone’s leg, its fine!!! No one will be offended. Let your inner girl Get up and greet the World and Say to all “Hey folks I Am…I am here to stay!” Staying at the shores is no fun. Simply Dive in this world you aspire to and have loads of fun. Dazzle #MistyDoe your time begins now!!!

Another Damsel whose journey just began was Anita Hassanandani. How do I describe her Act? 

Snow flake!!! That is the Name we give Her. Her Dance was light, soft and lively. After all the heavy dismal abysmal mish mash…this Act was atleast clean and well co ordinated and Romantic. She looked Delicate and dreamy. However , I have given my heart and soul to so many and they have left and I am already keenly watching my four FAVs now…It would require more from you Anita to really follow your updates…die to know what you will be doing next? But this Act was promising. I would say, lovely lifts and steps. Gentle and just  getting entangled in my HAIR asking for my attention just before it will journey into another realm…just like a #Snowflake…I loved the expressions...clean lines soft ambience an even Softer Romance n I absolutely Adore when Choreo n Celeb Sync ...are one...Treat to the Eyes...

Welcome truly to Jhalak dear…you did well!!! I would have liked to see you in the beginning of Jhalak...Maybe you would have more time with us…neva mind…

Neha  Marda again brought in Devotional atmosphere. She has everything that a Dancer needs...attitude…right grace…right steps…what she lacks is the connect to the Audience who is watching her. She does not smile at them and woo them...like Faisal does…like Shamita just began…like Sanaya does…like Mohit…She is too focused on showing the steps then living the steps and so all the haard work of lifts and stuff all goes…ooomm…boom…tooommm…

Sanayaaaaa…

Oh God Jai if I ever were to meet you I would truly whack you...Oh but Sanaya just did…The way he was roughly throwing her around to depict the Anguish of Divorce and separation…my head spun !!! No wonder she keeps getting hurt. Hang on Dude please slow down and get a little less violent…Yes too much of energy led to goofing up on shirt exchange and some lifts I do agree looked too heaped on the audience. It was not necessary. It looked straight like a case for Domestic Violence. She is teeny weeny one but it does not mean she is easy to lift so you just lift and yank... and not look where you threw…I did not like the Concept though Sanaya I THINK gave it all she had. I prefer more positive themes that play on expressions and moulded lifts we can enjoy…please do not throw her Around…she is not  a heap of clothes…Do not choose such violent themes…

 What went wrong with the next Act…? Something Awful happened with the Harness timings and Mohit had to pay dearly by sacrificing his expressions and exchanging stress and strain !!! 

He did complete the Act but the Deflation was there for all to see written large all over on his face which is any way bemused. Aerial Acts anyways command lots of trust and co- ordination…expertise and skill and alertness. 

Mohit you did bungle there and it was quite visible in your entire Act. I went from the entire Gamut from enjoying the visual appeal of Act to sharing your Discomfort. The theme was Romance, however it went missing between all the effort of your lifts …difficult and dangerous… Naturally the Immunity Ball slipped out of your hands and is now in no man’s Land

Relay Race was like a balm to my by now frazzled soul with so much of unco-ordinated moments…my mood did lift a bit…and who do you think would do it???

None other than Faisal and Vaishnavi with their graceful use of Props. They are so natural and their understanding each other step to step is Heavenly. The way they timed themselves to roll the entire table at the right time and get it back up again…

The Visual illusion they created with their Slow motion on the Bench where you actually feel the bench is pulled on the other side...in reality it was the two cute and cheeky Kids simply and naturally and like “Its our  everyday Job” also Daring the Elder ones to smile and say…try it at your own risk…you cannot duplicate the Adroit timings and clean Moments…They are winners all the Way…If Jhalak does decide to Get them off the train just before ....it will be a Grave injustice to them…They have given a head-on colliding competition to all who were there.

Next I DID enjoy Shamita's performance. May I say Red suits her and she is awesome in raunchy, seductive numbers? She is getting Super confident of her Terrain and gearing up to Standing the finale …and atleast in this particular number, she was sexyyyy!!

Mohit is Tall…if he wears the right Attire he has Killer looks and “Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi siiii” No Damsel in her right senses would ever Bhaago should she  encounter this Hunk …he looked so alluring and inviting!!! I loved it…
Anita n Neha were fidgeting....
But I have a Grouse???

Is Jhalak so Budget conscious that it won’t give the Contestants a New outfit for the Relay Number? Like Why did Sanaya have to Wear an Outfit Radhika Madan wore in one of her numbers??? It is so annoying to see such Thriftiness…why conduct a show of this Magnitude if we are low on funds??? Why would Sanaya Allow this Atrocious stuff? Maybe she is unassuming and I am the one simply raising smoke without Fire….Hmmm…I am fond of some Stars therein Now…I have Blogged Consistently on it Now…

I am an Indian Audience and I always feel Next time will be a better Time…Koi naa Hota hain…Chalta hain…It happens only in India...until

Next Time…with Better Dances…or Atleast Fresher Costumes…Class…Behave until then!!!! Heeheeheee……

JHALAK – Ye Cheez thi mast mast…!!!

So, now that the pulse had adjusted to Mallika Mallaika’s entry and we have propped ourselves in front of our TV SET on Saturday with our dinner plates in hand. They all looked swank and cool; only Ganesh looked  as if he forgot to shave…maybe, he was in a hurry or came straight from some night over party or work assignment…I preferred you clean and neat Ganesh..but ultimately you are a free citizen of free India...

What dulled the appetite were the discussions on Elimination. We had already lost our Dear Raftaar…we were not ready to lose another Dear one…that was not enough...Manish asked each remaining contestant to write the name of the contestant they feel should be eliminated…quite crude and with an explicit purpose to instil some much-needed animosity and for sure it did…

Both Shamita and Mohit wrote Faisal as their Eviction choice…The Look on the Kiddo’s face passed from suppressed shock to composure in a fraction of a second and he took it in his stride which was well worth applauding…he said “  They see me as a potential competitor and that well….” So true…We could not help but slightly notice that rebellious and fierce spark just about fleeting in his eyes…"My work shall answer" was the Stance. I like it…I like it very very much…

Even he wrote that he feels Shamita should go, but the reason he writes is, he wants to go "Aur Aage"…well by the looks of it…you will. Hard work has only forward to look …

Scarlettt wrote Mohit and she was so Sad by the entire exercise as if she was tired of continuously being put in the bottom two and asked again and again that she prove herself…it does get very dampening for a contestant. 

Scarlet seemed slumped and ready to retreat and her costume too felt like not worked upon as if someone already told her… "Your suitcases are packed and ready ...say your final good-byes" But what you said my #Mermaid is really true …you got a chance to showcase your talent for ten grand weeks to all and sundry to whom you might matter!!!WE KNOW YOU NOW…WORLD KNOWS YOU NOW AS A GREAT DANCER. You will have the Day when you will get up and smile victoriously…After all Lauren too did not Win the trophy that year when she participated…she adorns the Chair of a judge in the same show...

Life is full of Miracles #PrettyLassy, believe in yourself and Believe in YOU then…I love you and believe…One day…soon.. Really this system of Voting as I avidly put forth before is highly…highly unfair and you are ousted for reasons that are not under your control as it is. She could not have created a fan base overnight. Just as I find it extremely perplexing as to Vote bank of Shamita…where does it originate from???

 On quite some social handles that I am connected I do not see any Fangirling or fanboying happening around her name…I have seen some crazy fans who vote and voted like overnight for their STAR...be it Faisal or Sanaya Irani or Vivian D’Sena or Raftaar and I can prove it with tweets and stuff where very proudly Fans express their victorious Vote numbers or that How they stay awake for the whole night together...and voting from several IDs…but I have so Far yet to see a single claim that they are dismally floored by this Damsel…and well …if there are they are doing a little bit of disservice to her by staying in their Hoity-Toity Towers and discreetly Adding to this #MistyDoe’s Glory…

Come out guys..Fandom is to be celebrated together and shouted at from rooftops...now by the Logic of Jhalak it does mean that the more Fans, you have the More Votes in your Kitty, longer is your stay in Jhalak…Shamita Fans...A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO YOU..MERE JAANEMUNS…BAAHAR niklo….aaj ka samma hain…dekho hum aa gaye…tum bhi jaldi aao…

A little madness enlivens everybody’s life...come on Fans …Come out and celebrate your fandom with us…

Mohit is My Mr.Consistent Sincere and affectionate fellow…yes, he too wrote Faisal because he ought to be honest…if anyone that Kid is giving super competition to all. He says in the same breath “All are working Hard and no one deserves to go” and he says then next…is Music to my ears…He says…WHAT I repeat in every Blog of mine... "Fans are the ones who make you popular by tweeting for you…by posting on insta after your performance…by voting for you for the whole night adding to their expenses and sacrificing their sleep and at times incurring the wrath of their family and friends…for being there to applaud and appreciate your every Tele or film appearance."

He says, “You guys are the ones I thank for voting and making me stand here” and let me tell you, Dear Mohit…I love and highly appreciate the Chat sessions on Twitter every day…it is sweet that you take time out and talk to all your fans…Love you for doing that…

So when Shamita passes a Haughty comment that "Scarlet has not faced me in opposition…" One wonders…is the comment borne out of a certain pre- existent knowledge  ...???Her answers all lack zest . They are so lacklustre...all I can say…Time is the biggest turnaround…someday …our own words…reflect in the by-lanes gone and…echo…

So when I look at the dance of Shamita…

She looked well decked up and dressed as a bird…for a love bird her movements at many places were slow and static...her expressions too…some lifts were cool and sleek. It was a colourful act with a little bit of romance thrown in. However, this time around she did not connect with her choreo-partner who was a little too enthusiastic for my comfort...withheld and held back she was for some reason…she did not give her hundred percent despite her claims to the contrary. It definitely did reek of cuteness or romance as it was supposed to be. All the moves were a little not in complete sync though must give it that the last hanging on the bough was cool and well executed...

Scarlett came in with…

Mera Gaana baja do …was cute, but I did feel that there was not much variety in this Act and some steps looked repetitive…we had already seen them from her before and as I SAID earlier her soul, her essence was not there in her steps...the spring was missing and the verve too…For some reason, no ambience was created or executed neither any attention paid to her outfit…so in the end well…by a narrow margin…Shamita stayed and We bid Adieu to our #Mermaid …well I would not question the judges for when one herself gives up the fight to survive or is made to….what can be done to help matters? And it is a show...today it is Scarlett...next it could be anyone…

However I was again pleased to see my Fav Sanaya, Faisal, Mohit in the top four list…when the wild card entries attempted strategies with Shahid. All my sincere and cute ones there. Shahid’s take on Faisal was the cutest…he is the Khanman…indeed…Salman ka fav…ha ha ha…he likes him…No one can not like Faisal if they have their heart at the right place …and if not I have advised before that you must meet the doctor who may like confirm the absence of this vital organ…

For all the outburst of unfairness…I welcome all the wild card entries. I see their entry serves as Variety on the Jhalak floor plus a buffer for the Contestants. The new entrants fill up the gaps left by the eliminations and besides also will themselves get eliminated thus saving my top three…I think its fair…and again a sampling of new talent…So welcome all…my only whine…There should have been a Male contestant too to add…are you telling that there is not a single tinsel town guy who can groove and add to Jhalak???

But the ones who have joined are entertaining…Anita Hassanandani has a confident attitude..."Wild cards do not win": she plans to change that prediction. She will have to try harder for that and she does have an attitude in her Dance moves that can push her forward. However, the Table prop was a little too much for  her for her first time and she had few gumbles and oops at the transition point. 

She looked sexy and neat in her flimsy Pink and exuded a "Look at me I am cool" stuff. We do wish her all the best and a little longer to stay so she can show us what she’s got...

    

       Neha Marda is an entertaining comfortable and cute entrant. Her jiya jale jaa jale was pleasant to watch and they did some difficult stuff out there with diya and skirt and it was nice…

Her songs too were nice that she put in for all judges…very witty and quick. I did enjoy her Act and felt I would like to see a little more of her next time…There was yet no element that would like make one sit up and say... "Hey look what we have here?" But I am sure she will deliver next week welcome dear Neha…do have a great time and give me things to write…

Like Mohit does…Last week though all assured him that it happens…he did and must have berated himself to devil’s point. He must have cursed and deprecated himself...and added to that we had who Marischa incurring injury and could not accompany him for dance. Lady Bad fortune seems to have taken permanent residence around Mohit…but the only way too get her out is to stare in her face and say “I will beat you “ Bhawna Khanduja, our sweet lady walks in at a short notice and fills in for Marishcha. She goes on to prove that given the right partner she too can add and bring glory…

They went on to render amazing Pathos which pulsed for a long long time for viewers and him too. He was so involved in the whole Act that it took him precious silent moments to come out of the agony…

Somewhere the forlorn agony inherent in the song and situation…his own plight and tryst with Lady Bad Fortune and the mess of it all transcended the genuine aggression he must have felt…the despair and Pain…the Anger and Agonising frustration...All depicted beautifully for viewers who were left equally spell bound and awestruck….realising that we must breath at the end of it…

Applause Mohit …you did a memorable and plaintive rendition and we will remember it as your Best…The effect was your body your facial expressions left an imprint in those recesses of the heart which holds the strings to tears and goose-bumps and it rained free for Mohit and for me for Lauren and Mallaika…Speechless I was...wondering “Can any words do justice to what Mohit invested and unfolded on the Jhalak floor?” How can you fill in …all you can do is Hug…

Manish Paul too understood the pulsing, vulnerable, crying and visibly shaken Mohit to comfort him and to an extent absorb that Open and raw and trembling, unleashed pain…all of us have known pain and this served to bring it out…Tears and goose-bumps it was…silence and speechlessness was  the only response that would respect the sanctity of the moment…

We had a forlorn Marishcha simply just taking it all in with eyes reflecting her regret that she was not a part of this skilful drama of anguish that she interpreted and wove…but Salute for bringing out and touching in the depth of those parts from where compassion and tears dwell. Shahid too could do only but get up and Hug…All wanted to…and finally culminated into Mohit rightfully, being conferred the Immunity Ball to the still trembling Man who closed the Show with Aplomb and Class...who gave his all and naturally had to call forth only and only Claps of Awe and wonder.

Next Day was too a treat of sorts…and why not? We got to see the two beauties dancing and it was a welcoming warm up for the lovely times to unfold…

The Day began by a mature and a sweet display of our Angel Wonder of Jhalak  Faisal Khan and thank God …Now, I am doubly sure, someone is paying attention to my admonishings and realise that Faisal indeed has a life beyond that poverty they keep harping About…that was once upon a Time…it is PAST…GONE…DONE WITH...

Manish “EKTA KOTHA KAUTTO BAAR BOLBO TOMAKE??”

How many times shall we request you to stop referring to him as “Autowallah ka Son” …Why or who love glorifying this side of his past is beyond me...but I am glad Jhalak did give us the valuable side that Faisal indeed leads..he is a lovely, obedient Son…His Mother is silently proud of him and tremendously so…he is  a sweet brother who wants to give his sister a secure life and depend on him to love and stay safe. 

He is an ambitious person who wants to follow his dreams and make a mark in this ever competitive world…He admits to sacrificing academic part and order to push forward in this world of Dance reality shows that he stands today…he is a hard -working, quiet person who is willing to give his every ounce to create a piece of Dance that tells a story…Vivek Chachere is creative but Faisal and Vaishnavi give Life to his Vision and transform it into a memorable piece of grandeur.

Thank you then for showing his daily moments with his sister and Mother’s smiling nostalgia at how as a child too he loved to move and shake to any music…we enjoyed seeing the Human side of him and something that Jhalak could have done well to focus on…

It was a Gift of sorts to all his Fans as he is so elusive and except his few and far public appearances they rarely get a glimpse…Simple and sweet then was his Dedication to Mother DEAR…With his DUPATTA PROP… “Maai teri chunnariya lehraayi”… 

“Faisal teri talent ki Nadiyaan lehraayi”…is all we could sing…They both looked so adorable in the blue and white…it was like a serene and calm lake with sun’s rays playing in the ripples and the wind just about caressing the waves…beautiful and eloquent…certain lifts and moves of the cradle were our AHHHH!!!! N WOWWW!!!

Vaishnavi also gets my respect for each performance ..she is  like you say it and I do it for you to Vivek and Faisal…together they go on to win the applause that is so much required...there is no thing as over Appreciation…

It can never be enough…So much so that Shahid says that Faisal’s  talent far surpasses that of his own. The performance was as calm as a mother’s Love. Too true when you observe his mother in her rare public appearance you know where his simplicity stems from…she is the source that keeps him grounded and gives him this peaceful persona. The elder child always feels the parents strife deeply and make efforts to iron them as much as possible…

Jhalak went all out like A Genie for me fulfilling all my wishes…Remember, I did admonish you guys for making Faisal do  the OLX thing…and had suggested He is more like a chocolate Ambassador and you guys seem to have taken it so seriouslyyyyyy…He deserves then the Hamper from Cadbury Bournvita …his persona is that…soft…chewy...gooey and ummmm…drips honey…we do call him #HONEYDRIP AND his smile we say is #CARAMELCODED…

The hamper does justice so we thank you for honouring so much respect on the Kiddo...and may I add for reading my blog but not letting me know openly...Oh well…what matters is the suggestions given therein be implemented…who cares if the poor #Blogger goes unheeded…Oh dear!!! Raftaar where art thou? Blogger misseth thou steadfast…

Then the calm lake gave way to turbulent hot steaming geysers that were Sanaya and Jai…The Bath tub routine was sexy…sensuous and a volcanic eruption of sorts that was just about to erupt…they both fully understand each other and we saw breathtaking Lifts which would bring us on the edge of our seats and whoooffff….it truly brought the house to a boiling point and for sure Faisal proved it!!! This otherwise Oh! I –am- yet- to- come- of- age Boy and who calls every second girl his di… am sure he did calls Sanaya di too…chuckles shyly “ MUJHE NAHI PATA THA AAP itna achcha Dance Karti ho Sanayaaaaa...” 

All including Sanaya erupted with roars of laughter at the Omission of diiiiii…She definitely did not solicit that title by her seductive inviting do...for anyone much less a  boy who is yet to begin to fancy Girls..Sanaya you sure gave the Dude and all the men and women out there some cool idea !!! 

What can you not do Sanaya??? Go on the only thing left for you is to make us cry…go on give it a try…and we also thank Jhalak for glimpses of Sanaya's childhood and her parents reminiscing her struggle and forays into tele world. You looked so cuteee I your childhood pictures…may we get to see more of you…and you were a #FemmeFatale , remember the Epithet I gave you long back!!! You proved you indeed are!!!

Before we get down to the forgettable Act by Roopal Tyagi..let us pay a small tribute to our Mr.Manish Paul. I have often admonished him when his sense of humour crossed few comfortable lines, but I will take the time to also tell you…You are the wittiest and the most hilarious host I have seen so far on Indian television. 

You have the uncanny ability to laugh at yourself and create humour from just about any situation that is thrown your way.  You can take the entire show by virtue of your humour and also you do have the cultured composure that allows all the celebrities, Big or Small to feel comfortable WITH you. 

It has become a matter of honour for them if you pull their leg. You can crack a joke and pass by without really any effort whatsoever. When you have gone through enough you may become a bitter person or A person who takes all cool attitude in his stride.CONGRATULATIONS then for all the Awards Coming your way and the Appreciation.We too wanna let you know ,We Love you. May you keep on entertaining us and always be around for years and years to come!

Hmm coming back to Roopal...

Oki...it was cool while it lasted but it was messy at times and not so pleasant. I do have a notion that wild card entries are actually there to protect the top four or five contestants from getting eliminated. So I reckon that she will be the one who will be shown the door in order for the show to move in smoothly with the already existing ones, who are delivering tough competition and bringing to the show tons of creativity …

Which they showed when they went on to do the Marathon Dancethon where each contestants dance and are asked to move out by the judges and the volunteers cordially escorting out of the dance floor so the first to exit was Anita who was so confused at the whole instructions …until Faisal and Shamita remained. 

Complaints and accusations from Faisal Fans were pouring on the twitter handle to check the Video and accusations were rampant that it was unfair that Shamita was declared the winner. I was and am left confused as to exactly what this was all about as at the end of it FAISAL still emerged the highest scorer…what was the Dance Marathon all about..dance…speed…lifts...for lifts are a good way of prolonging time where every second matters...and it feels that Shamita broke the Record held by Lauren which was of Four minutes. Now the judges did not really specify exactly why or what of it...They were a happy Bunch of Kids just asking people to Leave the floor! I miss the Authority and Maturity of Karan Johar ,Remo or Madhuri that Can let me feel

  that Judgements stem out of a Certain Expertise but here it looked it was based on whims and fancies...There is a recurring theory that Shamita is using her clout to stay in Jhalak…and my question …if she has the clout she might, but there is an Audience that is Observing Keenly…and precisely How does this clout Benefit her? Exactly if she had it why this clout never helped her build a career in Film world? 

All those connoisseurs of Dance if at all are watching Jhalak to sign their future employable targets…will she meet them? She does not seem to me a popular Contestant. Neither has she made any long lasting ties like the kind of Sanaya and Scarlet…or Kavita and Raftaar or a team like Faisal, Vaishnavi and Vivek…So of what use is the Clout?

 She anyway did not come out as the top scorer so why shall it worry me even if we assume she has a Big Daddy to whom she might ask to orchestrate the whole journey???. At the End of it…What matters is the Loyalty of human souls that you court and treasure and keep…I will give her the Benefit of Doubt and wish her Congratulations for winning the round. I also offer advise to Not just collect the winner post but Benefit by connecting to the wider Audience and show her Human side to The Audience out there. The aim of appearing on a Tele Show would not be to just win a Contest but be Talked about,Establish popularity and enjoy a Stardom that is Conferred by what we call "Fans"

She  looked so tired that she plonked on the floor and could not get up. Faisal I think would have happily got up and taken happy Bows…It is all about Stamina we were talking…Hmmm…

Now that only three-four weeks are left I have begun missing already. We have seen so much and shared so much…

and yet my soul longs  for yet another Rapturous Performances from my Contestants…give us stuff that will string our tear wells…or lift us to heights not reached before…gone is the time to play around Cache-Cache…something that Mohit Gave to the Stage. It is not easy to stand alone there in the limelight and surrender to inner roars all alone…I Miss Isha Sherwani who had taken the Jhalak floor to such heights that we bowed in worship…Will anyone pick up the Tab???

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.

Jhalak- Double Dose & New Entrants…

As a Famous person has said “The show must go on” and after Karan Johar Left we did feel there would be a vacuum and to fill the void, well, Jhalak guys brought in a piping Hot Diva-Malaika Arora- The Beautiful and Gorgeous! The sizzling and Sensuous! She knows she is a treat to the eyes to man and woman Alike. Yet she takes that Adulation with a silent flavour and a strong attitude towards her admirers of an all knowing Loving Gaze takes in all of it.

She works hard to exude that steam and I have been an Avid follower on her Insta update to see the hard work the Lady undergoes to keep that ethereal femininity alive and around. So when she enters and if Men drool…well…they will have to discipline themselves to close that agape Mouth of their which might be panting…she is not going to help…she will simply whiff by with…you wanna make a fool of yourself please do…

I am so used to it…and if women are going to Tighten their Jaws with envy…she is not even going to glance in that direction to absolve them of their envy…or bother with indiscreet scathing daggers…they do not reach her…for she is far too busy being HER GLORIOUS SELF…

Where do I fall? I am in her Admiration Brigade and I so so enjoy everything she does so I am going to smile and embrace her virtually as she will lend an electric effect to the entire Jhalak Judge panel. Lauren is beautiful yes, but…some other time…

We also have another lovely dose of masculinity and Femininity and my favos gyrating over to make my weekend super enjoyable.

I stand very very proud and let’s get down to each double dose of entertainment one by one. It was like an extravaganza of sorts.

RAFTAAR and FAISAL KHAN dancing together…

Wow and great and superb and what else can we Fans ask for…Before proceeding further let me thank Raftaar my #ClassBuddy for acknowledging my blog every time and making me feel so happy and humbled. That is my only payback for #Blogging…I am so grateful to you Raftaar and Sneha and yes I will keep writing…just as you two wished…

They were an awesome twosome…it was a full on masculine Act with a Capital “M”. They romped and raved and indulged in a fiery battle for supremacy. Only one can reign. There was everything…energy…enthusiasm…warring spirit…and tons of fun. I love both of them and they both were stunners.

Raftaar had the male charisma and Faisal personified the young zest. With so much pride and glee I noted absent-mindedly that the fella we have been referring to as a “KIDDO” is metamorphosing into a true warm blooded Man. He looked every bit grown up and virile.

I am so sure it was the benevolent warmth of A friendly soul that Raftaar is. He can make anybody comfortable and bring out the best in anyone…another reason for his best we came to know shortly was a Lady...who would straighten up any Man’s Act and here were two lovely Men eager to please.

Raftaar stole the show with “Gulaabi aankhen jo teri dekhi…sharaabi ye dil ho gaya”…Malaika you are intoxicating! Everyone wants to court your attention. Faisal who is normally shy also came up with a heady “Faisal vala love” Let me tell you a secret...every young Girl would rerun the footage and imagine herself to be in the place of her and Faisal going down on his knees and singing… “ishq wala love”

And what would I do? Sigh and say… “The Lad is sure growing up to be a swank dude!” Raftaar was all romance with his Baritone husky tones when he sang…Faisal was solicitous of attention…with his shy smiles and yes Bold offering and pulling away Manish written over by Manish in jest...

He is asserting himself alright. Thank you Malaika then for having this effect on our Fav Fatal Faisal and getting him there…Mr Vivek Chachere…please Consider “Pehla nasha pehla khumaar” I beg on behalf of Fans...He will be amazing and it will be Jhalak’s Best so far…

We had a BALL Jhalak folks .You could not have given us a better twosome beginning for this weekend.

If cupid was having a field day for girls while they enjoyed Raftaar and Faisal agape…it was turn for the men to freeze when Scarlet and Shamita whirred on the stage with their ornamental decko and synchronised symphony on “Dola Dola” and shall we too sing? 

“Mun dola re…dola re dola re dola…”

They both were simply scintillating and brought in myriad moves and emotions for all. They would for sure capture imaginations in a riot of tinkling red and white that were SCARLETT & SHAMITA…two flourishing Jhalak Sirens. They were young, nubile, luscious…ishhh may I add edible???

 And none trying to steal the show from the other but simply put on gorgeous, memorable moments that they can later sit and cherish…and so can we!! Both were such tender boughs full of blossoms and are blooming with every single performance that goes by. Vivacious and full of verve…They both had not a shred of attitude to dull the edge of other.

There was a gentle camaraderie and a shared Hug. Loved every single minute of it! No doubt so colourful and spell bind they left the judges that one stood up in ovation and let on a long verbose whatever…I am sure some part of him was too off kilter and he needed those verbal dose to get his equilibrium back…hmmm..it happens...it happened to Malaika too…for while complimenting she realised she outta stand and cheer…

I too enjoyed the Act. I am in love with these young and promising talented in-the-making Divas…

Wonder why they did not play cupid with Shahid…if they did I would send in a request... “Please give us our clean shaven Shahid back…the Lad we fell in years back…please!” 

For we who are hooked to celluloid…LOVE…and yearn for every bit of romance it sends to us…Mohit Malik and Sanaya rekindled that Dreamy romance. Every one of us is heavily fed on these dream sequences from our movies.

We grow up thinking them for our special one…and they recreated it for us…they were vulnerable…exotic…engrossed in each other…weaving promises and demonstrating trust…and it showed...both of them trust and respect each other so much and it really was depicted in the way they ended…just not touching and just about…signifying the young love that is extracting its promises and yet waits to behold the beloved in an intimate embrace, yet…for those two minutes I was in my own reverie and one with the two of you Angelic people…so we will not discuss the gross after maligning of the divine performance…form was not perfect? Oh ok...I will notice it some other time...for me it was perfect and pure…

Then came the dreaded moment and I do agree here with Shahid that the costumes did disrupt the rhythm that the Dancers could have. The costume that Raftaar had on would hardly allow any agility or attitude so it was out an out a no no…even once before I said they should refrain from staying away from traditional dances that require years of practice and rehearsal.

In front of him then there was Scarlett portraying the dark, ferocious and venomous Medusa.

 She tried her best but she is so tender and delicate she could not really get that dark and gory power out that bites and destroys...it’s a compliment beautifulll...why harbour such an effect??? We prefer your Divine and dainty effect...it is enough to melt us and …

I cannot say I am happy that you stayed or Sad that Raftaar left. My classbuddy. I have become so very fond of you. You were the talcum powder fresh whiff to Jhalak …always smiling and embracing all and sundry in your affectionate gaze…You are a very Kind and wonderful individual and I wish you good luck in all that you do and may the best that is there come to you. Loads of love and tons of hugs…I will give you personally if we ever meet…

Day next then Dawned entry of a Choreographer who is excellent at his craft…sensitive, versatile and creative. He was to lend his touch with costumes and conceptualisation. Must say what unfolded was sheer delight and silk. He brought in eternal themes and the talented ones met it head on raising the Bar of the Show and our respect for their Talent…

Faisal and Vaishnavi symbolised the immortal strife of Two elements that can never meet in the form that they are and are annihilating agents for the other should one exceed the others amount…

They perfectly portrayed of coming together and reflexively shuddering and recoiling back with the impact…the vigorous and vociferous crackling when they do meet and the final devastation…and we are left musing “These are Kids depicting such grave concepts to such sculpted levels???”

We will speak about Vaishnavi…she had to portray The Ice or the Water element…a pool of calmness she is. I have observed her persona off screen and she is that...calm support…a natural dancer for whom the moves come as naturally as her breath. She is the rock solid support you can count on to carry out any depiction under the earth or beyond maybe. Anything she does has an inbuilt grace and dignity.

Faisal could not have asked for a better Partner. Yet she is the feminine traditionalle…unassuming and silent. She acknowledges all the praises with a silent smile and lets Faisal have his limelight.

 So Dearest Vaishnavi accept my Kudos for so aptly and suitably bringing to life this immortal fusion of elements…Its work and  memorable moments you are creating. People will open these numbers and say “you must have a look at this…”

Faisal has all the making of a virulent Male…What is adorable yet is that he does not know his own power and impact on others.It is cute when People mentally must want to pull you down to shreds and this little one must shyly come up to them and offer a shy appeasing smile that welcomes all…He is a director’s Man…give him a vision and he will give his tremendous best to get higher notch perfection.

Yes I suggest more youth emulate him and sacrifice their youth in productive building of character and hard work…our nation would be a far better place …instead of having weak young gen we will have a strong nation building one…

I too have one back home who possesses different talent albiet but is in a relentless pursuit of perfection instead of chasing mobiles and malls…

And then we wee treated to a lovely camaraderie…a friendship borne out of doing a season together..Lauren and Salman…do they even need to practice? 

They are just auto synchronised and it was a treat to watch them and dip into lovely Moves once again.

Shamita left her dainty comfort zone and depicted a wild Beast and well was as dangerous as the dance form depicted. 

She is doing justice to everything visualised for her. I just felt that the choreographer got a little carried away and took more of centre stage than giving her the honours.I guess it is easier to get carried away.But she is vividly going all out to portray an array of aspects to Shamita Shetty...wish she would smile more and open up a little more. She always has that confused and befuddled expression of being lost and smiling due to reassurance.Look Confident lady you have come this FAR…and people know you now…why do you not enjoy this phase that is yours and yours alone? With all the ups and downs…

Sanaya…

our flower Maiden she unleashed a magical fairy tale for all of us to behold.She along with her choreopartner showed what progress really means…what trust on another can really create!

My OH MY GOODNESS moment came when I saw her not having any harness…honestly?? Oh no!!!! really??? And I have goose bumps even thinking all the changes of stances in the Air. Sanaya Irani Hats off to you and your choreo partner for doing this for us.Not only were you marvellous the Act was par excellence…the horizontal stance where his one leg held by you and you resting your neck on his another foot simply simply stole my heart…how can one even imagine such  wonderful stuff and you enacted that vision superb…amazing…mind blowing...classy…sometimes English Dictionary may not have ideal words to depict and we resort to the ordinary…for the Act did take way my ability to think every time I viewed it …one more time…one more time….oh last…one more time…I still did not view it enough times…For me this was Jhalak's best..I loved it..it touched me at the core and wowwwwww

Wishh my wooww counted in some way…wish Sanaya could read and find out how overawed her Act left me..she was stunning and simply stole the show with her confident shifting of stances mid air and smiling...not even batting an eyelid...as if it was her everyday Chore…she was as Natural as a Butterfly though she depicted a Flower…but the trust she demonstrated was deep and profound…the timing perfect and and each frame worth clicking and framing…adorable...picturesque and so pleasing to the soul and eyes…Sanaya...go girl...capture our imaginations...

But in Mohit nagari it was Sad news…

They looked awesome with their costumes but well he went Blank..it so happens to many of us…when our self esteem is swimming in the shores unknown and not yet reached the rhythm..it happens…we forgive you Mohit…and here I would say Shahid was a thorough gentleman in Consoling and “Hota hain” attitude. Mohit looked so crestfallen …we too felt his agony…after working so hard..if we were to land up goofing we berate ourselves tons and tons…privately of course…but You will come back with a Bang and we will be always there to cheer you up…already we were there on Twitter telling you how much we loved you.

Lauren, the double role was exotic and appealing….you are without doubt an amazing dancer with oodles of charm and attitude. Keep that up and entertain us.We will look forward to whenever you will adorn the stage and we will be ready with our claps..I like the Golden girl…by the way…

And then we have three ladies..new entrants walking in Jhalak to add glamour..My query..In your tinsel town was there not a single hunk as a wild card entry…are your gender ratios so badly tipped that you had to convert Jhalak into an almost Ladies Dabba??? As it is we had less male company?? Are you taking the Women empowerment issue seriously?? Like a little too much!!!

But they do look cool and we look up to another round of amazing feminine wiles and guiles…

To sum it up…The weekend was made colourful with touching and profound performances and do unfold more magic…

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.