June 09, 2010

Himmat Hai To Zara Nachke Dikha...


Zara Nachke Dikha was fun show based on the never ending battle of the sexes. I loved the whole idea of battling it out with dance. The show has completed two seasons and I'm glad to report that the girls have won both battles! The first season had a lot of drama shama but introduced viewers to many different styles of dance. The second season in comparison was more stunt-filled and had relatively less drama shama. Having watched both seasons faithfully, these are my top 5 favorite performances.

Season 1 Meethi Churiyan Ladkiyan Vs. Tez Talwar Ladke

1. Shadow Dance - Mouni Roy & Narayani Shastri (2:30)


Mouni and Narayani perform this act very well. They match each other so well, it's very difficult to distinguish one from another. The song, the dance and the overall concept make this act my favorite.

2. Role Reversal - Amit Tandon & Vikas Sethi (4:25)


I was shocked to see Amit wearing a saree and was even more shocked when I heard the song that both of them would be dancing to. Boy was I in for a surprise! Amit and Vikas perform this song beautifully! I loved the punches that they added to this classic Sridevi and Anil Kapoor song.

3. Southern Tadka - Bhaktiyar Irani and Karishma Tanna


Zara Nachke Dikha was the first major dance based reality show that I started watching. I had never seen an act based on a Tamil song in a hindi show. So when I saw this act I was floored! They are over the top and crazy and I loved it! Super act ma!

4. Independence Day Special - Mouni Roy


This was probably the most emotional performance of Zara Nachke Dikha. I had tears in my eyes after watching this act! Mouni's dancing speaks volumes and makes the viewer feel her emotions from joy to grief. Atti Uttam!

5. Eid Special - Chaitanya Choudhry


First off, let me start by saying I am fan of this song. So naturally when I watched this performance by Chaitanya, I naturally liked it. He performed the song with a gentle spirit. I apologize for the grainy quality of the video!

Special Mention:

Item Song - Mouni Roy


Holy Moly! Can you say HOT! Mouni performs the Item Song act so well. I like the expression on the boys faces during her performance! I wonder why she hasn't been approached to be a part of an actual Item Song!

Season 2 - Masakali Girls Vs. Mast Kalander Boys

1. Deewani - Mukti Mohan


Beautiful! Lyrical! Poetry in motion! Those are the words that came to mind when I watched this performance by Mukti. Every part of Mukti was involved in this performance. She is such a gifted dancer. As a viewer, I could feel every emotion she portrayed.

2. Heer Ranjha - Mukti Mohan and Sushant Singh


Mukti and Sushant perform this act very skillfully. I especially love the lifts that were used in this act. Sushant carried Mukti so gracefully and made every one of those lifts look effortless. Wah Wah!

3. Chor Police - Siddhesh Pai and Abhishek Awasti


This is such a fun act perfectly executed by Siddhesh and Abhishek. The challenge given was to perform the entire act without stepping on the stage. I love the concept and enjoy this awesome chase - dance. Paisa Vasool act!

4. Mujra Fusion - Mukti Mohan


Mujra Jazz fusion - sounds weird right?! Not to fear Mukti kills this performance! She is just so good! I love her adayien and her masti. If Rekha watched this performance, I'm sure she would be proud!

5. Jalwa - Abhishek Awasti


The start of the act is truly shocking but call me a cynic when I say the fall was part of the act... Anyway, there is not denying that Abhishek totally killed this performance. The power in this act was enormous. Awesomness all the way!

Special Mention:

Shilpa Medley - Rashmi, Mukti, Rakhi, Hazel and Rakhi


The girls pay homage to Shilpa with this performance. I really enjoyed this act and all the different flavors of Shilpa that it highlighted.

Aag Ka Dance - Siddhesh and Akshat


Fearless! That was all I could come up with after watching this performance. Both boys took a lot of risks in this performance. The end result was an awesome performance with loads of force!


June 07, 2010

Dance India Dance Awards...

Ever since Dance India Dance started, I have become a fan of the show. I loved that there were auditions all over the country to pick the best dancers. I loved that the show introduce Indian audiences to new and different forms of dance that were international and desi. Most of the all, the show introduced a whole lot of talented and amazing dancers.

I've been a fan of both seasons of Dance India Dance. There have been unbelievable performances in both seasons. I have enjoyed watching the unique and entertaining performances from both seasons. These are my favorites so far.

First the Jodi Awards...

Best Romantic Jodi Performance: Amar & Shakti, Khuda Jaane


This was Amar and Shakti's first performance together. First off, the song Khuda Jaane is in itself very romantic and full of meaning. I love the way Terrence has interpreted the song with his choreography. Amar and Shakti perform beautifully, proving that they are an amazing jodi!

Best Masti-Bhari Jodi Performance: Salman & Alisha, Masakali


This performance was during the 'Terrence Ki Pariksha' episode (Terrence choreographed all of the performances). I love that Terrence chose Salman and Alisha for this performance. I really like them paired together. Both of them perform really well and use the song to enhance their performance. As a bonus, here's the link to the original Masakali, Enjoy!
PS. Here's a link for the performance...

Best Chedkani Jodi Performance: Salman & Rakhi, Emotional Aytachaar


This one made me laugh the first time I watched it! Dance India Dance has not seen a dancer with an attitude that compares to Rakhi. That girl was amazing! Again, I really liked the pairing of Rakhi's aggressive approach with Salaman's rather feminine performance. It worked very well with the song. Enjoy the original! BTW I love the song!

Best Emotional Jodi Performance: Shakti & Vandana, Kyon; Khushboo & Salman, Soniyo And Mayuresh & Alisha, Tadap Tadap Ke




These were the performance that really touched me. I had tears in my eyes after they were done! First, Shakti and Vandana - those girls are amazing! Shakti is such a gifted dancer. Vandana has the prettiest expression. I love the way she expresses her frustration. Kudos to Terrence!
Second, Khushboo and Salman - power packed jodi. Every time Khushboo danced, she was able to involve the audience. Salman is so versatile. Whenever Khushboo and Salman stepped on to the Dance India Dance stage together, the audience was guaranteed an amazing performance and this one was no exception. Here's the link to the performance...
Finally, Mayuresh and Alisha. What can I say about Mayuresh? I was surprised that he was eliminated so early in the first season. He is a very talented dancer. For all Mayuresh fans, he is back in DID little master as a choreographer. Alisha on the other hand is another amazing dancer. That girl can do anything! This performance brought tears to my eyes the moment it began.

Best Pehla-Pyaar Jodi Performance: Mayuresh & Alisha, Pehla Nasha


Mayuresh and Alisha again at their best. Pehla Nasha is such an iconic song. I love the way Terrence interpreted the song by infusing the Romeo-Juliet story. Mayuresh and Alisha ooze romance and the innocence of young love.
P.S. Can't seem to find a video of the performance so here's another performance on the same song on another show. The lifts are unbelievable!

Best Sensual Jodi Performance: Jay & Vrushali, Hai Rama


This remains the sexiest performance I have ever seen. In the original, Urmila and Jackie ooze passion and tension. I really enjoyed Terrence's take on this iconic 90s hit. Vrushali and Jai perform this song very well and without any apprehensions.

Best Chemistry Jodi Performance: Siddhesh & Sunita, Kuch Khaas AND Altaf & Tina, Tum Mile



I am actually surprised that both jodis were members of Geeta Ki Gang from season 1 and season 2 respectively. When Siddhesh and Sunita performed, their chemistry was amazing considering they had never performed such an act together. Also the song, Kuch Khaas, being one of my favorites, helped elevate their performance further. PS. here's the link for the performance.
Just like Siddhesh and Sunita, Altaf and Tina were performing together for the first time. They had to exude chemistry for their performance to work, which they did very well indeed.

Best Powerful Jodi Performance: Amar & Shakti, Satrangi Re


Amar and Shakti were undoubtedly the best jodi in season 2. They had good chemistry and artistry. Most of all individually, they were powerful dancers. This performance choreographed by Terrence highlights their strengths completely. Paso Doble is a very powerful and passionate dance. Amar and Shakti perform very well and after watching the performance, you will feel the power.

Best Comic Jodi Performance: Siddhesh & Prince, Maar Daala


When I watching this episode, I was surprised that Terrence choose Siddhesh and Prince to perform a classic mujra. Boy was I in for a shock! They start out as perfect tabaifs and then infuse in some comic popping and locking! I was in splits by the time the performance ended!

Best Aerial Jodi Performance: Amar & Shakti, Gustakiyan


Once again Terrence highlights his creativity. Ankhon Ki Gustakiyan had a slight naughtiness and chedkani element to it. I love the way Terrence re-makes it with his own twist. Once again he choose Amar and Shakti to perform the song. I like the chedkani element that he adds along with the innocent playfulness. I also really enjoyed the beautiful shapes and forms that were part of the aerial portion of the performance.

Now for the Individual Awards...

Best Pyaari Individual Performance: Khushboo - Le Ja


I have never rooted for a dancer as much as I have rooted for Khushboo from season 1. I loved the way she performed. I really enjoyed watching her on stage. Her enthusiasm and charm was evident with every performance. Among all of her individual performances, I really liked the simplicity and innocence of this performance.

Best Aerial Act: Binny, O Re Piya & Mayuresh, Dil Se



Season 2 was a difficult season for Binny. From very early on she had to prove herself. This aerial performance was a highlight. I think this is actually one of her best performances and the best piece of choreography from Geeta. I love the way she used the song and elevated Binny's performance.
Mayuresh was known for his aerial acts as well as his stunt-full acts. Terrence used Mayuresh's skill very well in this performance. Each and every time Mayuresh performed aerial acts, they were entertaining.
It is no surprise that in a special episode Mayuresh and Binny performed an aerial act together!

Best Masti-full Individual Performance: Siddesh, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein


When you watch the performance, you'll see the masti-fullness that Siddhesh adds to this song. First off I was surprised that so much masti could be added to a slow and romantic song! Siddhesh perform well and deserves kudos for the masti!

Best Comic Individual Performance: Dharmesh Sir, Premika Ne Pyar Se & Parvez, Pag Ghungroo



How could this list not include the hilariously expressive Dharmesh Sir? Dharmesh Sir is a treat to watch. I really enjoyed watching him because of his expressiveness! I particularly like this performance because I love the way he performs this song. I like how his body language changes with the lyrics of the song. Here's the original song starring the multi-talented Prabhu Deva, SP Balasubramanium and Nagma.
Along with Dharmesh Sir, I just had to include this performance by Parvez. First off, Pag Ghungroo is a hilarious song to start out with. I love all of the funny twists that Terrence added to the song to make it even more comical. No wonder Amitabh Bachchan requested to see the performance when he came as a guest!

Best Romantic Individual Performance: Kruti, Mudi Mudi


Kruti is at her expressive best in this performance. I love the way the camera is used in this performance. Kudos once again to Terrence for his innovation. I was even more surprised after it was revealed that Kruti is trained in Indian Classical. She performed this song very well. When you watch this performance, you'll surely feel the romance!

Best Stunt-full Act - Mayuresh, Ramta Jogi


Mayuresh is known for his ability to perform stunts and aerial acts. This performance highlights his ability to perform stunts. I enjoyed the way the Mal Khamb was used in this performance. Terrence was able to fuse traditional Mal Khamb moves with the song very well. Last but not the least, Mayuresh performed flawlessly.

Finally, the Group Awards...

Best Comic Group Performance: Prince, Rakhi & Mangesh, Rama Rama


When I watched this performance for the first time, I was in splits! Rakhi played the part of the southern hottie very well! Mangesh and Prince play their characters to the T as well! All in all kudos to Remo for thinking out-of-the-box and introducing Tamil folk to the audience of Dance India Dance.

Best Masti-full Group Performance: Salman, Khushboo & Bhavna, Salman Khan Medley (8:18)


This was the first performance episode of season 1. I really enjoyed this performance in particular because it effectively highlighted Salman Khan's journey as an actor. Salman, Khushboo and Bhavna perform very well. I really enjoyed the song selection and the choreography.

Best Powerful Group Performance: Amar, Parvez & Kruti, Yeh Raat


This performance made me say "WOW" after I watched it. Kruti plays the part of the seductress perfectly. Parvez and Amar play the parts of her victims very well. I loved the way Terrence was able to fuse the Tango perfectly with the song. Most of all I really enjoyed all of the complex and daring lifts.

Best Stunt-full Group Performance: Salman, Mangesh & Khushboo, Azeem-o-Shaan Shehensha (4:15)


This act was the most awe-inspiring acts from season 1. The story was touching. The dancing was top notch. The performers, Salman, Khushboo and Mangesh, were amazing. Kudos to Remo for thinking of such a powerful act full of emotions, suspense and amazing stunts. I love the way Remo used this powerful theme and used it to enhance his choreography and the contestants' performance. (As a bonus, check out Remo and Prince popping a locking at 1:27)