They Like to Groove It

The channel is however preparing for stiff competition from other general entertainment channels,Colors and Star Plus. While Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa (JDJ) is set to return with a new season after the Indian Premier League (IPL),Star Plus has had dance reality shows lined up back-to-back. After Nach Baliye season 5 — a show that usually has real-life celebrity couples compete against each other — concluded last month,the channel already has on air its next season in a new format,titled Nach Baliye Shriman Vs Shrimati. Soon after this ends,the channel will go on air with a new property,India’s Dancing Superstar.

Manisha Sharma,weekend programming head,Colors,believes that the return of dance reality shows on several channels is no more than a coincidence. “Dance reality shows are an audio-visual experience and bring together various dance forms and includes contestants,including celebrities who may not be dancers at all. Such shows appeal to all members of a family,” says Sharma.

Bhalwankar says that people across B and C cities training in dance and wanting to take it up professionally have added to the popularity of these reality shows.

The channels,however,are up for tough competition as all the shows will air over weekends. The makers,therefore,have their own unique formats in place. While DID has mothers as contestants,Nach Baliye will pitch husbands against their wives. “The popularity of reality shows is a combination of new elements,constant innovation and a right mix of celebrities. For JDJ,we have different celebrities from various walks of life — from cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya to singer Talat Aziz,” says Sharma.

The judges play a crucial role too. Bhalwankar says,“DID brought Mithun Chakraborty as the guru on the show and has three legit choreographers,Geeta Kapoor,Sandip Soparrkar and Terence Lewis. All three are today stars in their own right.”