Talking point with Iqbal Khan and Binny Sharma

Sharma:I am on cloud nine. Television will see a new side of me. The audiences loved the dancer in me,now they will get to see me as an actor. I feel acting and dance can go hand in hand and I hope that the makers of the show will use my dancing and choreography skills.

While one of you is riding the popularity wave,the other is a not. How does it feel to be paired with each other?
Khan:Binny’s popularity will benefit everyone on the show. I encourage my producers to cast talented and popular actors. This show also has stalwarts like Aruna Irani and Sudha Chandran,so I feel I am in a win-win situation.

Sharma:He is a seasoned actor,so I am bound to be a bit nervous. I have so much to learn from him. As far as my popularity goes,I hope it attracts viewers,but I’m not relying on it.

The increase in reality shows and soaps has seen one of you shot to fame because of them,while the other got sidelined. Do you agree?
Khan:Yes,to an extent my popularity is not the same before,but that’s not a big deal. Popularity is not in my hands. So many things affect that. A lot depends on the script,the concept,the freshness of not just the show they are a part of,but also other shows.

Sharma:I owe my success to Dance India Dance. Now I am ready to explore. Hard work got me here and I don’t take my success for granted. Popularity keeps coming and going,but work should be consistent.

Are you aiming at Bollywood?
Khan: I have never ruled out Bollywood,but no spectacular offer has come my way. The movie industry does not want to take a risk with TV actors,even though many of them have become successful Bollywood stars. TV has a lot of talent,but it needs to be tapped.

Sharma:Even when I was on DID,I got offers for movies and TV shows. But I wanted to remain focused. I signed this show,because I was ready for it. I am going to concentrate on TV for now. What I know for sure is that I will open my own dance school someday.