Q 1. Is dancing an inherent art or like they say, anybody can dance? Like everyone can enjoy cooking, everyone can enjoy dancing, but it is not everyone’s cup of tea as it’s a natural talent. Dance is most unforgiving. A dancer needs to do rigorous practise, and at times, the body takes a severe beating. Besides, the shelf life of a dancer is really short. Q 2. So, who makes for a perfect dancer? Today, an audience gets restless five minutes into a performance. To keep them engaged, a dancer has not only to be contemporary in her approach, but also needs to have great stage presence and also have a terrific command over body and rhythm. Q 3.Which is the most difficult classical dance form? Every dance form is difficult. Kathakwith its riveting hands and eyes movements, and intricate footwork, may look fluid and easy, but in reality it is really difficult. Q 4. Which Hindi film has captured classical dance in all its glory? There are several films, but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s dance sequences in Taal, Rekha’s classical renditions in Umrao Jaan and Madhuri Dixit’s performances in Pukar, are all fantastic. Q 5. Which is that one song from Hindi films that you like to unwind on? That would have to be Tere bina from Guru. I love listening to the track and practise my kathaksteps on it. Q 6. Which classical dance form is best for a Hindi film heroine? Kathak is good for actors as it brings grace and rhythm to the body. Q 7. Tell us about that one dance moment that you can never forget. Every show where the audience appreciates my art becomes a memorable show for me. Recently, I was performing in a college in front of a crowd of 30,000 college students, who really enjoyed the show. I also remember a show that I did in England this year, around the month of April; the audience got up and danced with me. Such moments are simply unforgettable. Q 8. Which actors do you think are remarkable dancers? Two names that come to my mind are Madhuri Dixit Nene and Kamal Haasan. Madhuri is one of the most graceful dancers, while Kamal Haasan is just amazing in his dance sequences. Q 9. What are the benefits of dancing? Dancing is the most enjoyable form of exercise and has a large number of health benefits. Interestingly, each dance form works on different parts of the body. So, while choosing a dancing style, be aware of your body type as this will help to strengthen and tone your muscles, without hurting your joints. For example, belly dancing helps prevent lower back problems, ballroom dancing helps keep the heart in shape, and salsa helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. All forms of dance, however, are known to lower your risk of heart disease, help with weight loss, and strengthen the bones and muscles in your legs and hips. Q 10.Will we see you in a dance sequence in your forthcoming film, David? Apart from Kisna, none of my movies have exploited my dancing skills. And I like it that way because on the sets I am an actress. It’s a good change to miss the dance part, and only act. Source: Screen-India, Image: flickr.com
