Punit Pathak, choreographer and actor, never aspired to be a dancer. In fact, the actor wanted to become a filmmaker or a cricketer. In an interview, he tells us how destiny charted a different direction for him. Excerpts from it:

Can you describe your journey as a choreographer?
Dancing was not allowed in school, but I used to participate in college talent fests. I was around 17 years of age when I started working with Terence (Lewis) sir and dancing became a part of my everyday life. I only knew hip hop dancing and had no clue about other dance forms. But when I turned 21, I quit Terence sir's academy to work as an assistant director. It was a clerical job and I hated it. That's when I got a call from DID (Dance India Dance) and it turned into a life-changing experience, because there I met my mentor Remo Dsouza. I can say that if Terence brought dancing to my life, Remo put life into my dancing.

Do you feel disappointed that you have still not won the Jhalak trophy?
It is not about what you do, but it is more about how you do. Even the last season, I was just a step away from winning the trophy on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Karan Johar also said, 'You are made for better and bigger things in life'. I think I have done a decent job as a choreographer and impressed everyone with my choreography skills. I have not only been on Jhalak... but also worked behind the scenes, choreographed Bigg Boss' finale (last season), Comedy Nights With Kapil and many other such live events. I have choreographed for three films too.

There was a time when after I left Terence sir's academy, I was spending only Rs 15 in a day (Rs 10 on noodles and Rs 5 on biscuits). But when Remo sir gave me the permission to assist him on FALTU, life completely changed. He not only liked my work, but also gave me an opportunity to act in his next film ABCD. So I think with what I have achieved, I am blessed.

After becoming a choreographer and actor, what are your plans now?
After ABCD released, the response was overwhelming. My own mother did not get tickets for the film on the first day. I have completed ABCD 2. Though I am a I dancer and actor, the passion to tell a story is deep down in my heart. My dream is to become a filmmaker some day.

REMO D'SOUZA
Punit is brilliant. He is a superb assistant and now an independent choreographer. I will feature him as an actor in my future projects too.

MOUNI ROY
Punit is talented and hard-working, full of thoughts and ideas. Jhalak has been the best story of my life and Punit has written that story for me.

SHIBANI DANDEKAR
Everyone knows how wonderful a choreographer Punit is, but for me he is more than that, a friend for life.

LAUREN GOTTLIEB
Punit may not have won the trophy yet but we all know who has been most deserving of all seasons, and all the good filmmakers are also calling him for choreography on their films.