It has taken a while for the industry to get back on its feet after everything came to a grinding halt owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. Unable to sustain the pressure, a few daily soaps were shut abruptly, broadcasters had to tighten their purse strings in an attempt to stay afloat and everyone took a financial hit. Though initially, several actors found the decision to reduce their remuneration unfair, gradually everyone had to adhere to the new rule. Comedienne Bharti Singh was no exception.

According to sources, she has taken a 70 per cent pay cut for Dance Deewane and around 50 per cent for The Kapil Sharma Show. Talking about it, she says, “I guess everyone felt the pinch when they were asked to take a pay cut, and I was no exception. I also negotiated a lot over it. However, when I reflected on the recent times and what has unfolded in the last year, I realised itna kaam band ho gaya hai. TV and shows ko sponsors nahi mil rahe hain toh channels kahaan se paisa laayein. Everyone is trying to get back on their feet. Once we generate good ratings, sponsors will automatically come back and our fee will also be raised.”

Bharti says that everyone needs to do their bit to sail through these challenging times. She is hopeful that their original fee will be restored once everything has returned to normalcy.

Bharti says, “Itne saal hum ek channel par kaam karte hain aur woh hamaari har baat maante hain, toh aaj jab woh saamne se help maang rahe hain toh mujhe nahi lagta hai ki kisi bhi artiste ne mana kiya hoga. They listened to us and fulfilled all our requests and demands when things were fine. I know sabke paise cut rahe hain. I feel jo set pe technicians hain, unke paise nahi cut nahi karne chahiye. We are working together and trying our best to stay afloat. So, I don’t think anyone had an issue in taking a pay cut.”

She further adds, “There was a time when we were sitting at home after everything stopped. Hum yahin soch rahe the ki kaam kab shuru hoga, aur koi kam price dega toh usme bhi kaam kar lenge, kyunki people had to run their homes. Kuchh mahinon mein gaadi track par aa jaayegi, sab sahi ho jaayega. Hona bhi chahiye.”

For now, Bharti is excited about the return of the stand-up comedy show. She says, “We are returning after almost seven months. Aise pandemic mein comedy shows aane chahiye.”

Reality shows have now adopted the straight-from-home concept in a bid to get more viewers and participants from across India
Radhika Bhirani (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 11, 2020)

The reality of present times is driving a ‘new normal’ for reality TV shows. Entertainment channels are tapping into digital opportunities to set the ball rolling for their non-fiction content, in an attempt to not just woo a new set of viewers, but also to open up an alternate gateway to push participation from across the country.

For the first time, Kaun Banega Crorepati, for its 12th season, has rolled out a 100% digital selection and screening process for its contestants, amid the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The fact that a large number people are homebound and spending long hours on TV and digital media, made it conducive, says Ashish Golwalkar, head — Content, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Digital Business. “We expect the participation to grow exponentially,” he adds, revealing that a digital process will soon be announced for their shows Super Dancer and Indian Idol, too.

There’s also Dance Deewane 3, which is employing a virtual screening process, enabling participants to stay safe and audition from their homes, through an app. The response has been “overwhelming”, says Manisha Sharma, head of content, Colors, adding: “We clocked 1,000+ entries in just two days. There’s no reason one should lose hope. We want our viewers to stay motivated during these tough times.”

Apart from that, viewer engagement is a key reason why MTV has formulated original content. While a first-of-its kind virtual audition for a wild card entry is happening for Roadies Revolution, the channel is also showcasing straight-from-home concepts such as Hustle From Home, a six-part series with rappers jamming from home, and Ace Quarantine, which has contestants trying to ‘ace the quarantine’ with specific tasks.

Be it amid the lockdown or even for the immediate future, straight-from-home content is becoming the norm, believes Ferzad Palia, head of Voot Select, Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, Viacom18. “Our properties have bridged the gap for new content on television. We’re adapting to the new normal,” says Palia, adding that shows riding on repute, such as Roadies, will continue to get traction.

Talking of that, to mark 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee’s flagship music reality show, the channel has planned a 25-hour music marathon on the web, with a concert with well-known names singing from the confines of their homes. “It’ll surely help uplift the mood of people across the world during the lockdown,” says singer Udit Narayan.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2020)

With the novel Coronavirus shutting down all production work in TV and films, reality shows are resorting to digital communication to create new content. Mirror had reported (May 5) that Neha Kakkar, along with singer-siblings Sonu and Tony, will feature as a judge on a one-ofits-kind virtual singing reality show. Now, we have learnt that the third season of another competitive reality show, Dance Deewane, recently kicked off with virtual auditions. Madhuri Dixit, Shashank Khaitan and Tushar Kalia are returning as judges for the new edition.

Madhuri believes that dance is a stress-buster that is keeping millions across the country motivated during these tough times. “One way to keep up the spirit is to let dance be a form of expression. I am thrilled that we managed to bring back another season of the show,” said the actress, who has recorded a special promo asking aspirants to upload videos on the Viacom 18 digital platform, the network that airs Dance Deewane on Colors.

Through the virtual auditions, the makers will select contestants for the final showdown, which will commence when film and television bodies decide to resume shoots, with Arjun Bijlani back as show host.

After airing for around three weeks, the show has been replaced by Dance Deewane Season 1
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2020)

Most TV channels are currently airing reruns of their old hit shows because of the Coronavirus lockdown. Given the immense popularity that the recently-concluded Bigg Boss 13 enjoyed, it was naturally chosen for a repeat telecast. While the makers were confident about garnering good ratings yet again, that was not to be. The show, which started airing from March 23 in the 10 pm slot, was abruptly discontinued from April 13. It has now been replaced by Dance Deewane Season 1.

A source said, “Bigg Boss 13 had enjoyed massive viewership a few months ago and hence was brought back, but things haven’t been the same this time around. Viewers’ preferences keep changing and given the current situation, the channel would like to understand what the audiences want to watch. They aired Bigg Boss as an experiment and the coming weeks will see many old shows returning, including Balika Vadhu.”

Meanwhile, BT also spoke to some viewers about why Bigg Boss 13 hasn’t worked for them this time around. Shalini Sen, an advertising professional, said, “The show is about a bunch of contestants locked up inside a house. While it is entertaining otherwise, it’s not an ideal watch during the lockdown. The contestants somehow remind you of your own situation.”

Rita D’Souza, a banker, agrees. “The entire country is in a sombre mood now. A show like Bigg Boss has a lot of intense and emotional moments, and given the current situation, I prefer watching light-hearted dance or music reality shows instead.”

Mahesh Duggal, a businessman, says, “These days, I like watching Ramayan and Mahabharat. We are all in a different state of mind right now.”

Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 23, 2019)

Choreographer Tushar Kalia is excited about working in the upcoming film, War, which stars Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor in main roles. He says, “I’ve done a solo song with Vaani, which has shaped up well, and it’s a big opportunity for me. We rehearsed for almost three months to perfect the moves and the special act in it.”

The dancer-choreographer, who is a judge on Dance Deewane 2 along with Madhuri Dixit-Nene, is happy with the response the dance reality show is garnering. He shares, “This season of the show is among the most popular programmes on Indian television. I love being a part of it, as I get to interact with a lot of talent. Since my journey has been similar — from being a contestant to a choreographer and then, to a judge — I understand the contestants’ struggles.”

Tushar feels that though dance has more scope as a profession now, it’s still not an easy path because of the huge competition. He says, “Indian dancers are going on the world stage and beating everyone even in international shows. Earlier, the ultimate praise for a dance performance was, ‘This is an internationallevel performance’. It’s time we changed that to ‘It’s an India-level performance’. We have so much talent in our country and we should encourage and nurture it.”

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 16, 2019)

Kriti Sanon had a fan-girl moment when she turned up as a celebrity guest on the reality show, Dance Deewane 2, and came face-to-face with Madhuri Dixit who features as a regular judge. The actress couldn’t stop gushing over her idol, recalling how, as a child, she would imitate Madhuri’s dialogue from her films in front of the mirror and also perform to her Raja chartbuster, “Akhiyaan Milaoon Kabhi Akhiyaan Churaoon” whenever she was asked to dance. She then expressed a desire to dance with the diva on stage on the same song and Madhuri was happy to oblige.

“It was a surreal experience. I have seen this dance on TV and now performing with Madhuri on the same song feels like an achievement. I don’t wish for anything else, I have fulfilled my ultimate dream,” Kriti gushed afterwards.

She was accompanied by her Arjun Patiala co-star, Diljit Dosanjh and the duo performed a Garba with the families of contestants, Tweesha Patel and Vihan Trivedi.

MUMBAI MIRROR (July 3, 2019)

Hrithik Roshan may have got to showcase his skills to the masses with his launch vehicle Kaho Na Pyaar Hai in 2000, but the 45-year-old actor’s first audience was Madhuri Dixit. On Monday, Hrithik shot for a guest turn on the reality show Dance Deewane, which features the actress as one of the judges.

During the shoot, Madhuri who was the leading lady of Rakesh Roshan’s Koyla, revealed that the actor had worked on the film as an assistant director. “One day, I had gone to Rakesh ji’s house for a narration and saw Hrithik rehearsing something in front of the mirror,” she said, adding that when he was done, she broke into an appluase.

During the show, the duo performed on the Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai title song, “Ghagra” and the Koyla track “Ghoongte Mein Chanda”. A contestant’s performance on Hrithik’s biggest hit from his debut, “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” made the actor nostalgic. “I am happy to see that the song is still trending,” he exclaimed, rounding off his turn on the show by shaking a leg with the young contestants.

As she returns to judge another dance show, Madhuri Dixit hopes to learn a new Kathak form
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 5, 2019)

Her christening as one among Bollywood's most celebrated dancers makes her appointment as judge of dance reality shows, year-after-year, only fitting. It's no surprise then that Madhuri Dixit-Nene will take on mentor duties yet again in the second season of Dance Deewane. She points out that the show stands out from its counterparts as it brings together three generations.

"Last year, we had few participants from the senior category, but this time, we were flooded with entries," says the actor of the show that sees filmmaker Shashank Khaitan and choreographer Tushar Kalia as co-judges.

Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure her passion for dance finds an outlet, Dixit, 52, seems eager to return to the studio as a student. "There are three gharanas [styles] of Kathak. I have been trained in the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, but not in the Banaras one. I want to explore it when I get time. I believe that age is just a number, and passion is all that one need to chase dreams."

Months after Rannbhoomi was pushed, Badrinath director Shashank Khaitan puts actioner with Varun Dhawan on the backburner
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 29, 2019)

Close on the heels of Dhadak's (2018) release, director Shashank Khaitan had announced that he was reuniting with his favourite actor Varun Dhawan for an espionage thriller. Touted as an ambitious action entertainer, the film was to be backed by Karan Johar, thus completing the troika behind the Dulhania series. However, in the latest development, the project — which was to go on floors this year — has been put on the backburner as the director has not been able to crack the script. Interestingly, their epic war saga, Rannbhoomi, was pushed to make way for the thriller.

Confirming the news, Khaitan tells mid-day, "I had cracked a great first half, but I botched things up in the second half. Since there is so much great material coming out [from the industry], I felt that if I don't have anything new to say, I shouldn't say it. So as of now, I have put the film on the backburner."

While it would be convenient for him to imagine a third instalment after Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), the filmmaker doesn't want to cash in on the franchise without a strong script. "It's a franchise that has been loved. So, Karan, Alia [Bhatt], Varun and I are conscious that we don't want to do it just for the money. If I come across a script that naturally lends itself to the franchise, we will do it."

For now, he is enjoying his stint as a judge on the second season of Dance Deewane. "I like its unique concept of having three different generations competing," he says.

Madhuri Dixit opens up on the Kalank debacle, dismisses talks about a biopic on her, says focus on inspiring real life success stories
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 29, 2019)

This year has been a mixed bag for Madhuri Dixit. While Indra Kumar’s madcap comedy, Total Dhamaal, opened in February to an overwhelming response, Karan Johar’s period drama, Kalank, which followed soon after was a crashing disappointment. But the actress remains blissfully unfazed, reasoning that after over three decades in showbiz, such things don’t matter. “I’ve been around for far too long to be either disappointed or elated by the box-office result of a film. We gave it our best, but sometimes things don’t work, and you just move on,” she shrugs nonchalantly.

Madhuri hasn’t announced new films but buzz is, she features in Tahira Kashyap’s debut directorial. “Not just this film, there are also rumours that someone is making a biopic on me. I think it’s too early for a biopic, I have a lot more to achieve,” she laughs.

She also clears speculations about teaming up with her Tezaab director, N Chandra. “He hasn’t approached me yet but maybe there is something on his mind,” she muses. While speaking to Mirror, the filmmaker had revealed that he had bumped into Madhuri on the set of Total Dhamaal and was working on a script with her in mind.

Meanwhile, the actress is entering the music space and is scheduled to shoot a video for her debut album. “I do have an album in English that I plan to drop soon. We’re working towards releasing it this year but still planning the shoot. Let’s see how that works out,” she smiles.

The smile broadens when quizzed about her boys, 16-year-old Arin and 14-year-old Raayan, and whether they are showing any interest in acting or dance. “Not in acting yet, no, but the older one has begun to show interest in dance. They have learnt the piano and the tabla, so they do have music in their lives,” she says.

The actress cherishes her life beyond the movies and whenever free, makes it a point to spend time with her kids. “They need me now and I want to impart the values my parents passed on. When we were growing up, we didn’t have things, so were more motivated to achieve. But how do you inspire those who have everything and don’t want more? It’s important to keep encouraging them to be achievers,” she avers.

The actress is gearing up to make her comeback on TV with the second season of her reality show Dance Deewane. She avers that the USP of the show are the ‘third generation’ contestants who are 35 and above. “The success of the first season has inspired many to compete. We have some interesting backstories of the contestants and would like to discover another Madhuri Dixit and Prabhudheva,” she says.

Does she watch TV? “I enjoy singing shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Rising Star. Recently we had an Indian team (Kings United India) win World of Dance. These are kids from Nalasopara. Such stories inspire us to give a platform to real talent,” she signs off.

Returning as a reality show judge, Madhuri Dixit says she has moved on from Kalank's dismal run
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 28, 2019)

Over a month since the release of her magnum opus Kalank, Madhuri Dixit-Nene is ready to return to the small screen as a judge on the second season of Dance Deewane. Although the actor was appreciated for her nuanced performance as Bahaar Begum in the Abhishek Varman-directed period drama, the film was rejected by critics as well as the audience.

Ask Dixit if she has come to terms with the movie's underwhelming performance, and she says that the industry has taught her to take setbacks on the chin. "I have been in the industry for more than three decades. Ups and downs are a part and parcel of our work. So, it doesn't bother me much when a film doesn't work."

Point out how the Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt starrer had released amid high expectations, and she reasons, "Everybody gave their best. No one goes to the sets to do a half-hearted job. But in the end, certain things aren't in our control. We have to move on. The film was received well overseas."

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2019)

Madhuri Dixit who was last seen on the big screen in Abhishek Varman’s period drama Kalank will soon be back on television. On Friday, the actress started shooting for season two of her reality show Dance Deewane which she judges with choreographer Tushar Kalia and director Shashank Khaitan. It will air in June.

A source from the sets informed that the shoot began at 11 am and went on till late night at Madh Island’s Erangal village which was given a new look for the shoot. “Madhuri who sports two different looks danced on the song 'Saara Zamana Dance Ka Deewana', the retro number from Amitabh Bachchan’s 1981 release Yaarana whose lyrics have been tweaked. Madhuri demonstrated some of the hook steps from her popular chart-toppers for the act, including 'Ek Do Teen' from Tezaab. Tushar and Shashank joined her later in the evening,” added the source.

The first season of the reality show that airs on Colors had contestants from different age groups, from children to senior citizens, showing off their dancing skills. It had premiered in June 2018.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 15, 2018)

Salman Khan, who recently admitted that his last TV turn, as the host of the gameshow Dus Ka Dum, didn’t perform as expected, is presumably upping the ante for his next.

In a new twist for the upcoming 12th season of Bigg Boss, which Salman hosts, four contestants are gearing up to enter the house even before the show goes on air. The two jodis in question are former Roadies contestants Kriti Verma and Surbhi Rana, along with commoners Roshmi Banik and Mittal Joshi. The foursome will be introduced by Salman. Even before that, the TV audience will get a glimpse of the inmates during the final episode of Madhuri Dixit’s talent hunt show, Dance Deewane.

Surbhi, a dentist-turned-reality show regular, told Mirror, “I feel like I’ve been preparing for this all my life. I’ve seen a lot of failures, but I never give up. I come from a small village in Himachal Pradesh. Later, when we moved to a town, I was bullied because of my Hindi medium background. I have had to struggle my way up.”

When prodded about her jodidar and fellow Roadies alumna Kriti, Surbhi admitted that they have had a bitter-sweet equation so far. “We used to be rivals but then we got to know each other better. She’s outspoken and honest and I like that,” she said.

Kriti, who is a GST officer by profession, agreed that she and Surbhi are a little “high pitched”. “But we’re both honest which is why we fight,” she explained, adding that Hina Khan and Shilpa Shinde are her favourite ex-Bigg Boss inmates.

Joining them are two commoners from Kolkata — 26-year-old Roshmi Banik who runs an events management business and Mittal Joshi, a makeup artist who recently moved to Mumbai.


Kolkata girls Roshmi and Mittal; reality show alums Surbhi and Kriti

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2018)

On Monday, Kajol was making a guest appearance on Madhuri Dixit’s reality show, Dance Deewane, which the latter judges with filmmaker Shashank Khaitan and choreographer Tushar Kalia, when the duo had a surprise visitor. Veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle, who was shooting in the adjoining studio, decided to drop by the sets of Madhuri’s show and the trio caught up in Dhak-Dhak girl’s vanity van.

A source from the sets reveals that around 2 pm, Asha ji met Madhuri and Kajol as they were preparing for their shoot. Madhuri invited them into her vanity van and half an hour of banter followed. “Asha ji sang an impromptu version of 'Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main' from Kajol’s 1995 blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and joked that she’d been trying to get in touch with Madhuri, but probably had the wrong number,” adds the source.

Later, Madhuri and Kajol proceeded to the set where they got talking about fashion and were all praise for each other’s outfits. It was a ‘parents special’ episode so the conversation veered towards their kids. “Kajol revealed that she is a strict parent and is confident that her kids, daughter Nysa and son Yug, would have a list of complaints about her, while Madhuri admitted that she is quite lenient with her boys, Raayan and Arin, but knows how to discipline them,” the source added.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 26, 2018)

It was nostalgia central on the sets of Madhuri Dixit’s dance reality show Dance Deewane on Monday when Raveena Tandon turned up for a guest spot. The actress joined Madhuri, fi lmmaker Shashank Khaitan and choreographer Tushar Kalia on the judges’ panel.

A source from the sets reveals that both actresses shook a leg to the chartbuster “Makhna” from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, in which Raveena was paired with Govinda, while Madhuri made a special appearance in the song. They also danced to Raveena’s sensuous “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” from Mohra, with the other judges joining in. This was followed by an impromptu whistling competition between the duo, wherein they entertained everyone by whistling in different styles and Raveena remarking that both were pretty good at it.

Meanwhile, Tushar grabbed eyeballs with a pole-dancing act. Raveena cheekily pointed out that Tushar looks good dancing shirtless, sending everyone into peals of laughter.

Reza Noorani (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2018)

From being a contestant on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa where he was judged by Madhuri Dixit, to judging Dance Deewane alongside the Dhak Dhak girl four years later, choreographer Tushar Kalia has come a long way. Ask him about his journey from a contestant to a judge, and he beams, “It was an unbelievable moment for me. I was extremely nervous when I met Madhuri during the shoot of the promos of Dance Deewane. I was constantly reminded about the time when I was on the other side of the panel four years ago, but she made me comfortable.”

On her part, Madhuri Dixit says, “Tushar has a great career ahead of him. He is a very talented choreographer and a good dancer. He is doing a wonderful job and I wish him all the best for his upcoming endeavours. Sharing screen space with him on the show has been fun.” Director Shashak Khaitan, who has worked with Tushar in Dhadak, says, “He is gifted. On the set of the reality show, he has mostly been silent, but at the same time, focused on doing his job as a judge. Over time, I have seen him getting chattier and opening up with people around him. He has really grown as a person. He is not just talented, but also a great human being.”

Hailing from Delhi, Tushar trained for 12 years in various dance forms, including Mayurbhanj Chhau, Kalaripayattu and contemporary dance. Ever since he gained popularity with reality shows, the artiste has continued to grow professionally. Karan Johar gave him his first big Bollywood break as a choreographer in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Since then, Tushar has choreographed for films like Ok Jaanu (2017), Half Girlfriend (2017), Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017), Hate Story 4 (2018) and a song in the recently-released Dhadak. Currently choreographing a big-ticket project that stars Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff and Rani Mukerji, Tushar is also continuing his stint as a judge on Dance Deewane.

While he has established himself as a choreographer, his eyes are set on directing a film eventually. He feels that direction and choreography are similar. He shares, “When we choreograph a song, we get to know how to play with the characters, the camera angles and how to extract emotions from the artistes, which is the most important thing.”

He cites the song Channa Mereya from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as an example and explains, “In the song, we only had a basic hook step. But the character goes through a journey, so you have to move the story along and explore the emotional graph of the characters. That way, I am not just giving them steps, but actually directing the song. Dance sequences are easy because you know where to give the cuts. Emotional scenes are not, but I enjoy the challenge. So, I feel that directing is the next logical step for choreographers.”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 13, 2018)

Karan Johar, whose 1998 directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji, completes 20 years in October, is marking the milestone with plans for a sequel. The filmmaker relayed the news during a guest appearance on Madhuri Dixit’s dance reality show, Dance Deewane, along with Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, the leads of his upcoming production, Dhadak.

Incidentally, the film’ director, Shashank Khaitan, is a co-judge on the show’s panel, alongside Madhuri and choreographer Tushar Kalia. Describing the episode, which was filmed on Tuesday, as a trip down memory lane, a source from the show’s set informs, “Karan made his entry emulating Shah Rukh Khan’s introduction scene from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, with Tushar and Shashank welcoming him with an ‘aarti ki thali’, a la Jaya Bachchan in the family drama. Soon after, two young contestants – Shaurya and Alok – performed an act to celebrate 20 years of his directorial debut, recreating some memorable moments from the film. The 46-year-old KJo was left teary-eyed by the end of the performance and remarked that it makes him feel 'old'.  He took everyone by surprise by confessing that the act had inspired him to think of a sequel and joked that he might even consider casting Shaurya and Alok in it.”

While everyone on set was curious to know more, the filmmaker kept his plans under wraps, going on to shake a leg on “Zingaat” with Madhuri instead. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai revolved around SRK’s Rahul, Kajol’s Anjali and Rani’s Tina and narrated the story of college best friends.