For the longest time, dance was not considered a viable career option, until Remo D’Souza changed the game, paving the way not only for himself but all those who followed. Despite a considerable body of work, it was Dance India Dance that put him on the map, and the rest is history. After 11 years, the choreographer-director has returned to the show with the latest season of Dance India Dance Li’l Masters along with Sonali Bendre and Mouni Roy. Even before the show reaches the finale, D’Souza has signed up to judge the third instalment of DID Supermoms.

“Seeing the response to Li’l Masters, we thought it was the right time to set in motion a season for Supermoms,” he says.

With auditions kickstarting soon, D’Souza is clear about the kind of contestants he hopes to discover for the show. “I am looking for the title phrase in each contestant. While I know every mom is a supermom, I am looking for mothers who can surprise you,” says the filmmaker.

While it is customary to rope in a technically sound professional to judge the show, most channels tend to rope in stars who will grab eyeballs. D’Souza believes that the panel should comprise experienced people who bring expertise to the table.

He says, “In any of the shows I have done, we’ve never roped in anyone for the sake of face [value]. The key is to have a balanced panel. For example, Mouni is a fantastic dancer, and Sonali is well-versed with expressions and performance.”

When asked if his manager-wife Lizelle has ever considered enrolling in supermoms, D’Souza chuckles, “Truth be told, I am scared of losing my supermom [laughs]. She used to dance, but stopped it  because she got busy with work and the kids. [Now], coming back after so many years is difficult. She stopped thinking about it as she lost interest and I stopped asking her.”

The ABCD director will soon begin work on his next. “Two scripts are ready and will go on the floors this year.”

Terence Lewis, who has been judging dance reality shows for many years, has always been vocal about his thoughts. Talking about reality shows, he had earlier said that children have to face cut-throat competition at a young age, which can be detrimental for them. However, he is glad that these shows function in a far more streamlined manner today.

He says, “I have been judging dance reality shows for more than a decade now. A couple of years ago, I did feel that the children, who participate in these dance reality shows need to spend time at school or pursue their education rather than give away their childhood to these shows. I also felt that they were spending a lot of time shooting and competing with each other. However, now, with proper rules and regulations, things have fallen into place. Today, they have mentors to guide them and they also put in a limited number of hours.”

The choreographer, who was last seen judging India’s Best Dancer, however still feels that if it were his own child, he would think twice before sending them to be a part of a reality show. He says, “Reality shows are great platforms to shine. But, if it were my son or daughter, I would think twice because I feel there is so much competition on a reality show that it would be unfair to the child.”

Terence, who will be seen on a special episode of Dance India Dance (DID) Little Masters soon, started his career with DID in 2009. He says, “I would love to erase many things about my earlier stint as a judge. I had a very different fashion sense, and I wasn’t as mature. When I look back, I feel people liked me because of my work and talent. I did not speak Hindi so well, but now, I think I have mastered the language and feel more confident judging a show. ”

Rumours of Mouni Roy’s impending wedding with businessman Suraj Nambiar have been doing the rounds. The actress is likely to tie the knot on January 27 in Goa. However, known to be guarded about her personal life, this time, too, Mouni chooses to remain tight-lipped about it. In a chat with Bombay Times, she says, “I don’t like to talk about my personal life.”

While her lips are sealed about developments in her personal life, she is excited about the progress she is making on the professional front. Last seen in the film Velle, she is looking forward to the release of Brahmastra, which stars Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. She says, “I am working on interesting projects, and hopefully, they will be announced one after the other. I am looking forward to 2022.”

Interestingly, Mouni is also set to return to the small screen after five years as a judge on Dance India Dance Li’l Masters Season 5. The actress started her acting career with TV shows like Kyunki...Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev and catapulted to fame with the supernatural thriller, Naagin. Talking about her new role as a judge, she shares, “I am excited and nervous because this is my maiden outing as a judge on a reality show. When I was offered Dance India Dance Li’l Masters, the first thing that crossed my mind was how graceful Madhuri Dixit ma’am, Remo D’Souza sir, and Karan Johar sir were during my season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. We would listen to them and follow their suggestions. So, I suddenly feel the responsibility, as I assume this new role and am

extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

Mouni insists that she hasn’t quit TV. “I am a very proud TV actor. I didn’t quit TV, but it was just a matter of commitment. As an actor, I aspire to play versatile characters. However, a project on TV translates into a commitment for a year or two. Now, that’s something I had alienated myself from for a while. But becoming a part of this show feels just right. I love dancing and kids. When an opportunity like that comes your way, you don’t ask questions… you take it up (smiles),” she concludes.