The actress revisits ‘one of the most complicated, grandest performances’ in 25 years of her career on a dance show
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 21, 2019)

On Wednesday, Shilpa Shetty performed what she hails as the “most difficult, grandest performances in the 25 years of my career”. For the finale of the kids’ dance-based reality show Super Dancer, on which she features as one of the judges, the actress headlined a performance of around 15-minutes. “We started with Indian, Bollywood and then Bharatnatyam, which I had learnt before joining films but this is the first time I was performing on the stage. It was unusual and different. Then, we progressed to ‘Ghoomar’, ‘Muqabala’ and ‘Aithey Aa’”, she informs.

Describing the scale of the production, she says, “We had 64 dancers. I felt like I was performing at an awards function. We shot it like a big budget film.”

Among all the guests who appeared on the show, she picks Salman Khan as the most fun. “The camaraderie and banter with him on sets is something else. That episode was a lot of fun.” What about the contestants? “I loved Rupsa Batabyal and Saksham Sharma because of their age (they’re six and seven years old respectively) and what they do as performers. But every child is special,” Shilpa signs off. 

After battling back pain and countless rumours about a serious illness, actor returns as a guest on a TV show; has given his nod to a film which rolls in July-August
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 16, 2019)

For a while now, Mithun Chakraborty has been away from the public eye and there have been rumours that he is battling a life-threatening illness. In April, the actor’s youngest son, Namashi, had informed that the only thing ailing his father is back pain. “Whenever dad travels to Los Angeles, people assume that he is sick. He is currently in Kerala undergoing therapy for his back and will be in Mumbai closer to the release date of The Tashkent Files. Ninety per cent of the pain is gone. He’s waiting to return to work,” Namashi had told Mirror (April 8).

Earlier this week, the actor turned up as a guest on the dance reality show, Super Dancer Chapter 3. Now, we have learnt that the original Disco Dancer has given his nod to a horror-comedy titled Bhootiyapa. To be directed by Manoj Sharma, the film stars Madhoo and also features comedians Krushna Abhishek, Sugandha Mishra and Rajiv Thakur and will go on the floors in July-August.

Dismissing reports of a health scare, Manoj said, “Dada is absolutely fit and all these rumours are false. I met him for a couple of meetings at his Madh bungalow earlier this month. He agreed to be a part of my film soon after listening to the narration. Eighty percent of the film will be shot in Lucknow, while the rest will be filmed in Mumbai.”

In the film Mithun plays royalty who invites three stand-up comedians to his mansion for a private performance. “What follows is the story,” Manoj added. “He has worked with them earlier and he’s coming up with lots of interesting suggestions.”

The actor confirmed the news saying, “I loved the script in the first narration itself and accepted the offer on the same day. Yes, I am doing the film Bhootiyapa.”

However, he will not be dancing in the film as the narrative doesn’t demand it. “But I will try to create a promotional track where we can get Dada to shake a leg,” laughs Manoj.

Meanwhile, Super Dancer Chapter 3 judge Geeta Kapur who’s had a long-standing equation with the actor since their Dance India Dance (DID) days, said he looked “hale and hearty” during his turn on the show which also features Anurag Basu and Shilpa Shetty as her co-judges. “Dada has been wearing a waist band since the time we used to shoot for DID because of his back problem. But other than that he is not grappling with any serious medical issue. If he was, I don’t see any reason for hiding it. He even danced on the show with us and was so full of energy. It was so much fun,” exulted Geeta.

She added that Mithun doesn’t take phone calls, nor is he active on WhatsApp or the social media. “The only person who I am in touch with is his wife (Yogeeta Bali) so to have him on the set was a happy day and he left it singing a song that made me really emotional. I cried for a long time, I don’t know why. Perhaps because I also don’t know when I am going to see him next.”

According to a source from the set, Mithun exited teary-eyed, crooning a few lines from a Bappi Lahiri-Asha Bhosle duet from his 1989 romantic drama Prem Pratigyaa, “Yeh Pyar Kabhi Kam Nahi Karna, Koi Sitam Kar Lena, Mar Jayenge Aashiq Warna…” 

DNA (April 27, 2019)

Raveena Tandon, who will be seen as the guest judge in the upcoming episode of Super Dancer 3, revealed some interesting tidbits from the shoot of Andaz Apna Apna (1994). She said that playing pranks on the sets was a sort of a ritual. “One such incident was when Aamir pretended to spill hot tea on me and I freaked out. But I decided to take revenge on him. So, while shooting for the song, Eloji Sanam Hum Aa Gaye, which was shot in the jungle, I planned a prank along with choreographer Saroj ji (Khan) where she made Aamir dance for three hours straight without a reel in the camera, we even involved the DOP (director of photography) in it” she said. One can only imagine how the ‘perfectionist’ actor must have reacted to it!

Anurag Basu on his next film, which features Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi, and other aces he has up his sleeve
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 20, 2018)

After the release of Jagga Jasoos in July 2017, Anurag Basu quietly started shooting a film on the streets of Kolkata. A leaked picture from the sets suggested the director has teamed up with Abhishek Bachchan for the first time in his career. While speculation is rife that it is a sequel to his 2007 film, Life In A… Metro, Anurag categorically refutes the rumours, saying, “It has multiple plots, but it is not a sequel to Life In A… Metro. The genre and story are totally different and fresh. We have yet to decide the title and will figure the release date only after we wrap up the film.” The film has a promising ensemble cast. “It features Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi in the lead,” adds the filmmaker but refuses to divulge any more details.

After his current assignment, Anurag will team up with Kangana Ranaut for the third time, after Gangster and Life In A… Metro for a film titled Imali. “I’m not sure when the film will go on the floors because currently, both of us are tied up with multiple projects. But we will sit down soon and decide on the timeline, the film is happening for sure,” he asserts.

It has been Anurag’s dream to direct a Kishore Kumar biopic with Ranbir Kapoor playing the singeractor-filmmaker. He already has a script and screenplay ready but bring up the subject and he sighs, “Dukhti rag pe haath rakh diya, this one film I’ve really worked hard on. It took quite some time to research Kishore, but now with the script and screenplay locked, I could take it on the floors tomorrow if everything goes as planned.”

He admits that it would also be difficult to get a producer on board for Jagga Jasoos 2 but says he’d love to helm the sequel and insists there’s an audience for it too. “I wish I could convince someone to produce it for me or maybe God should give me enough money to do it myself,” smiles Anurag who currently is all set to returns as judge for the third season of Sony’s talent hunt show, Super Dancer.

He reveals that interacting with the families of participants coming from small towns helps him discover a different world. “There is a lot of positive energy on this set and I like being around with the team. Jagga Jasoos had such well-choreographed songs because this show changed my vision and boosted my creativity. Many people enquire about my dance class and a few believe I’m a choreographer. I take so much efforts to direct a film, but people recognise me today as the judge of a dance show,” he laughs, adding that TV is a great medium to reach the masses. 

Moved by the plight of one of the contestants on a reality show, the actor decides to sponsor the 11-year-old boy’s education
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 24, 2018)

On Thursday, Varun Dhawan was a special guest on the reality dance show, Super Dancer Chapter 2, with judges Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapur and filmmaker Anurag Basu. The 30-year-old actor who was there to promote his film, Shoojit Sircar’s October, spent some time with the top four contestants and was so moved by the plight of Kanpur-based 11-yearold boy Ritik Diwaker that he decided to sponsor the boy’s education.

“Ritik danced on a medley of songs, including 'Bulleya', 'Dil Diyan Gallan' and the title track of Dangal, and Varun was impressed. He’s seen some of his earlier acts too and was bowled over by his happy feet. When he learnt that Ritik’s father, Gaurishankar Diwaker, is unable to work as his left hand is nonfunctional, Varun decided to help the child as he didn’t want his studies to suffer,” informed a source from the sets.

Delighted with the news, Ritik’s mother Neha shared that the actor has assured them that he will help them with whatever they need, be it his education or pursing dance. “My husband can’t work because of his hand. I run the house by working in a factory making red salt. I’m grateful to Varun sir for doing this, it will be a big help for us,” she said.

Varun admitted that he keeps track of the show on the social media and is impressed with the kids. “Shilpa did a belly dance after which Varun requested her to dance on a romantic track with him,” added the source.

Actor is up for a guest spot on a TV show’s grand finale; will focus on his acting chops
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 21, 2018)

Varun Dhawan, who is currently shooting in Bhopal with co-star Anushka Sharma for their next, is scheduled to return to the Bay for just a day on Friday to touch base with his younger fans. He will be a guest judge on the kids dance reality show, Super Dancer, with Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapur. The 30-year-old actor will showcase his acting chops in keeping with the theme of his upcoming release, the Shoojit Sircar directorial, October, besides flaunting his dancing skills.

A source close to the development reveals, “Varun will be shooting on Friday, a day before the show’s finale, and will unveil the winner’s trophy. He will perform on the October theme track, after which he will be joined by the show’s young contestants for a special act from the film’s first song, “Theher Ja”. Since a majority of the featured songs in the upcoming film are more romantic rather than fast-paced dance numbers in the trademark Varun style, the act will focus more on his acting chops than his happy feet.”

“The four participants — Vaishnavi, Ritik, Akash and Bishal — who have impressed week after week to make it to the final four, will perform on their favourite actor’s popular charbusters from his previous films. The finale episode airs live on Saturday and only Varun’s portions will be pre-recorded. The channel has some other fun gags lined up for their star guest.

Varun told Mirror, “The show is amazingly popular and a hit with the bachcha party. I’m coming back for one day for the grand finale and to set the mood for October.”

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 6, 2017)

Govinda and Raveena Tandon’s guest appearance on Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapoor’s kids dancing reality show, Super Dancer, on Monday, was stuff of small screen legend.

While the actresses got along like a house on fire, making veiled jibes at their shared history, Anurag and Govinda did their fair share to make the episode immensely watchable with their low-key rift that has been raging since the actor was forced out of former’s last release, Jagga Jasoos.

A source from the show’s set says, “When Raveena mentioned that she has made a lot of mistakes in life, Shilpa winked, ‘Some of the mistakes were common,’ sending them into peals of laughter. At another point, everyone was discussing Golmaal when Raveena clapped back, ‘Everyone does golmaal in life, Shilpa and I have done it too. You know what I mean, right?’”

Meanwhile, Govinda and Anurag’s cold vibes played out like a subplot on the show. The actor, whose role was edited out in Anurag’s Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif-starrer, was friendlier with Raveena, Shilpa and Geeta than with the filmmaker. But he broke character momentarily, to praise Anurag’s film Barfi!, after a contestant performed on the song ‘Itti Si Hasi’, from the film. “I didn’t watch Barfi initially because I don’t watch a film if I don’t like its title. But later on, my wife (Sunita Ahuja) strongly recommended the film to me, arguing, ‘The director’s thinking (soch) isn’t wrong.’”

Oh snap.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; November 14, 2017)

Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who is judging the kids talent hunt Super Dancer 2, is amazed at the level of talent displayed by the children.

The best thing about the little ones as contestants, she says, is that they don’t take the competition too seriously. “They are happy even about their friend’s performance and cry when one of them is eliminated,” she adds. Here she talks about the ongoing debate on whether children should be a part of reality shows, how it affects them and the difference between city and small-town kids.

There is a debate going on about whether kids should be participating in reality shows. What is your take on it?
I think it’s a beautiful environment for a child to grow. They learn that there is magic in mehnat. It is inculcated in their subconscious at such a young age. We provide an ambience like school, but yes here it is more about dance. However, they also learn values, about friendship, caring, and camaraderie. I cannot speak about other shows, but Super Dancer 2 shows a certain empathy towards the children who can’t afford to fuel their passion. In fact, the channel that’s airing the show goes beyond it and has taken up causes, too. Last year, there was a child contestant Harsh Dhara, who had hearing and speech impairment. So, the channel associated with a centre that works on such special cases. This year, there is a contestant Abir Rehman, whose younger brother Arav has a speech problem. The channel has funded his entire speech therapy.

What is the psyche of the children when they come in the show?
First of all, the talent is pretty unreal. Each child is distinct, but one common thread that binds them is the fire in their belly. It’s so many hours of rehearsals, but they love it. It’s not as if they are pushed into it. You can’t be part of a competition of this level if you are not enjoying it. Each one is there because he or she wants to be there. You have to understand that they’re children and not taking the competition seriously. They are happy even about their friends doing well. They cry when their friends are eliminated! It’s competition for us, not so much for them.

What happens when a child is eliminated?
That is the worst thing. We feel like killing ourselves! But, we are all involved and conscious about it. It depends on the way you speak to a child. You can’t tell them they haven’t qualified or will not go to the next level. It is not rejection but the need for a revision. We make sure that when we tell a child about it, we say it with a lot of love. We bond with the parents and create a family kind of atmosphere. We tell the parents if the child doesn’t make it to the next level, they shouldn’t cry, and be positive. Even the producer is very conscientious. There are physios and doctors on the sets and the environment is conducive to the child. To give you an example, a contestant, Vishal, was sent back in the auditions in the last season. Instead of feeling dejected, he came back better and stronger. He worked on his talent, strengthened his weak areas and was selected this year.

Do you see any difference between the kids from cities and small towns?
Yes, kids from small towns still have that innocence and vulnerability whereas those from cities are exposed to so many things that somewhere they lose their innocence. Also, since the small-town kids are lesser privileged than the city kids, they’re thankful for whatever little they have in their lives. This teaches me not to be overindulgent as a mom. Also, since they’re not that exposed to iPads and TV, they focus their energies on their passion. Even parents sacrifice a lot to hone their children’s skills. One couple shifted base from the interiors of Kolkata to the city because they did not find a dance school there. I feel blessed to be sitting among such people.

In an interview, you said that your son Viaan will not be able to compete in this kind of a show...
Yes, it’s true. The kids on the show are amazing. Their grasping power, memory and flexibility are incredible. Also, my son is into gymnastics. I think parents should encourage whatever the child wants to do rather than those activities that they wanted to do!

Would you allow your son to participate in any reality show?
When a child is part of any kind of event/show, as a parent, I’ve to be around to encourage it. Honestly, if he had an extraordinary talent, I would’ve wanted to, but reality shows take up too much time and as a hands-on mother, I wouldn’t have the time to be there completely. Also, as a celebrity’s child, I feel they already get so much attention, added fame might take away his innocence at this age, which we, as parents, fiercely protect. So, on these bases and my time constraint, it’s a no.

What is your plan for Children’s Day?
Everyday is Children’s Day for me. I don’t believe in these things, but, on this day, I tell my son that he can have his way. Luckily, he loves cooking, so both of us have made special dishes — strawberry jam and banana milkshake. Viaan knows how to make sponge cake and pizza, which I think is amazing for a five-year-old. Since I have a YouTube channel, I will upload the video. He enjoys being on the sets with me. He understands that it is not just fun and games, but hard work, too. I think parents should encourage an activity where they do something with their children. I love cooking with him, taking him to the beach, playing Lego — these are the things he will always remember.

Ahead of judging the second season of Super Dancer, actor says that as long as she has the final word, her son will keep an arm’s length from reality TV
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 11, 2017)

Shilpa Shetty confesses that she cannot match steps with the children she is judging in the second season of Super Dancer. Son Viaan too would falter before them, should he decide to give a shot at the title, she says. “He isn’t as well versed with the form as the participants are,” Shetty reasons. In a conversation with mid-day, the actor talks about the talent that makes her question her “worth” as mentor, and how the judges’ panel, also comprising Geeta Kapur and Anurag Basu, arrive at testing decisions during the show. Excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about the talent that the show is witnessing on season.
It is unbelievable. Sometimes, I wonder if I am worthy of being on the judges’ panel, because, a judge should be able to do things better than the participants, right? I will take a hundred years to reach their level.

What do you do when you have to make a tough judgment between two participants at par?
That is where our [judges] background comes into play. We judge the kids on different parameters. Geeta analyses things as a choreographer. I do it as an actor, while Anurag looks out for the creative elements. We all have a role to play. A child may be technically superior, but, I may reject him/her if I don’t see charisma. Also, we are stricter with the kids this season.

How is season different from the first instalment? Why change something that is working well? 
Things are not rehearsed on our set, and people like that. Last season, I was angry with the director for including the judges’ gibberish banter in the final cut. But, people seemed to have enjoyed it. They were laughing at our expense.

What emotional space does this show occupy in your life?
Being here is like being with my family. The unit was mindful of my state when I shot for the show following my father’s death last year. Being on the set took away some of the pain.

If your son Viaan wanted to join a reality show, would you support him?
He watches the show and was allowed to come on set one time because he insisted. I don’t like to expose kids too much. I was brought up in a middle-class household. I didn’t have that exposure. When a child is given the spotlight too soon, s/he grows up with the perception of being privileged. I don’t want Viaan to feel that way. I try to inculcate values I grew up with, because I don’t want him to grow up with a misguided sense of entitlement.

What if he wants to audition for your show?
As long as I have the control, I won’t permit him to do it. He isn’t as talented as these children. He has rhythm, and is fabulous at gymnastics, but he will need to practice harder if he wants to dance. But he doesn’t have the time. He does gymnastics and yoga; let him learn those forms first. Also, these kids have been training since the age of three. If he auditions, I will reject him.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 11, 2016)

Judges Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapoor and Anurag Basu of the dance reality show, Super Dancer, were surprised when informed that a ninth dancer was waiting in the wings. Turned out that he was Shilpa Shetty’s son Viaan who, along with dad Raj Kundra, came on stage to show off his dancing skills during the Children’s Day episode.

“All eyes were on Viaan as he danced to Ranveer Singh’s song from Ram-Leela, “Tattad Tattad”. Soon everyone, including mum Shilpa, joined in to shake a leg with the little one,” says a source close to the production.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 26, 2016)

Harsh Dhara, a 10-year-old boy from Jalgaon, won the hearts of not just the viewers but even the judges — Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapur — of Sony’s dance reality show, Super Dancer, during the audition rounds. It was a Barfi! moment for Anurag during the mega auditions when the youngster performed to his “Itti Si Hasi”, and though he was eliminated soon after, the emotional filmmaker told Harsh that he’d like him to meet his Barfi! hero someday before he bid him goodbye. Last Sunday, the boy got to meet RK in his vanity van when he was down to promote his film on the show and wowed him with his performance on the Lakshya song, “Kitni Baatein”.

What sets Harsh apart from the other kids is that, like his dad, he is deaf-mute and though his run on the show was short and sweet, there was a surprise in store for him when the channel decided to sponsor his treatment. He’s been given a hearing aid and can now hear almost 70 per cent. And in an episode which will be aired this weekend, viewers will see Harsh speak on stage for the first time when he returns to the show.

“He said Geeta ma, Shilpa Shetty and Anurag Basu… Just muffled sounds but it was a big moment for everyone. Geeta and Shilpa were choked, Geeta delighted that the kid had finally got help and Shilpa recalling how Harsh had been her late dad’s favourite, who if he were still around, would have been happy to see the moment,” a source from the sets informed Mirror.

His own dance teacher, Gaurav Nathani, recalled how the boy had come to him with his elder sister when he was just two. “I decided to take up the challenge of teaching Harsh too and since he couldn’t hear, I communicated with him through gestures. Now, he can hear quite well but will have to undergo speech therapy before he can respond to sounds properly. It’s a happy moment for us,” he beamed.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 14, 2016)

Ranbir Kapoor may have visited RK Studio — founded by his late grandfather Raj Kapoor — countless times, but the latest one, to promote his upcoming film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil on the kids dance reality show, Super Dancer, was special.

A source from the set told Mirror that two contestants, Ditya and Asis, performed on Raj Kapoor’s “Mera Joota Hai Japani” song from the film Awara. “It was an emotional moment for Ranbir as he revealed that the song had been shot in the studio on the same stage. He thanked everyone for recreating the unforgettable moment, admitting that it made him feel the way those who’d seen his grandfather perform must have felt... speechless,” added the source

At another point in the show, a physically challenged former contestant dropped by to meet RK Jr. who joined him and director Anurag Basu, one of the judges on the show, for a little jig on Barfi’s title track.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 5, 2016)


When you were approached to judge Super Dancer, what were your thoughts considering you have no connection with dance?
These kind of shows have been offered to me earlier, too, but I always turned them down because I didn’t know what I would do on it. But this time it was about kids’ dancing, so I didn’t reject it immediately. I thought about it for a day or two. Dance is not just about the technicalities — doing the right step at the right time. It is also about emotions, the flow and the X factor. And as a filmmaker I can judge on all those apects. With Geeta Kapur, who knows all the technicalities and Shilpa (Shetty), an experienced dancer, it is perfectly balanced. Having said that, I was nervous in the beginning. I didn’t know what I am doing, but slowly got into the groove looking at it as an audience.

How has the experience been so far?
Very humbling. There are kids from places like Chhattisgarh and Assam and most of them are from humble backgrounds. Dance, for them, is an escape from the miseries in their lives. They dance in search of happiness and not to be a part of the reality show. They are just passionate about dancing. There was this 10-year-old kid who was hearing and speech impaired, but dances extremely well. He cannot hear the music, or the beats, for him it is all white noise, yet he danced and performed better than some kids. When I had directed Barfi!, I had interacted with several such kids and I consider them as normal. There is no sympathy angle to it. There was an argument on the panel about whether he should be on the same platform as others, but for me he is normal, so we gave him a nod to go to the next round.

Jagga Jasoos got delayed again, is that the reason you have decided to judge this show?
Actually, it all came around nicely. Most of the shooting of Jagga Jasoos is complete. Only some portion is remaining, which I will do later. In December I am going to start the sequel to Life... In A Metro. So, this was a perfect time for me to judge a TV show. I love interacting with people, which is great in a show like this, else I would have sat at home.