Lingaraj Mohanty spotted his son Priyanshu’s talent at an early age and started taking him to dance classes. As the years passed, Priyanshu started participating in dance competitions, winning many. That gave his confidence a boost and made his parents proud. However, it was after he won the first runner-up trophy at a dance reality show aired on a local television channel that Priyanshu became a household name.
Priyanshu’s performance on the show made him a star overnight and attracted the attention of filmmaker Dilip Swain who cast him in the Odia film Om Sai Tujhe Salam. Since then, Priyanshu has done a wide range of films and won a spate of dance reality shows. Today, he is a star in his own right and is gearing up to participate in the upcoming edition of Dance India Dance (DID).
Priyanshu isn’t the only one to have shot to fame after winning a dance reality show. Indian television has been bombarded with reality shows in the last few years. On the one hand, they help to generate good revenues for the television industry and on the other hand they have created a platform for thousands of youngsters who want to be achievers in their fields of interest.
However, there’s something special about dance reality shows. Unlike other reality shows where participants often return to a state of anonymity after their ‘30 seconds of fame’, many dance reality show contestants have managed to carve a niche for themselves. And they may not necessarily have won the contest. With International Dance Day approaching April 29, Sunday POST takes a look at how dance reality shows are not only opening avenues for participants but have also led to a burgeoning of dance and grooming academies, with parents flocking to them, children in tow.
It was Sony Entertainment Television that showed India how to Boogie Woogie in 1996. Today, every general entertainment channel (GEC) has at least one dance reality show. Regional channels too are fast catching up by churning out local versions of internationally acclaimed dance reality shows.
These shows are inspiring thousands to dream big. Many, who had been satisfied with performing at community shows, are ready to walk the extra mile to participate in a dance reality show and make a career in a field that has a high glamour quotient.
Gautam Bhattacharya, a Bhubaneswar-based dance instructor, says, “Reality shows have changed the mindset of many in the state. Dance, which was once considered as an extra-curricular activity, is now a career option for many. These shows not only give them the courage to dream big but also motivate them to turn their dreams into reality.”
“Unlike other reality shows, where you win hefty prize money and then go into anonymity, dance reality shows give you an opportunity of a lifetime. Parents in the state today want their kids to participate in dance reality shows because the popularity you get on a show can help you achieve a lot as a dancer for the rest of your life,” he adds.
Till a few years ago, dancers, despite having talent and potential, needed to have the right contacts and strong backing to find a footing in the film industry or bag a big gig. Dance reality shows are now giving them a platform to showcase their talent. “Those who have it in them get noticed and many have made a successful career in dancing after coming to prominence on such shows. This wasn’t possible earlier. Dance reality shows can make you a star. Harihar Dash, Krishna, Rasasmita Kar and Mandakini Jena shot to fame after participating in dance reality shows and today, they are either running a chain of dance institutes or performing across the country,” says choreographer and dance instructor D Devendra Rao.
Many students are enrolling in dance schools with the objective of participating in dance reality shows. The idea is to hone their skills and get noticed on these shows, which would eventually help them pursue a career in dancing. And the parents too are going all out to help their children realise their dreams.
“The mindset of parents has changed in the last 10 to 12 years. They want their kids to learn and perform and do something in life. There are so many talents who are getting exposure because of these shows. It isn’t always about winning. There are many who get eliminated midway but when they come back on another show, they are changed persons. When you perform in front of so many people and know that millions are watching you, it helps boost your confidence,” says Gautam.
Murali Mohan Sahoo, coordinator of Prince Dance Group, which won India’s Got Talent, says, “Everyone, be it the channel, contestants or sponsors, gains from a dance reality show. However, contestants gain the most. There is a lot of untapped talent in our state and these shows by auditioning in small cities like Bhubaneswar are providing an opportunity to people like us to showcase our talent at both the state and national level.”
Many today are leading a comfortable lifestyle after appearing in such shows A few have become celebrities and command huge performance fees. “There was a time when only a handful of names ruled the entertainment industry, but the scene is changing. Dharmesh Yelande used to run a sev stall in Vadodara. His life changed after he participated in Dance India Dance 2. Today, he is a choreographer in the Hindi film industry and already has two films to his credit,” says choreographer and dance instructor Girish Mohanty.
However, the contestants owe a lot of their success to dance institutes and choreographers, who groom them for the shows. “The expectations of both parents and students have grown and so has the responsibility of the teachers. The aspirants are good dancers, but they don’t know the challenges that they may face on the show. We need to teach them special steps and intricate dance moves,” says Gautam.
A contestant needs to do something different to stand out and trainers constantly need to come up with innovative steps and be up to date with the latest trends. “A number of students from my institute have participated in dance reality shows both at the national and regional level. The competition among dance institutes has intensified in the last few years, with every institute trying to send as many students as possible to dance reality shows. Versatility is the key to success and our effort is to teach students intricate dance steps so that they attract maximum attention,” says Girish.
One of the biggest reasons behind the success of dance reality shows is the format of the show. Earlier, the shows were restricted to older dancing formats, but now they have added contemporary styles like hip-hop, salsa, and electronic dance style. This has made it tough for both participants and dance instructors.
Priyanshu, who has already won quite a few regional dance reality shows and is preparing to audition for the upcoming edition of Dance India Dance, says, “I learned Odissi and modern dance simultaneously for five years. Winning is a distant dream, it is tough cracking even the auditions. You can dream big only when you practice hard. Every contestant tries to come up with something new and I too try to give my best shot at the auditions.”
Priyanshu’s father Lingaraj says, “Parents today have realised that their children can excel in any art form if they are talented. So, they are helping them. Dance reality shows are the final destination, but a lot depends on the grooming. Dance instructors work hard to get their students into these shows, which have not only changed the fortunes of television channels but also have made the lives of so many ordinary people. Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan and Salman represent some of the biggest success stories of dance reality shows.”
Win-win situation
Dance reality shows have given youngsters a great platform to showcase their talent. And many of the participants have made a career out of dancing and are no less than stars. Sunday POST spoke to some former contestants whose lives changed after participating in a dance reality show.
Mandakini Jena (First contestant from Odisha to participate in Dance India Dance, a national-level dance reality show)
Mandakini always wanted to make it big as a dancer. She decided to participate in Boogie Woogie. Her dance moves immediately attracted the attention of the show’s mentor and judge Terence Lewis.
Impressed with her performance, Terence suggested that Mandakini should participate in Dance India Dance. Although she couldn’t make it to the finals, the experience of participating in the show helped her a lot.
“DID was a learning experience. After coming back from DID, I learnt a few other dance forms. Today, I am comfortable in Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Chhau and contemporary dance forms like hip-hop and salsa,” she says.
The exposure on DID made Mandakini a household name. A regular member of Terrence Lewis’s dance troupe, she has performed at several events in international destinations like New York, Bangkok and Dubai.
“I have always wanted to do something for budding dancers from the state. The popularity I gained from the show helped me open a dance school in Bhubaneswar, where we teach both traditional and Western dance forms,” says Mandakini.
Although Mandakini keeps receiving offers from Mumbai, she has decided not to shift from Bhubaneswar. Today, she is busy with dance shows, grooming aspiring dancers and judging Odia dance reality shows.
“Participating in reality shows shouldn’t be the only aim. One should first focus on perfecting the art. Learning the traditional dance form of one’s state is a must. Reality show is the final destination. Once you get selected, your mentor and the competitive environment will make you learn a lot of things on your own,” she says.
Krishna Mohan Reddy (Choreographer and member of Prince Dance Group, winner of India’s Got Talent)
A team of 26 daily wage earners from underprivileged families in Berhampur, aged between 20 and 25, including two physically challenged youngsters, took the nation by storm after they won the reality show India’s Got Talent.
The group enthralled the entire country with their eclectic performance, Krishna Act, and became a sensation overnight. “It took some time for the feeling to sink in. Winning the trophy made us stars. Five-star hotels, rubbing shoulders with stars, boarding a flight for the first time… for us it was like a dream. I can’t forget those days,” says Krishna.
The show made Krishna and his team members immensely popular and today they are a big draw at any event.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave the Prince Dance Group a cash award of Rs 1 crore and land to set up a dance academy to popularise their unique dance style in other parts of the state. Since then, the group has performed at several national and international venues.
The Prince Dance Group also performed at the inauguration of the Indian Premier League and on Kaun Banega Crorepati. Now, a film is being made on the group of dancers titled Krishna: A Story of a Dancer that will highlight the group’s journey to success.
SOYONG, OP
