We catch up with Dharmesh Yelande, dancer, choreographer and captain on the show Dance Plus, who was in the city to promote the show
The dance fever is back with the third season of Dance Plus Ek Level Up on Star Plus gripping dance enthusiasts across the nation. The show which sees choreographer and director Remo D’souza as the judge and Shakti Mohan, Punit Pathak, Dharmesh Yelande as mentors, has raised the bar this time as each contestant has to compete with Remo’s squad (acclaimed dancers from around the word) to be able to go ahead in the competition. The winner of the last two seasons, Dharmesh — dancer, choreographer and captain on the show was in the city with his contestants — Shivani Patel and Tarun Nihalani who are in the top 12. The 33-year-old Dharmesh who feels that reality shows have created more awareness about dance and various dance forms in India, says, “I do not believe in winning and losing. I just want to do good choreography and want my team to give the best performances.” Excerpts:
How different is this season from the previous two seasons?
The third season is full of twists and surprises and the level of competition is too high. Not only contestants from different parts of the country have taken part in it but also international dancers are part of it. It means that the show has got a global appeal. The participants have waited for two years and prepared with a lot of dedication to be a part of the third season. We look up to Remo sir’s squad as dancers and wish to learn a few steps by watching their videos. One of the biggest challenge is that participants have to compete with new dancers from Remo sir’s squad in every episode so it is full of surprises for us as mentors and the participants. Even the stage is huge, hence the level of choreography has to match. The contestants practice for 12 hours at a stretch — their feet bleed sometimes but there is no stopping.
From being a contestant on a dance reality show (Dance India Dance) to being mentor...
I have been living in Mumbai for eight years now and have been a part of one of the most popular dance reality shows on television. I have learnt a lot from the show where Geeta Maa (choreographer Geeta Kapoor) was my mentor. Whatever she has taught me and whatever knowledge I have gathered in the last eight years, I impart the same to my contestants and guide them in a similar way. I have gone through the nervousness before the performance, the anxiety on the day of elimination and so tell them how to handle it all. Mujhe pata hai jab darr lagata hai toh inko shaant kaise karna hai (I know how to pacify them when they panic). Having said that, I am still learning and need to keep learning a lot. The contestants are so talented that sometimes I want to learn their dance moves and techniques.
How has Remo D’souza influenced your life?
He never moves ahead alone, he likes to take everyone along with him. My connection with him is too strong from the time I had begun. I didn’t win the show, but I was offered a film after the show was over. It means a lot to me. He treats everyone like his own children.
Your connection with Pune.
My connection with Pune is very old. Most of my shows and workshops happen in the city. I love the city and I am aware of all the places here. I have a lot of friends here and everytime I feel like partying or meeting them, I just come down to Pune.
How do reality shows help?
Reality shows give you a platform and make you a star. People know you because of the show, because of television. However, nothing can be achieved without dedication. I often tell my team that the show will get over, they may even win but what they plan to do with their career and dance solely depends on their hunger to learn and willingness to take up work. Kaam karne ki talab honi chahiye (One must have the desire to work).
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
My forthcoming show is Nawabzade where you also get to see Raghav Jugal and Punit Pathak. Remo sir wants to cast me in a film where Salman Khan will be in the lead role. ABCD 3 is also in the pipeline. I am keen on doing a Marathi film as well.
