BHUBANESWAR: Jyoti Ranjan Sahoo, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya- 4, Bhubaneswar, is all set to prove his mettle in Dance Deewane, a dance reality show. It is to be noted that unlike other contestants who entered the show after multiple auditions, Jyoti made a wildcard entry as in 2017, he enthralled the audience and the judges in another dance reality show Super Dancer. The judges of Dance Deewane –Shasank Khaitan,Tushar Kalia and Madhuri Dixit Nene— are held spellbound by Jyoti’s dance moves. Orissa POST interacted with this dancing prodigy who is just a step away from glory as he fights for top spot in the dance reality show in its finale this week.
From a wildcard entry to the final round of Dance Deewane, how does it feel?
It feels amazing. Even though I remain ecstatic but I make sure that I remain calm too and remaining calm has become my forte besides my performance. (laughs)
Who would you want to credit for your success?
My parents, Namita Sahoo and Maheswar Sahoo, my trainers and of course, Tushar Sir, all of them have filled me with confidence and gave me the strength. However, it is now up to the audience who need to shower their love on me through voting so that I bag the winner title.
Tell us something about your practice sessions.
I reach the show sets at 9 AM and practice till 11PM, it’s my routine now. So, it’s like 12-13 hours of practice a day. My choreographers Anuradha Iyengar and Pladen Sir make sure that I have my meals at proper intervals and take enough rest.
Which are your favourite moves?
Basically my dance form is contemporary but in the competition I perform hip hop and many other forms too. So, I would say cartwheel and acrobatics are the steps that I currently like. According to me the best part of my dance is that I remain light on my feet while stretching my body to the maximum.
What are your plans supposing you win the competition?
I have faced multiple financial constraints when I started my career, I understand the pain because I can empathise. So, I have planned if I win the competition then I would start a dancing school for poor kids where they would be imparted training at a minimal cost.
What experts say
Tushar Kalia, Judge– Normally people call me their inspiration, but I personally consider Jyoti my inspiration. At such a tender age he sprinkles magic when he dances.
Anuradha Iyengar, Jyoti’s choreographer- The biggest reason due to which he should be the winner is his passion. I remember when he danced despite he had an injury. It was sheer willpower.
Girish Mohanty, eminent dancer– He is like my own son. I have nurtured his skills since he was five. All I can say is that he rightfully deserves to be the winner.
Chaitali Shome, OP