Bhaichung Bhutia with choreographer Sonia Jaffer

From the football field to the dance floor. Indian soccer captain and Calcutta darling Bhaichung Bhutia is busy with a different kind of footwork these days. One of the 12 celebrity participants on Sony’s dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Bhaichung spoke to t2…

What made you say yes to Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa?

It would have to be the whole new experience that the show promises. I had never thought that one day I would be seen dancing on a television reality show. When the channel approached me with the proposal, I did take a lot of time to think it over and rejig my schedules. But once I had decided to be a part of Jhalak, there was no looking back.

Are you a good dancer?

Not at all! I dance only at nightclubs and even that is pretty rare. When I look at the performances put in by the other participants and the kind of stage and screen presence that they have, I really feel jittery (laughs).

Who is your favourite dancer?

I think it would have to be Puff Daddy and Usher. I am also a great Prabhudeva fan. I also think Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapur are amazing dancers.

What has the experience on the show been like so far? Who have you bonded with?

I have just shot for two days and to be honest, I have just gone to the shoot and come back. I haven’t really spoken to anyone too much. I was very nervous during the shoot. It was quite a difficult experience for me. I wasn’t comfortable at all. I am hoping that things turn out better in the next couple of days.

Given that almost everyone else on the show is from the world of entertainment, do you start on the wrong foot being a sportsperson?

I think the biggest disadvantage that I have is the lack of time. We have to rehearse three days a week and while everyone else on the show is being able to take out time, I haven’t managed to rehearse as much as I should. That’s been quite worrying.

With two episodes already on air, what has the family and fan reaction been like?

My family has been extremely supportive while all my friends have been giving me all kinds of advice. Madhuri (his wife) has been very encouraging. She keeps on telling me, ‘Don’t get nervous and just give it your best shot’.

Have you chalked out a strategy for yourself on the show?

Oh, I have no strategy in mind! (Laughs). I am just here for the experience and to have some fun. If I start thinking of a strategy now, I will get even more nervous than what I already am.

What do you think you have that the others don’t?

I am a really fast learner. Just show me a step and I will pick it up real fast.

What if you win Jhalak?

Well, if I win then I will donate 50 per cent of the prize money to the charity organisations I am attached to. Everything else will be the same. I will go back to playing football.

Tie-breaker

The world footballer today with the best footwork: Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Bollywood hero with the best footwork: I really like Shahid Kapur’s effortless way of dancing.

The Bollywood heroine with the best footwork: It would definitely have to be Madhuri Dixit.

What is easier — getting past an East Bengal defence or getting approval of judge Juhi? Oh, football is easier any day!

Your dream strike partner on the football field: I enjoyed playing with I.M. Vijayan. I can only think of his name right now.

Your dream dance partner on the floor? I really don’t know!

Who would you like to see as Bhaichung’s dance partner?

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