Sudha Chandran

Sudha is out of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Twenty-one years after she danced her way to stardom on the big screen with Naache Mayuri, Sudha Chandran, despite her prosthetic limb, danced up a storm on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa till she was voted out last Saturday. “I had a feeling that it was not going to be a good Saturday for me,” smiled Sudha later, adding: “Life has taught me to take a balanced view of everything.”

Which would you say has been the definitive turning point of your career?

I think every stage of my career has been a turning point — be it Mayuri or Kahin Kissi Roz or Jhalak, I can’t choose between any of them.

Did you ever think you would take part in a dance-based show?

Yes, I thought I would be part of a dance show. But I had never imagined I would be doing Latin-American dance. I have been trained in classical dance for years but I had not even heard the name Latin American dance till Jhalak.

What was your first reaction when you were approached for the show?

Initially I said ‘no’! Then I thought it’s another dance show, chalo kar lete hain. I didn’t know what I was getting into. I must compliment my choreographer Umashanker; he is such a taskmaster, he made me see stars in the daytime.

We heard Umashanker made you climb up and down stairs.

No, he’s such a sweetheart. He has never troubled me but he is very clear about what he wants and you just can’t refuse him because he’s so sweet. I love getting up at five in the morning and rushing to reach rehearsals on time.

I believe you told him: ‘No limitations, don’t bother about my leg’.

I didn’t want my leg to restrict me in any way, that’s the reason why I told my choreographer ‘No limitations’. And he has been very supportive.

There’s no doubt that your continuing to dance after your accident is an inspiring story for us all. What do you want to prove through the show?

There are so many things that I want to prove. Every episode was an acid test. I have never done anything like salsa or samba in my life. I was looking at reinventing myself through this show.

What do you think about the show’s comperes — Rohit Roy and Mona Singh?

I was so embarrassed when Rohit touched my feet. I don’t think I deserve it but it was genuine gesture from Rohit.

Mona Singh is very friendly with the other contestants but with you it is more of respect; is it because you are the seniormost?

When I go on the sets, I don’t fool around with a personality like Aroona Iraniji; similarly, Mona is careful with me. In fact, she is a fantastic person, full of energy and you get a lot of positive vibes from her.

And which judge’s comments did you like the best?

I loved the comments of all the judges but Shiamak’s was the best. I can’t forget the time he walked up to me and hugged me — that was so encouraging. I had always wanted to learn dance in Shiamak’s classes but never had the guts to do it because I thought my disability would create a problem.

Who do you think is the toughest contender among the lot?

Negiji and Ronit Roy are the surprise package of the show.

Were you approached for Nach Baliye too?

I was approached for the third season, but I didn’t go for it because my husband is not from the industry. Had I known that a dance show would come up in later years, I would have definitely married an actor (laughs). I keep telling my husband, “Kaash tu actor hota”.

Which is your favourite jodi in Nach?

I follow all the shows of Nach Baliye; I really like them. My favourite jodi from the current season would be Kavita Kaushik and Karan Grover. I love Kavita’s expressions.

What is the best fan reaction that you got after your performance?

After my first performance, I got so many calls from people who did nothing but cry on the phone, they were so happy to see me dance all over again. I’m really very thankful to them for their support. The best was when a friend of mine called up to ask me how many bones poor Uma had broken after lifting me!