Ragini Makkhar with her dance group on India’s Got Talent

Indore-based Kathak dancer Ragini Makkhar and her group of a dozen students bagged the title of India’s Got Talent Season 5 on Colors on Saturday night. A t2 chat.

You must be on top of the world!

Absolutely! I am very happy. I didn’t expect to win since the competition was very tough. But I was hopeful and I believed that my hard work would get recognised. Dedication, devotion and punctuality are the key to success. I dedicate this award to my late father. My 75-year-old mother doesn’t keep well. She cannot come to my shows but this time she watched our performance on television.

Why did you participate in a talent hunt like India’s Got Talent and not a reality show that focuses only on dance?

India’s Got Talent is the only show where you can go forward with your own dance form and style. In other dance reality shows, participants are asked to do other dance forms.

Apart from the win, what have been the most memorable moments for you on the show?

That was when we were asked to do Kathak steps to Balam pichkari (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani). After much thought, I choreographed it to a Holi theme. After the performance, all the three judges gave us a standing ovation. I replay that moment in my head. That was an amazing experience (smiles).

Who was your favourite judge on the show?

Kirron Kher is a true artiste with a deep insight. Karan Johar is very creative yet strict. Malaika Arora Khan is so beautiful! I am a big fan of all the three of judges, but Karan sir ka sabse zyada!

How did you form your dance institute Naadyog Academy?

I formed the dance school with the objective to help people who are interested in dance, but cannot afford to take lessons. We have over 300 students in Naadyog now where underprivileged students get support. I didn’t want others to go through the same hardship that I had gone through. I started learning Kathak when I was only two years old. I have dedicated my life to dance and haven’t attended any social functions for the past 12 years, to stay focused. I belong to a traditional Punjabi family. People insulted me for taking up dance. But my husband supported me a lot. He used to take me to dance classes. We have struggled a lot together.

Who is your favourite dancer?

My guru Srimati Shama Bhatia and Madhuri Dixit. Madhuri is beautiful. For me, she is the goddess of Kathak. I am thankful that I got the chance to stand beside her in India’s Got Talent.

What next?

I plan to launch a gurukul with the entire prize money (Rs 50 lakh) and help needy students who can’t afford to pay the fee. I would continue doing dance shows like before. And if I get an offer to work in Mumbai, I will accept it.

IGT HONOUR ROLL

Prince Dance Group: The dance group from Orissa, known for its flamboyant set-pieces, aced the show in Season One.

Shillong Chamber Choir: The Shillong-based choir group impressed with their ability to sing Bolly numbers to a different beat. They have performed for US President Barack Obama since.

Suresh ’’ Vernon Group: The dance group from Mumbai is a hit on stage and television.

Sumanth and Sonali: Sumanth, 14, and his nine-year-old partner Sonali, from Sholoardari in West Bengal, danced their way to the IGT 4 title.

Ratnalekha Mazumdar

Did Ragini and her group deserve to win India’s Got Talent? Tell t2@abp.in