“For God’s sake, can we watch another program?” I tried to count the number of times we watched that dance before. Yea, my 10 fingers got over even before I finished one month’s count. Its Allu Raja in his yellow pants, dancing for some Telugu movie. I was watching it because my room mate did. She is a hard core fan of all cinematic dancers, especially Allu Raja’s.
I don’t mind if I sound like a boring personality, when I say that I have a distaste for most of the cinematic dances – especially the so called erotic dances cooked exclusively in bollywood and Kollywood, and slowly propagating to other state “woods”. I detest the monotonous steps which fits any beats and whose differences only the choreographers know. I have only a few favorites among cinematic dances, like Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, Devdas etc. I like happening songs to watch more than item numbers.
Still, at times I stumble upon some dance programs, mostly reality shows, while browsing TV channels. The horror dawns in when the participants are kids, and they come up with all the hip thrusting, chest heaving movements (Sorry, my vocabulary doesn’t have any milder words for that and I hate talking like this :-().
Recently, I chanced to notice a reality show quite accidentally. The program named “Super Talent” looked like a different flavor and the judges are celebrities I respect a lot. We were enjoying the range of talents from magicians-cum-dancers to pianists to mimicry artists. Then stepped in this small kid, Shalabha, in glittering costumes and started the power-packed dance “Aisa jadoo daala re”, originally done by Lara Dutta.
She, really is a talent to let out such energy and power at this age. But…. See it for yourself.
I always feel sad for those moms who frantically chase fame for their kids, sacrificing their innocence.
I skipped the dance, and moved onto the judges comments to hear their verdict. I was totally taken aback, the surprise was in bundles. Here is it :
Judge 1 - Vineeth, a classical dancer par excellence and an actor in Malayalam, Tamil and now in Hindi too (Bhool Bhulaiya).
Judge 2 – Mukesh, Malayalam actor, who is a master of comedy.
Judge 3 – Shyamaprasad, much acclaimed director who is a constant presence in international film festivals, with his classic malayalam movies like Akale, Ore Kadal.
For my readers who don’t understand Malayalam, here is a rough transcript:
Judge 1 (Vineeth): “Tired, Shalabha?”
(the girl smiles and shakes her head).
“No?”
“You did it well, my kid. Good energy and all. Your mom taught you this?”
(The kid does a half nod and smiles looking at the audience)
(Vineeth, turning half-way towards the audience, facing the girl’s mom),
“See, there is one thing. Please don’t teach the small kids any dance, which deprives them off their cuteness. That is my strong opinion. kids, 6 year old kids, shouldn’t choose songs like “Aisa Jadoo” to dance, which never will match a child. Basically, the movements done by Shalabha are all supposed to be done by an adult. It should be never be taught a child, forcibly. She doesn’t know. She does whatever we teach her, thats all. But, the cuteness of the dance will be lost. I have seen this in many other shows – this hip thrusting movements… with small kids like this… it doesn’t suit them. Even in classical dances, small kids are taught only devotional songs and steps. Only when they come of age to understand things, Shringara and all are taught only then. The beauty of any dance is there only when it is done by someone with suitable age. Molu, you were very energetic in your performance, no doubt about it, definitely you have great confidence level and talent. I want to wish you all the best.”
Shalabha: “Thank you sir” (and glances sideways at her mom)
Judge 2 (Mukesh): “Shalabha… Molu, you just only started your innings.. Only 6 years.. We all know well how much a 6 year old kid knows… In that place, Shlabha has learnt a Hindi song by heart, and these many heavy steps… (smiles)… You did it really well.. It was great..”
Judge 3 (Shyamaprasad): “Shalabha, very beautiful, the dress and all… Molu, you should learn dance further, and should come to next super talent contest as a smart girl. I am bringing one important thing told by Vineeth, to the attention of all audience, especially parents. The common sense in selecting the song - the age, and the public space where they are peforming this – it would be good to think of these factors before selecting the song. Kids are innocent, and they will absorb whatever we teach them. This is something the parents should take care, which kind of aptitude we need to bring out through the kids. So, Shalabha, congratulations, you have done well… We will meet next year..” (smiles)..
These are a few moments, which will increase the reverence towards a channel, if not the TRP. When the entire channel world is filled with noises like “Aisa Jadoo”, these lonely voices give much relief, that I haven’t gone mad yet, and there are still other people like me, who is far behind in this race, and not supersonic enough.
Ironically, the girl’s name was Shalabha. In Malayalam, Shalabha means butterfly. For a moment I felt sad, for that girl whose beautiful wings are being trimmed and painted on the road to fame. I hope those words were an eye-opener to her mom and all other parents who heard it.
Right now, I am thinking of my parents. I am happy that I was born to them who protected me from the greedy race around for marks, ranks, awards and such, despite all their friends doing it… who let me alone to discover my own path of life… who found out my real aptitude and nurtured it.. who gave me the support whenever I faltered in the races chosen by me.. I love them for that.
Definitely, I dedicate this post to them.
Comments