Having been a part of the show since the inception of both — Zee TV’s Dance India Dance and also DID Li’l Masters, for dance guru and one of the judges of the show, Geeta Kapoor judging kids is a bigger task than judging youngsters. So what is the reason that Geeta calls it a tough job to judge kids? “It is very difficult judging kids as they are a mixed bag of talent. And these kids are very cute. They do not bother about what anyone feels. They just go up on stage and dance their hearts out. And if in between the show if they feel like visiting the loo they’ll just stop and say, ‘I want to go to the loo!’ These innocent kids do what they like, but are so brilliantly talented. This time I am not going to use the word ‘stupendo-fantabulously-fantastic’. My new word is a secret and to find what it is, you’ll have to watch the show,” she says.
She made actor Katrina Kaif a dancing star with her killer moves in Sheila ki Jawaani. And now it is learnt that most kids at the auditions were dancing to tracks like Sheila Ki Jawaani, and also Chikni Chameli. Ask Geeta about it and she says, “It is owing to the popularity of these songs. They are played and replayed on television so many times, that kids memorise them within days. Television is a huge medium to influence kids. As long as the performances retain their innocence and do not cross over to the vulgar zone, I don’t see any harm in them performing to these songs.”
Ask her about her rapport with actor and dance master Mithun Chakraborthy and she quips, “Oh it is all in good humour. Mithunda is a legend, yet so down to earth. I love flirting with him.”
Calling Dance India Dance a turning point her life, she adds, “Before the show I had earned a name, but the name had no face to it. DID gave me a chance to showcase my creativity.” And how does she feel when participants address her as maa? “When parents hand over their children to me, it becomes a huge responsibility. So I feel humbled and it makes me feel that I dare not go wrong.”
