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Rediff.com  » Movies » Are you ready for Rani, the judge?

Are you ready for Rani, the judge?

Last updated on: October 9, 2009 16:26 IST

Image: Rani Mukerji
Rajul Hegde in Mumbai

Looks like Rani Mukerji isn't dwelling too much on the failure of her recent movie Dil Bole Hadippa.

She has moved on to television as the judge of a reality dance show titled Dance Premier League -- a show with a unique format where teams from all zones of India -- North, West, East, Central, South and even one team of NRIs -- will compete for the grand prize. The show starts on October 9 every Friday and Saturday on Sony Television.

Rani will be the judge in the gala round along with choreographer Shiamak Davar and actor Arshad Warsi.

Talking about the show Rani says, "I wasn't planning to do television shows as I was pretty much obsessed with my film, Dil Bole Hadippa. I danced a lot in the last one year. But I decided to do Dance Premier League because it is my kind of show. I love dancing as well as watching people dance."

'I signed DPL to buy IPL next year'

Image: Rani Mukerji and Shiamak Davar
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Asked what will be the judging criteria, she replies, "I am not going to judge the dancers in terms of technicalities because that's Shiamak's department. I will judge on the basis of passion for dance and entertainment. Basically I will be the voice of the janata. If their performances touch my heart then they will score a full sixer," she smiles.

"I love dancing because it makes me happy and it has been my passion since childhood. I have learnt Manipuri and Odissi dance. I basically love any dance form.

"During the promotion of Dil Bole Hadippa the media asked me whether I wanted to buy an IPL team. At that time I said that I cannot afford to buy one. But now I would say that I signed DPL to buy IPL next year," she jokes.

'Criticism is the best form of flattery'

Image: Rani Mukerji

So is it difficult is it to criticise people?

"Criticism is the best form of flattery. It should be taken positively as it can help you perform better. If someone is trying to criticise your work it means that they love you and want you to improve."

Asked whether the judges will perform on the show, pat comes the reply, "No. Sony might not be able to afford it after they have already got me on this show," she laughs.

So why did it take so long for her to come to the small screen?

"I cannot decide immediately, right? This is the right time to judge a show on television because of my interest in dance. It was natural and an obvious step," she says.