Aswin J Kumar in Kochi
It was Midhun Lal's incredible resemblance to legendary Michael Jackson that first struck the judges and viewers of Amrita Super Dancer 2.
As the show progressed, his incredible twists and twirls on the stage made him a hot favourite for the title among the 16 contestants.
When the curtains of Amrita Super Dancer 2 came down on March 7, it was again this 19-year-old lad from Thiruvanathapuram who had the last laugh as he walked away with the much coveted title Amrita Super dancer 2010.
Popularly known as Midh, Midhun was simply spell binding throughout the show and on the final stage he seemed almost invincible compared to the other three finalists.
The eldest son of Devarajan and Thankam, Midh believes that he would not have done it but for the almighty's grace and the support of his parents and friends.
'I was never confident about the solo performances'
Image: Midhun LalThis must be a happy moment for you. Would you call it the best day in your life?
I don't know how to describe it. This is unbelievable. Of course I am happy to have won the grand finale. I would rather call it the most fortunate day in my life. Because all the other three finalists were equally talented. I am happy that I could emerge victorious in an evenly matched contest.
What is so special about winning the title?
I have been a regular viewer of the first season of Amrita Super Dancer. The winner of the first season also hails from Thiruvananthapuram. Even then I never felt that I could make it to the show. I have never performed alone. I love performing with my troupe. So when the entries were invited for the second edition of the show, it was my friends who asked me to apply.
But I was never confident about the solo performances. Still I found myself among the final sixteen contestants. For me the most special thing about winning the title is that I never expected that I could even be part of this wonderful show. Now I have won the title also. This is indeed a special feeling for me.
'At the end of the Wild West round, Kala master gifted me Rs 100'
Image: Midhun Lal poses with his cheque of Rs 5 lakhHow hard has been the journey to success?
The show was not just about performance but about performing consistently. You score good marks in two rounds and could very well end up scoring low marks in the next round. A poor show in a single round could prove very decisive. Hence we all had to work very hard, learning the steps and trying all we can to bring variety to what we do.
Here you can never take things for granted. There is no place for complacency. There were times I was so ill and yet went on to perform. Some rounds demanded a lot of energy, while others needed variety. We had to maintain high energy levels and at the same time come up with innovative steps.
What was your best moment on the show?
There were lots. My best moment happened in the Wild West round which consisted of gliding steps with boots.
At the end of that round, one of the judges, Kala master, gifted me Rs 100. I was so happy that I decided to keep that money with me forever. I would like to cherish it as the one of the most beautiful things that have happened to me.
'The greatest thing I learnt was getting along with others'
Image: Midhun Lal poses with his cheque of Rs 5 lakhDid you ever feel disheartened during the show?
Yes, it happened in the Festival Round with a team of other dancers. Many of my group members had examinations at that time and we could not practise well. On the stage I felt so hollow and gave my worst performance. I had only myself to blame. I then decided not to repeat the same mistake on the show.
Every event in life is a big experience. What have you learnt from the show?
I have always been passionate about dance. It was the first time I did different dance forms. The greatest thing I learnt was getting along with others. Here, all 16 contestants were performing for one single title. Yet we never had any discords. Once on the stage, we gave it all. But behind the stage, we were always ready to help and support each other.
What are your future plans? Is life going to be different from here on?
Not really. I am an animation student. I need to get dance along with my studies. If opportunities come by, I will grab it for sure. That's all I can say for now.
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