Sonali is having a blast on Jhalak...
I'm having a blast!" is what Sonali Kulkarni says immediately when asked about her experience of being a participant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. "I had been planning to go off on a long break after having been constantly on my toes for the past two-and-a-half years. But amidst all this, a guilt was gnawing at the back of my mind that I had left my dance behind to concentrate on my acting career."
Sonali admits she was dissuaded by a large majority from entering JDJ. "I was told it would be like coming ten steps behind from what I have achieved; that my status as a filmstar will fall drastically etc. But I have always believed in doing things that please me and I love challenges. And I’m happy to say that my decision was correct."
The actress is enjoying herself as never before. "Of course, since I'm getting a chance to learn various dance forms." Sonali adds, "I have been a trained classical dancer and to unlearn all those mudras and bhaavs that I so painstakingly learnt over the years, is a tough process. It’s comparatively quite easy for a non-dancer who is like a child being taught to read or write for the first time. For a trained dancer like Sudhaji (Chandran) or I, it's easier said than done."
Quiz her about her rapport with fellow participants and Sonali admits, "I'm here primarily for participating and hopefully winning the contest. I am not in a hurry to be friendly with everybody. Having said that, I’m certainly not averse to the idea of bonding and it is happening gradually, which I’m fine with. I am lucky to be with a bunch of participants who are as dedicated and goal-oriented as I am."
Sonali is all praise for her fellow contestants. She says, "Everybody, from my fellow contestants to the production team members are so involved with the show…they come to us and tell what they liked or disliked, which proves to be a big booster."
Lastly, talking about losing the contest, Sonali says, "It's a given thing that only one amongst us is going to be the winner and if I'm not the one, it's fine. But I'm sure, winner or no winner, the contest is going to open various avenues for us. But eventually what matters is that all of us here are having a ball."
Watch Video:
PEHLI JHALAK: Sonali Kulkarni meets Toby
