TV Show Review: Super Dancer Opening Episode Was High On Emotions

Indian television now has another dance reality show – Super Dancer. Although I am really fond of dance shows, but in recent times there have been so many that I lost track of them. But after watching the first episode of Super Dancer, which aired on Saturday, I can say that the tiny tots’ energetic performances will uplift your spirits and you would be compelled to watch them.

The first episode of the show was high on energy and emotions with touch of melodrama. All the participants aged between 4-13 years, were trained dancers.

The judges of the show are Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapur and Anurag Basu and it was such a respite that without any anchors or the usual heavy-dialoguebaazi wala introduction – the judges straightaway called the first contestant.



And let me tell you the first contestant -- Ditya Bhande -- definitely set the standards high. Who thought that Aishwarya Rai’s famous dance number Nimbooda from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) could also be performed in hip hop style! And she not only stunned all with her attitude and unique style, she also confused judges as they thought that she was a boy. After her performance, Geeta Kapur said, “Gaane me jaan daal di.” Well, she did.



The next contestant Ananya Chouksey also lived up to expectations. She performed on Ek Villain number, Awaari, in contemporary style. She fused gymnastic routines with a bit of ballet. Her flips were to watch out for. Ananya definitely has immense potential, but we would want to see more variety. Shilpa gave a standing ovation to this girl from Chattisgarh.



Then came 10-yr-old Dipali Borkar, whose high-octane performance ensured that you don’t bat an eyelid. For a fraction of second I thought that Kangana Ranaut is dancing on stage. And she too got a standing ovation. So far so good. But I thought the show digressed and stretched a bit when Dipali began enacting a long-dialogue scene from Sairat. Not that I am complaining, but it seemed like I am watching an episode from India’s Best Dramebaaz, which coincidentally also has Anurag Basu as a judge.  However, that said, Dipali undoubtedly is a tiny wonder.



Following Dipali’s performance, Super Dancer introduced the viewers to the heat-wrenching act by Harsh Dhara. The judges got emotional when Harsh’s choreographer revealed that he is deaf and mute. His performance was scored 10/10 and he danced to Barfi’s Aankhon Hi Aankhon Mein.

Soon after his act Harsh’s father came on stage and it was revealed that he too is deaf and mute and has lost his wife some time ago. And then started the emotional sad background music as judges started weeping. Dunno why do reality shows have to be so melodramatic. When the kid and his family are smiling, why weep and make them feel that something is wrong with them? He got a clear pass from the judges and later Harsh along with his choreographer danced on Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai for Geeta Kapur. I thought this dance to be better than his first performance.

The episode ended with Pancham Bhagwati’s dance, who performed on Da Da Dasse in hip hop style. He aced style and expression to the T.

All in all, the coming episode on Sunday has more dancers in store. For me, Diptya and Dipali stood out in tonight’s episode and Diptya has the potential to make it to the upcoming rounds. 

Image Source: facebook/SonySuperDancer & Setindia