Jaaved Jaaferi Says Modern Dance Reality Shows Lack Originality, Urges Fresh Thinking

Veteran actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi has voiced sharp criticism of contemporary television dance reality shows, saying many lack originality and now blend into a monotonous lineup of similar formats. The entertainment figure, known for his long association with India’s dance-show culture, stressed that despite the vast talent these programmes showcase, their overall presentation feels repetitive and uninspired.

Jaaved said, “They all look the same. While the formats evolve, the core presentation rarely does. There’s great talent around but when it comes to the shows, nothing really stands out.”

Jaaferi, who rose to fame as one of the faces of the iconic dance series Boogie Woogie, said the current crop of shows might spotlight gifted dancers, but fails to offer distinctive identities that set them apart. He added, “Today, dancers watch everything online and pick up styles from all over the world. We did not have the kind of exposure back then. Our show (Boogie Woogie) was original. It wasn’t copied. If it ever comes back, it has to be version 2, different and fresh.”

According to him, incremental changes in format do little to change the way these competitions look and feel to audiences, making it harder for individual programs to establish a unique presence on television.

The seasoned performer, whose career spans film, television and stage, called for more innovation in the genre. He underscored the need for producers and creators to come up with fresh concepts and storytelling techniques that genuinely reflect the diversity of dance talent across the country, rather than relying on variations of the same structure with predictable theatrics.