I will leave an impact in the show, says Chetan Bhagat who is gearing up to judge Nach Baliye 7

First he burst into the scene as an author with books like One Night @ The Call Centre and Five Point Someone, which were adapted into films. In fact, almost all have been turned into movies and with Half Girlfriend, Chetan Bhagat himself has turned producer. And now, the writer has surprised many by donning the hat of a judge for a dance reality show Nach Baliye 7, this despite being a non-dancer. 

How would you rate yourself as a dancer?

I am not a good dancer at all. But several books of mine have been made into films and they have songs and dances. I know the importance.

Who according to you is the best dancer in the industry– male and female?

Hrithik (Roshan) is one of the best we have. Amongst females, though she is not performing so much any more, Madhuri (Dixit) was amazing.

Which is the one song that makes you want to get up and dance?

I don't dance much, but I have songs on my gym playlist. I enjoy songs like Subah Hone Na De, London Thumakda and being a Punjabi, a lot of Punjabi songs including those of Honey Singh's.

Any dance film that you like?
Footloose, that was part of my growing up years. We haven't had that many dance films, because it is not easy. You need someone who understands dance and films. I would love to write a dance film, this show will help me in that!

What prompted you take judge the dance reality show Nach Baliye7?

There are several reasons. Firstly, I like to try something new and Nach Baliye this time is completely revamped. It is more than a dance show. Also, I have always wanted my writing to be a means of change or influence the society. I write about different things - national and economic issues in my columns - and want to grow my reach. Besides, I am getting more involved in films and since song and dance is part of them, I am getting familiar with the form through the show. Another thing is I always wanted to know how real these reality shows are. I am entering the arena as a bit of a sceptic, which you will see in the first episode. Also, the format of the show has changed and I will be focussing on the relationship of the couple.

How tough will you be as a judge on a scale of one to 10?

Eight, I think. I am not going to keep saying mind-blowing every time, but only if the performance deserves it. As a writer I know the power of words and I see them being tossed around loosely.

Are you going to be like Simon Cowell?

I will be Chetan Bhagat. Whatever I have done so far in my writing or scripts I never tried to copy anyone. Simon is an iconic judge, a brand in himself. I will leave an impact in the show. I am not here to take it lightly but make a difference. I am charged up about it. Though I was nervous in the beginning, I have started enjoying it.

How is your equation with co-judges Preity Zinta and Marzi Pestonji?

They are very different. Marzi looks at technical aspects of dance, if the feet are placed correctly or not, etc. Preity sees the expressions and the chemistry of the couple. I look at what the couple is like, the act and the storyline. The one thing common between us is we love to talk, crack jokes and laugh a lot. We have our little skirmishes too. I have my disagreements with Preity, who is always charming and sweet. I feel she needs to be tough. Marzi, on the other hand, is too technical. Sometimes when you hit a six you don't need to go into right or wrong of it. A six is a six, no matter what!