Badrinath Ki Dulhania director Shashank Khaitan joins Madhuri Dixit on 'Dance Deewane'

Director Shashank Khaitan (blockbusters like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania) is all set to make his TV debut. He will be seen as the judge of the upcoming reality series Dance Deewane, alongside Madhuri Dixit-Nene. The show will scout talent from different age groups — under-13, under-35, and 35-and-above. Three best contestants from each category will then compete for the title. The auditions will begin from May 3 and the show will go on air from June 2.

“I’m debuting on a reality show that cuts across the clutter and brings together different age groups on the same stage. Sharing the jury panel with Madhuriji is an honour. She has always been my personal favourite and I look forward to shooting for the show soon,” says Shashank, who has just finished filming Janhvi Kapoor’s launchpad, Dhadak. Madhuri, who has judged Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, So You Think You Can Dance (India) and Nach Baliye in the past, says, “The USP of this show is that it celebrates the passion for dance across age groups, giving three generations of India a common platform to perform on. While talent will always shine through, we hope to see the deewangi for dance in our contestants. For me, dancing is a passion and an important part of who I am; therefore, I’m eagerly waiting for the show to begin.”

Meanwhile, sources say that for the third judge, the makers have roped in choreographer Tushar Kalia, who was earlier a participant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Season 5 and 6). He got his Bollywood break with Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.