This season will see the sexy Shilpa Shetty share the dais with the highly talented choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant. Arshad Warsi, who is a known dancer in his own right will complete the trio of presiding officers, when the show takes off on 1st May at 9.30 pm. “All of us are of the same age group and understand each other, so we will have a real blast on the show,” said Shilpa, who earlier had taken part in Big Brother and later hosted Big Boss as well. Shilpa loves to do television for it gives her a chance to be seen yet not be overstretched. “I have worked nonstop for over 18 years and now I need a break. I also need to give time to my family”, says this recently married damsel. Coming back to ZND she says, “Judging is not easy for you have to find the best in a motley group of artists. This is tough, given that most artists are not necessarily good dancers. But kudos to STAR for having sifted out the best dancers in the television space."
"Our job would be to see who excels in chemistry, presentation and most important, originality. And how they interpret the choreographer’s message. For example, if Vaibhavi gives me certain steps, I will add my personal touch.” Further, she added that team effort is critical. “We also need to watch out for that group which syncs together well and plays the game to get ahead. Remember this is not just about dance, a lot of strategy and thinking also has to be factored in.”
Shilpa is happy that this show has come at the right time saying, "Audience knowledge of dance has also risen and they will appreciate the hard work and sheer talent on display. I am sure that our markings will also find resonance with the audience. Having said that, the absence of audience voting in this show is good, for now we can judge on hard merit and consistency. Sometimes, the audience picks factors other than pure talent.”
On the boys versus girls concept, Shilpa quipped, "Being a woman it would be tough to maintain impartiality! But we will just rate on the basis of performance.” When asked who the better dancers were, she said, "Women obviously, because we have grace which guys can’t have. Woman power rocks!”
In closing Shilpa refused to comment on the number of dances she might herself do on the show!
“ If I disclose all that, what is the fun about? However, I will let out a secret. I am not comfortable with the locking type of dances. My body structure is not made that way. But if push comes to shove, I might have to learn it as well.” Her latest film Desire has been stuck for a while, “It is disappointing for I really worked hard to master Oddisi dance for that one,” ends the lovely lass, Shilpa.