‘Dance has helped me earn money, fame and dignity’

Dancer, choreographer and actor Punit J Pathak has come far. The reality show which he entered as a contestant, he now judges. Though the multitalented youngster never inspired to be a dancer, he has not only become one of repute, he has even taken up acting.

“Yes, it’s true. I never thought of becoming a dancer, leave alone an actor. In fact, I aspired to be a cricketer and captained my college team dutifully, till I got to know about a dance workshop which helped me earn as well as learn dance. I remember getting a Rs1,500 cheque that made me take up dance a little more seriously,” he said.

Recalling his earlier days during a recent visit to Lucknow, the ‘Nawabzaade’ actor said, “Making a name in any field is not easy as the competition is tough. I remember when I started seven years back, it was difficult to make my parents, in fact, anybody understand that dance can be a career and one can make a decent living out of it. My father was completely against me taking up dance after taking a degree in economics, as he wanted me to seriously pursue studies and join his business. We were never on talking terms till finally I was able to prove myself. And today, my dance has helped me earn money, fame and dignity. My father is finally relaxed and has accepted my career choice. Today, we coolly sit and discuss my work and money.”

Currently, Pathak is busy with the reality show Dance+4 where he will judge as well as captain his team in the fourth season of the show. “Dance+ is like coming home for all of us associated with the show. I always enjoy being a part of the show. And then working with Remo is such a delight as he has been a guiding star in my life. Also, I assist him in films and shows. Then it’s because of him me, Raghav and Dharmesh got a chance to act in films. So one can understand how he has been shaping our lives. After the show Remo plans a sequel to ABCD again with all of us and actor Varun Dhawan that will go on floors early next year.”

Talking about the growing competition in the field of dance and going to any extent to win, he said, “Earlier, that is six-seven years back, there were only a few known dance forms and fewer people thinking about a career in dance but today, the scene has changed. Today, not only youngsters, even children for that matter are ready to go to any extent and experimenting with new dance forms is at its peak. So, for us, aerial acts and doing lifts was considered a big achievement back then but today you just don’t know what the presenter has in mind, as there is just no limit to one’s imagination.

“With our new season that is slated to go on air on Star Plus soon, you will understand what I’m trying to say. While we were taking auditions this year, we were in for a surprise as youngsters came all prepared and guarded and it was extremely difficult to reject any one.”

On his visit to the city, Pathak was accompanied by his team members, Achal Bhatnagar and Neeraj, from the duo Animated Souls. Achal happens to be from Lucknow and the duo has made it to top 12.

My father is finally relaxed and has accepted my career choice. Today, we coolly sit and discuss my work and money PUNIT PATHAK, DANCER

DHEERAJ DHAWAN/HT Dancer Punit Pathak