It is wrong to call TV small screen; it is the biggest screen today – Riteish Deshmukh

Gone are the days when TV was considered as a ‘second fiddle’ to films!! Today most of the film stars are making their presence felt on the small screen. This trend continues with the handsome hunk Riteish Deshmukh now, as he is all set to judge Star Plus’ next big-ticket reality show India’s Dancing Superstar.

Talking about his debut on TV, the actor stated, “Ten years back, I debuted in films (Tujhe Meri Kasam), now I am doing the same for TV. All thanks to Star Plus and India’s Dancing Superstar for giving me this chance.”

Riteish who loves to watch comedy shows on television said, “I had been offered several small nonfiction shows before India’s Dancing Superstar, but things had not worked out then. I guess my time has come now.”

When asked to compare both TV and films he averred, “It is wrong to call TV small screen; it is the biggest screen today. Bollywood is big in terms of style, but not in reach.”

Talking about his co-judges on the show Riteish explained, “I have worked with Geeta Kapur before in films (she has choreographed his songs) and now to judge with her on this show is a pleasure. Everybody calls her Geeta Ma. She has taken dance to a new height and I will like to help her to reach even higher. The third judge on our panel Ashley Lobo is very strict. But his Hindi is really cute and we have a laughter riot at his expense. Both Geeta and I are trying to teach him lingua franca of the nation.”

When asked about his parameters to judge, he said, “I am not looking at technique and style per se. I am on the panel for the overall entertainment package. I will also grade on creativity. ‘Dil Jeeto Toh Deshmukh Tumhara’.”

About his dancing hero in Bollywood, Ritesh went on to say, “Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor are good in perfection, but I love Govinda ji, as he dances from the heart.”

Coming to his personal dance style, Ritesh quipped, “Although my name is quite low on Bollywood top dancers list, I like to shake a leg to my heart’s content; sometimes it comes out as western and other times as tapori style. Looking at the auditions I feel that some of the kids are much better than me. The best part of our show is that it has no age limit. And I have seen several contestants who have not come here to win but just to rock the dance floor. This artistic craft has become their passion having failed elsewhere in life.”

Apart from judging on the idiot box, Ritesh is planning to turn producer as well. There is a buzz that well known politician Nitesh Rane and Riteish are in talks for producing Marathi Bigg Boss (ETV Marathi). When asked about the same, Riteish was elusive and said, “It is too premature to say anything about it.”

Before closing, Riteish added, “Working in TV is a tough ask, as you have long shifts, unlike in films where you can take breaks. The going gets even tougher on talent hunt shows where you only get 2/3 minutes to make your mark on the stage.”