DD’s "Close-Up Jhoome Naache Gaayein" is high on TRPs

Who says reality shows tread on hot property only on satellite channels? Doordarshan’s new reality show, “Close-Up Jhoome Naache Gaayein”, is creating a lot of buzz for bringing a singer and dancer to perform at the same time on stage for the first time. “It has got tremendous TRPs, which has caught everyone by surprise,” says music composer Nikhil Kamath, who is judging the show with ace choreographer Saroj Khan. “Our show is no less compared to any other glitzy show on other private channels. Earlier, the producers were planning to wind up after 16 episodes, but thanks to the great response, it might continue the whole year round.”

Stressing on how the show is completely fair, as opposed to other dramatic reality shows, Kamath says, “Our show is not scripted, rigged or manipulated. We are not cheating public of their money on SMS’s. We want them to see genuine talent.” Meanwhile, he has promised to guide the contestants, and even get recording deals for those who he feels have the potential to make it in Bollywood. “We don’t favour any participants. Everyone is judged on their own merit,” he says. Saroj Khan too, apparently, has promised to help get the talented lot noticed.

With the extravagant set design and costumes, Kamath feels Doordharshan’s (DD) look will go through an overhaul. “We have pitched it as a glossy and up-market show. Not many people in Mumbai may watch DD, but it has great reach in small towns and villages,” says the artiste, who made a ‘comeback’ in a new avatar with the film >>Dunno Y.. Na Jaane Kyun<< that stars Zeenat Aman. 

“I consider it a comeback because this time, I have come solo,” says Nikhil, who for years had teamed up with co-composer Vinay. “And also as I have experimented with Western melodies for the first time. Times are changing and so are music styles. I want to go with the flow, experiment, create a different kind of sound. I’m ready to take that massive jump in my music,” says the composer who has composed for over 50 films, 100 non-film albums and a number of commercials.