Makers of the show have now roped choreographer Salman Yusuff to step in the shoes of Lara Dutta.
Salman has earlier participated in many dance reality shows and now he is judging one. Talking to TOI, Salman said, “It feels great. Honestly, this was never planned, as I feel that I still have a lot of dancing left in me. I had thought that I can judge a show after a few years, but I never say ‘No’ to work. This show is special, because Ahmed Khan (a judge on the show) is Remo D’Souza’s mentor, and the latter is my mentor. Also, I have had a crush on Esha Gupta for years now. So, that’s a huge kick for me.”
He further said, “Lara was brilliant and I can’t step in for her. I will bring something new to the table. As a former contestant, I know how it feels when you wait patiently for your turn to perform and the judges’ comments. I will be a guide and a friend to the participants, both on and off camera. As a judge, I will choose my words carefully. They come with a lot of hope, and I don’t want to be harsh and break their hearts.”
When asked whether he would participate in some other show or not, he replied, “I would love to choreograph, but I won’t compete anymore. I feel I am done doing that. I want something more and don’t like monotony. I am excited about what I am doing in my career currently.”
The other judges on the show are Esha Gupta and Ahmed Khan.