He really needs no introduction. He is the pride of Indian football and, in recent history, is responsible for helping the sport find its rightful place in a country that can hardly see beyond cricket. Recently, Baichung Bhutia surprised many by unlacing his sports shoes and wearing his dancing shoes. In a freewheeling conversation with Tellychakkar, Baichung talks about Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, dance, and Rishi Kapoor.

So, why a dance-based reality show?

I am not a great dancer, but I have grown up watching Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty dancing. I have admired them a lot; Mithunda’s Disco Dancer has been a long-standing favourite. So I guess I just wanted to experience something like this. You see, I am a reserved sort of person. If you ask me to get down on the streets and dance, I will not do it. I do dance in nightclubs, but that’s just about moving wildly. It’s not about matching steps to a tune and emoting to convey what the lyrics of the song mean. So, to that extent, it is a challenge that I have accepted by agreeing to be part of Jhalak.

Have you been formally trained in any form of dance?

No.

How would you rate yourself as a dancer on a scale of 1 to 10?

I would rate myself at 3 to max 4.

Why so low? As a sportsperson, movements should be far easier for you than for others.

Yes, movements do come naturally, but dance is not only about good footwork or moving easily. It is about moving in tandem with a partner, understanding the words of the song, and giving the appropriate facial expression. The most difficult part about dancing is emoting properly – especially for someone like me who does not really have a dance background.

Who has been your biggest influence when it comes to dancing?

I would say Rishi Kapoor. He has the style and the grace. Unbeatable.

Does the thought of performing on a competitive platform like Jhalak make you nervous?

The thought of dancing makes me nervous. See, I accepted this particular show to overcome my fear. As for the competition, I don’t think there is any because the rest of them are far better dancers than me. Besides, Jhalak is not going to make or break my life. I am not here to make a name as a dancer. I have already made a name for myself elsewhere.

You have already started rehearsals and have even shot for an episode. How was the experience?

It was a good experience. Of course, I was nervous, but on the whole, I was glad I took this up.

Which type of song did you dance to?

It was a typical Bollywood number from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi…Left leg aage aage…(smiles).

Your dance partner is Sonia Jaffer. How has it been interacting with her?

I think she is the best thing that could have happened to me on Jhalak. She is one of the best choreographers in India at the moment and is very supportive and very patient.

Does she change certain tough steps when she realises that you are unable to perform to them?

Yes, she does. She’s really supportive.

Have there been any disagreements?

None so far.

All the participants rehearse in Jhalak House. How has that experience been?

I have been rehearsing in Kolkata. I come here only for shooting the episodes, so I really have not experienced rehearsing with the others.

India is a cricket crazy country. So far, cricketers have been adding the glamour quotient to any event, show, or product. How does it feel to represent football?

It feels great. It also feels challenging. As someone who loves dance, I am seeing this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something different. So, regardless, of what sport you play or what you do, if you love dance, you should experience something like this.

Do the expectations from you make you nervous?

That’s the best part. There are no expectations from me. No one expects me to go out there and be Hrithik Roshan.

Would we see you in other dance reality shows? Or other reality shows doing things other than dancing?

You never know how life goes…anything is possible.

Would we be seeing you on celluloid as well?

Like I said, you never know how life goes.

Finally, which of the other Jhalak participants are you rooting for?

There are no personal favourites; I’m not rooting for anybody in particular, but I do wish that Mohinderji (Mohinder Amarnath) does well.