Jaaved Jaaferi reveals how he called for equality for dancers; insisted they share same hotels and stage space as stars
Actor-cum-dancer Jaaved Jaaferi has recalled his early days when he played a pivotal role in changing how dancers were treated during live stage performances, further calling for equality. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the star performer revealed that he was among the first artists to insist that dancers accompany stars on tours and receive the same level of respect and facilities. Let’s learn more about it.
Jaaved Jaaferi on standing up for dancers
Reflecting on the early days of stage shows, Jaaved Jaaferi shared that despite not being a major star at the time, he took a firm stand towards the contribution of dancers because he understood the hard work they put into every performance. “I was not some big star. If you look at it from that perspective, I was okay, mid-level. But I used to understand how hard the dancers worked and the right that is earned. So for me, it was that they should stay where we stay. We will stay in the same hotel,” he told IANS.Jaaved recalled that event organisers were initially surprised when he insisted on bringing dancers along for his performances. He shared, “Earlier, people used to tell me, ‘Sir, you come to our show and do a performance.’ I said I want dancers. They would say, ‘Sir, you are a dancer yourself. Why do you want dancers?’ I said, ‘That’s why I want dancers’.” The actor explained that while many stars at the time would perform a brief dance and leave, he wanted to present a properly choreographed act complete with supporting dancers. He added, “The heroes of that time, I won’t name anybody, but they used to go and do a little jig and come back. I said no. I want a proper structured item. Minimum I used to say two boys and one girl. If the budget was a little better, then three girls and three boys. It was a proper set kind of an item.”
Jaaved Jaaferi claims credit for the group dance trend
The actor and the ‘Boogie Woogie’ judge also revealed that he and his troupe travelled extensively across the country, including the Northeast, performing together as a team. Pointing to how stage performances have evolved, Jaaved said large dancer groups were uncommon in the 80s or early 90s. He stated, “Today, you are taking 15 dancers, 20 dancers, which is great. But honestly, I think I should take that credit that I opened that door, that dancers should come on and perform with artists.”Jaaved is currently seen as a judge on ‘India’s Best Dancer’ and will next appear in the fourth instalment of ‘Dhamaal’. Go to Source
