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Irfan’s new avatar

Cricketer Irfan Pathan decided to indulge his love for dancing, by entering the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Reloaded, as he could afford to take time off from cricket. After wowing spectators with his cricketing shots, Irfan says, “I am now keen on entertaining the audience with my dance performance.” Cricket comes naturally to him and he is an ace in that field, but dance is a new and tough territory, because he admits that he has not danced much before this. “Well, the judges Shahid Kapoor and Karan Johar were warm and welcoming towards me, so this helped. And yes, the practice sessions are not easy but being a sportsman I have this ‘Never say die” attitude towards everything.”

Irfan’s choreographer Suchitra Sawant is also a huge help, as Irfan says, “She is encouraging and always praises me for my hardwork, even if the steps need to be worked on more. Her positive attitude helps me. Also, since dance is my passion, I am not nervous. I love to work hard and put in my best.” How long does he work on his moves and any injuries? “I practise for a couple of hours everyday. I don’t count the hours as I enjoy dancing, but I work on my steps till I get them right. I am a cricketer, so I am fit as I workout every day. Luckily, no bruises or broken bones yet.”

This is the first time Irfan has been able to dedicate so much time to pursue an art he loves. Before this, dancing was something he did as a kid and in the recent past, shook a leg at wedding celebrations of friends and relatives. “The steps were always haphazard, but I enjoyed dancing to the tunes of Hindi songs. Jhalak marks Irfan’s entry into showbiz. How different is the world of professional sport to reality TV? “Cricket is my passion, the whole world is watching it on an international level and this cannot be compared. While you’re representing your country it’s a fight you have to win. You want to make your country proud. At such times, it is a combination of passion and patriotism. Jhalak too is a popular show and the nation is watching you but it’s on a different level.

“Cricket is my way of demonstrating my love for India. I am proud of the fact that I have been chosen to represent my country on the cricket field. During a match, the whole team wants to win for the country. It is about patriotism. But on the dance floor, I just want to entertain the audience.”

What do his cricketer buddies have to say about his new avatar? “They are happy for me and will be watching the show. My brother Yusuf and the rest of my family are always there to cheer me on.” After Jhalak finishes, what is next on the agenda? “I will be concentrating on my foundation. It is called ‘Cricket Academy of Pathans’. It is a self-funded project where we help under-privileged children, coach them, give them equipment and other things. The funds I raise from Jhalak, too, will be going towards helping these kids.”

( Source : deccan chronicle )
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