Actor-cum-dancer Javed Jaaferi recalls his early days when he played an important 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 one of the first artistes to insist that dancers accompany the stars on tours and receive the same level of respect and facilities. Let’s learn more about it.
Jaaved Jaaferi to stand in for the dancers
Reflecting on the early days of stage shows, Jaaved Jaaferi shared that even though he was not a major star at the time, he strongly stood by the contribution of the dancers because he understood the hard work they put into each performance. “I’m not a big star. If you look at it from that perspective, I’m okay, mid-level. So for me, they should stay where we live. We will stay in the same hotel,” he told IANS.Jaaved remembers that the event organizers were surprised at first when he insisted on bringing dancers for his performances. He shared, “Before, people used to say to me, ‘Sir, you come to our show and do a show.’ I said I want a dancer. They would say, ‘Sir, you are a dancer yourself. Why do you want dancers?’ I said, ‘That’s why I like dancers’.”The actor explained that while many stars at that time would perform a short 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 anyone, but they used to go and do a little jig and come back. I said no. I wanted a properly structured thing. I used to say a minimum of two men and one woman. If the budget was better, then three women and three men. It’s a proper set type of thing. “
Jaaved Jaaferi takes credit for the group dance trend
The actor and the ‘Boogie Woogie’ judge also revealed that he and his troupe have been traveling across the country, including the Northeast, performing together as a team. Pointing out how stage shows have evolved, Jaaved said that big dance groups were not common in the 80s or early 90s. He stated, “Now, you get 15 dancers, 20 dancers, which is great. But honestly, I think I have to take the credit that I opened the door, that dancers should go and perform with artists.“Jaaved is currently seen as a judge on ‘India’s Best Dancer’ and will next be seen in the fourth installment of ‘Dhamaal’.