Britain's Got Talent Indian semi-finalist Akshat Singh: Want to change the mindset that 'Fat people can't dance'

Child prodigy Akshat Singh is not new to fame. He first made headlines in 2014 when a video from one of his performances in India's Got Talent went viral. He was seen dancing on a Salman Khan song in it. In the last few years, Akshat has been a part of a few popular international shows. From being a guest on Ellen DeGeneres talk show to now qualifying for the semifinals in Britain's Got Talent, Akshat's popularity has massively increased. His performance on 'BGT' won him a golden buzzer. Akshat then went on to represent India in the semi-finals of 'BGT' in London. In an exclusive chat with the TimesofIndia.com, Akshat talked about his journey from IGT to Britain's Got Talent and claimed it's false that 'Fat people can't dance'.

I want to change the common mentality that fat people can't dance. It doesn't matter if you are short, fat or tall. The important thing in life is you should be happy with what you are doing. Dance makes me happy. Your body type cannot restrict you from dancing.

I message and stay in touch with Salman sir. Like when I went to Britain's Got Talent, I had messaged him and he had given his best wishes. Even when I passed class 8th with 85% marks, I shared the news with him and he was very happy. He is God for me and has a heart of gold. He always pushes me to do my best and guides me.

In Britain's Got Talent or any other reality show abroad, they are very professional. I am not saying we are not professional. But they value your time. There they don't allow kids to work or shoot after 6 pm. That is the best thing there. I hope someday we will also be able to implement this rule.

I try and keep a balance between my performances and studies. Wherever I go I carry my books because my father always tells me that it is very important to study. So I never neglect or ignore it. I know that my education will help me grow. When I went to Britain's Got Talent they asked me so many questions. Had I not been educated, I would have not been able to answer them. Education will take me places.

My parents are very supportive of my dreams. They are like my pillars of strength. I love food and all my energy comes from there.

Reaching to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent is the highlight of my career. It is one of the biggest shows in the world. I feel proud that celebrities like Simon Cowell know me. Performing in front of such stalwarts makes me really happy, and was the proudest moment for me.

Being on Ellen DeGeneres show was also dream come true. She is a very warm person. I met a lot of new people during that visit. I met Bradley Cooper but when I met him I did not know who he was. After coming to India, I realised he was the Bradley Cooper (laughs).

I want to choreograph Salman Khan sir in the future, if I ever get a chance. I would definitely like to learn a classical dance form like Kathak.

There should be a balance of every dance form I feel. Nowadays, we only see western dance forms being performed on reality shows, but we should not ignore the Indian ones.

I love Salman sir. But apart from him, if we talk about dance, I want to become like Mr Michael Jackson sir. As a performer I would say Amitabh Bachchan sir. I really respect both these legends. I love Amitabh Bachchan sir for his hard work for the way he has been ruling the industry for the last 40 years. It is amazing.

Performing on BGT was like a dream come true for me and reaching the semi-finals was like a cherry on the cake. I did a lot of hard work and I am very happy that I could represent India on an International platform. I will keep working hard till I fulfill my dreams. I know my hard work will take me places. Like Rome wasn't built in a day, I will also keep working hard. I want to be known internationally and want to be like legends Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Jackson.