Exclusive: I’ll remember my dancing idol Appu mama in every energetic dance performance: Dancing Champion judge Vijay Raghavendra

Kannada film actor Vijay Raghavendra is undoubtedly one of the most loved judges of Kannada television. The actor is currently seen judging the new dance reality show 'Dancing Champion' which was launched on January 8. While he is rooting for unlimited and powerpack performances from the contestants, ETimes TV got in touch with the actor on the sets of the reality show amidst the shoot to know more about his recent outing on TV.

That's not all, Vijay Raghavendra got candid about his love for dance and also spoke a lot more about his beloved family member late Puneeth Rajkumar, whom he regards as his dancing idol.

Dancing Champion is yet again a celebration. I am all charged up and excited to be a part of yet another dance reality show. I am also excited because the reality show is a blend of celebrities and dance enthusiasts. On the whole, the reality show is all about dance and I connect a lot with this art form.

As judges, we have been given the responsibility of giving the contestants proper guidance. I feel it's our duty as judges to encourage them and allow them to give their best in each performance. Be it the premiere performance or the finale, it is important to encourage the contestants throughout their journey in the competition. But beyond that, we all share something in common that is nothing but the love for the art form. I feel that keeps us all connected.

Talking about the contestants, I don't look at them as participants. In fact, I don't even consider myself a judge in the first place. I always feel the contestants are much better dancers than I am. I want to see what best they can give. I am here only to just boost their energy. I want them to enjoy every performance they give on stage. I would be glad if I can be a part of their milestone and nothing much about it.

I am looking forward to having a lot of fun and witness some amazing dance performances. Of course, dance has a lot of emotions connected to it. There are instances when we as judges get carried away with the little emotions connected with the act. Tears just roll down from our eyes. One can feel all sorts of emotions through dance, it's inevitable. On the whole, I am looking for that rollercoaster ride in the show.

Considering the present dance forms, I still feel I am learning. I believe there is a lot more for me to explore when it comes to modern dance forms. Whatever dance form is being performed in front of me, it rekindles the urge in me to know more about it. I’m still keen to learn a new dance form.

From a very early age, I have been associated with film, music, and dance. And of course, I would want to remember our late actor Puneeth Rajkumar, who is also my elder cousin's brother. He is the one who introduced me to western music and breakdance. Ever since, I have been exposed to the art form and my body just swings to any music being played. So yes, dance has been a part of my life for a long time now.

I am sure that there will be a lot of instances where the contestants will be performing to Puneeth Rajkumar's songs. I am sure I will remember him in every energetic dance performance. I have also danced to his songs a lot of times on stage. In fact, I have been fortunate enough to even dance with him on stage.

This incident is very close to my heart actually. It happened when I was hosting an award event in Dubai. I always wanted to learn the signature step of the song 'Dance Appu Dance' from the movie 'Rajkumara'. So, when Appu maama was on stage, I just seized the opportunity and requested him to teach me that particular step from the song. He was very humble and taught me the steps right away on the stage itself. It was a delight to watch Appu maama grooving to the step. No matter how much he tried to teach me, I just could not match his energy. The step seemed very easy and was highly difficult to follow. I just ended up watching him dance and nothing more than that.

Every moment spent with Puneeth maama will be cherished throughout my life. I feel blessed to have known him since childhood. Appu maama is an inspiration to me when it comes to dancing. Now that he is not there with us physically, I don't want to use the word 'remembering' while talking about him. There is not even a single day that goes by without thinking about him. I am sure that our beloved Puneeth Rajkumar will be there in the good deeds we do.