The latest season of India’s Best Dancer has kicked off, and after watching the first two episodes, here’s a breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and the contestants who are already making waves. As a long-time follower of dance reality shows, and especially India’s Best Dancer, I was eager to see what Season 4 would bring.
One of the initial disappointments was the elimination of the Tollywood dancer during the battle round. His audition performance had set high expectations, and even in the battle, despite a few visible errors, his overall performance was commendable. It was surprising to see him not make it to the top 12, especially considering the promise he showed initially. The ‘Mauka vs Chauka’ theme, introduced this season, definitely adds an element of unpredictability and perhaps, a higher risk factor for contestants.
Speaking of contestants, Nextion and Nepo were pitted against each other, and personally, Nextion impressed more. His movements were incredibly fluid and precise. If only one could advance, Nextion seemed like the stronger choice. The trio act featuring Boogie with them was a definite highlight, showcasing their adaptability and stage presence.
Arjun is undoubtedly a deserving contestant. His audition resonated deeply, and his dance style is captivating. However, the show’s continued use of struggle stories during a contestant’s narration feels somewhat cliché and detracts from the performance itself. It’s a common trope in reality shows, and perhaps it’s time for a more nuanced approach to contestant backstories.
Chitranshi’s performance was decent, but it lacked the ‘wow’ factor that truly memorable auditions possess. It was an okay performance, but not one that immediately screams ‘India’s Best Dancer Season 4 top contender’.
On the other hand, the ‘Fevicol guy’ as he was dubbed, delivered a truly unforgettable act. The judges’ and Momma’s reactions were spot on – it was an incredibly entertaining and unique bone-breaking performance. The song choice further amplified the performance’s impact, making it one of the most memorable acts from these initial episodes.
Sushmita and Ishani were both standouts. Their fusion of Western and classical dance styles was seamless and captivating. Their performances have raised hopes for Shweta, a beloved choreographer from previous seasons, to return this season as well. The selection of Ishani’s boyfriend is a point of slight ethical ambiguity, especially if he hadn’t actually auditioned independently. This aspect felt a bit scripted, a common occurrence in reality television.
The contestant who paid tribute to Geeta and Terence was talented, but the comedic elements incorporated into his act didn’t quite land. The dance was good, but the humor felt somewhat forced.
Harsh delivered an outstanding performance, posing a strong challenge to Samarpan. It felt as though the judges were hesitant to acknowledge that a contestant had outperformed a previous season’s winner, hence the excessive praise for Samarpan, even when Harsh arguably shone brighter in that particular battle.
Adina’s performance didn’t quite resonate personally. Her battle with Boogie also felt underwhelming. This might simply be a matter of stylistic preference, as this particular dance style may not appeal to everyone.
The choreographer from Odisha was another strong performer. However, his selection process also seemed somewhat scripted. The interaction with the audience felt out of place, as this wasn’t a common practice in earlier seasons of India’s Best Dancer.
Sunday’s episode saw Harsh and Adina emerge victorious in their respective battles against Samarpan and Boogie. So far, Arjun, Harsh, and Adina are confirmed in the top 12, setting the stage for intense competition in India’s Best Dancer Season 4.
Additional Observations from the Episodes:
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Gaurav’s Hair: What was that hair styling choice? It’s definitely a talking point, though perhaps not in a positive way.
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‘LOLO Love’: The ‘LOLO Love’ dialogue feels forced and cringey. Hopefully, they’ll refrain from overusing it. Karishma’s constant references to anecdotes from past shows like DTPH are becoming repetitive. Mentioning it twice in just Sunday’s episode felt excessive.
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Judges’ Reactions to ‘Chauka’: The exaggerated reactions from judges and contestants when someone chooses ‘Chauka’ are unwarranted. The over-the-top responses, as if it’s a catastrophic decision, are unnecessary. Geeta’s comment about contestants not thinking when choosing ‘Chauka’ and the overly positive reactions to ‘Mauka’ feel artificial, considering the show itself designed this format.
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‘Nepo’ Stage Name: In the current social media landscape, ‘Nepo’ as a stage name is ill-advised. It immediately brings to mind the term ‘nepo kids’ which is associated with privileged, less talented individuals. It’s an unfortunate name choice.
Overall, India’s Best Dancer Season 4 has presented a mix of promising contestants and some questionable show elements in its initial episodes. The talent pool seems strong, and it will be interesting to see how the season progresses and which dancers will truly stand out.
