Sanaya Irani takes centre stage

Sanaya Irani has been missing in action after Rangrasiya went off air last year. Now the actress will finally be back on television on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

How did you spend your break away from the limelight? “I finally got a chance to indulge in the things I love. I was just relaxing, holidaying with friends and family, watching movies and eating a lot. I have been doing everything that I couldn’t do when my show was on air,” says Sanaya.

Sanaya reveals that she had been offered the show three years ago but couldn’t take it up due to other shows. Now that she is free, she could get on board. She says, “I knew that this year too I would be approached. And I was ready to take it up. Hence I consciously didn’t take up any other show.”

The TV actress admits that she isn’t much of a dancer, and is taking this as a chance to learn. She says, “I love dancing although I have never been trained in dance. I love watching people dance. I look at dancers and think, ‘I wish I could do that’.” The actress has already shot for her first act. It didn’t go as well as she planned but she is taking this in her stride. “It has been a good journey till date. My first act wasn’t impressive but that’s all right. I have a few things to learn from it.”

Sanaya will be seen in a sexy avatar, which is a far cry from her onscreen image. She says, “It’s a new look for the audience since they have only seen me in saris and salwars. This is how the real Sanaya is.” Considering her best friend Drashti Dhami won Jhalak previously, as did Rangrasiya co-star Ashish Sharma, did they share any tips? She says, “Ashish and I don’t really speak to each other, but Drashti has a lot of tips to offer. She tries to pep me up, and I keep calling her to ask all sorts of small things.”

There was also buzz about boyfriend Mohit Sehgal and Sanaya being offered another dance show, Nach Baliye. She admits the rumours are true. She says, “Yes, we had been offered the show but I am not a dancer. I’d rather learn the right techniques from a choreographer for now. Once I am confident, let’s see.”