Maharana is ready to dance

Faisal Khan, who is better known as small screen’s young Maharana Pratap, started his career with a dance reality show, which he eventually won. The actor will soon get back to flaunting his moves, this time on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’s upcoming season. We caught up with the 16-year-old for a chat where he spoke about the show and his stint on television. Excerpts:
 
Are you still following Maharana Pratap?
I watch a few episodes here and there. I haven’t been watching it regularly as I was busy with my exams earlier and now I am caught up with Jhalak rehearsals.
 
Are you in touch with anyone from that show?
Personally, I am only in touch with Aashu di (Aashka Goradia). But we do have a WhatsApp group of all the artists and technicians. So I am in touch with them through that group.
 
Why dance?
I have always loved to dance and, hence, my career officially started with Dance India Dance. After that, acting happened with Maharana Pratap. Now, I love both dancing and acting equally.
 
Since most of the other contestants on the show are elder to you, how do you feel about competing with them?
I don’t think age is a criterion for talent. Competition is competition.
 
How are you preparing for the show?
We have been doing lots and lots of rehearsals. I am also experimenting on concepts and dance forms with my choreographers. We are working together to bring something totally different on stage.
 
Have you made any friends yet?
It’s too early to form friendships, but yes, I have been interacting with Sanaya Irani and Kavita Kaushik. Both seem to be extremely sweet.