Geeta Kapur on India's Best Dancer 5, Her Journey, Dance & Human Connections

One of the most recognisable faces in Indian dance reality television, Geeta Kapur has built a special bond with audiences through her passion for dance and her nurturing presence as a mentor. As India's Best Dancer returns for its fifth season, Geeta speaks about her journey from backstage dancer to television star, the changing landscape of dance, the show's new season, and the responsibility that comes with being "Geeta Maa."

Excerpts-

No dance reality show seems complete without you. How do you feel about that?

I hope that's true, and I hope it stays that way for a long time. It's very sweet to hear. I'm grateful for the love and acceptance I've received from audiences over the years.

Looking back, how do you see your journey from being a backstage dancer to becoming one of television's most loved personalities?

Honestly, I never imagined myself being on television or judging reality shows. At that point in life, I was simply focused on earning my bread and butter and supporting my family. Then, in 2008, someone saw potential in me and believed I could do something more.

Since then, I haven't looked back. I've been extremely blessed. I must be doing something right because audiences have continued to shower me with love for nearly sixteen years now. It's been a beautiful journey.

If you had to define dance in one word, what would it be?

I don't think I can define dance in just one word because it has meant different things to me at different stages of my life.At a time when I needed support, dance became my best friend. During happier phases, it gave me fame and recognition. Dance has been my companion, my strength, my profession, and my passion. One word simply isn't enough to describe what dance means to me.

Along with dance came fame and recognition. How do you look at that success?

A lot of people befriend dance, but not everyone receives fame. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to find both success and love through dance have truly been blessed. What makes me happiest is that along with fame, I've received tremendous affection from people. Today, many public figures receive more trolling than blessings, but thankfully I've received far more blessings than negativity. I'm genuinely grateful for that.

Tell us about India's Best Dancer Season 5. What can audiences expect?

This is the fifth season of India's Best Dancer, and it's going to be very special. We now have four judges, with Javed Jaffrey joining the panel.The show celebrates songs from different generations—songs that you loved, songs I loved, and songs that today's youngsters may be discovering for the first time. Through these performances, viewers will understand why those songs touched our hearts and why they remain timeless. It’s a show that will connect emotionally with audiences. The dance performances will grab your attention, but the nostalgia and emotions will touch your heart.

Dance today is very different from what we saw years ago. How do you view this evolution?

Indian dance has always been a fusion of styles. Bollywood dance itself is a beautiful blend of classical, folk and international influences. Today’s dancers are more exposed to Western dance forms and have incorporated them into their performances. While that evolution is wonderful, this season we're trying to bring back the emotional connection we once had with songs, melodies and storytelling.We are becoming increasingly focused on technical perfection, but sometimes we forget that dance is also about feeling. It's about recall value, emotional connection and creating moments that stay with you. That's the essence we're bringing back this season.

As a judge, what will you be looking for this year?

I've always appreciated innovation and fresh ideas. But this season, I don't necessarily want contestants to reinvent everything.I want them to take something familiar—an old song, an old style, a beloved melody—and bring their own freshness to it. Keep the soul intact, preserve what people love about it, but add your own personality and perspective.

That's what I'm looking for.

Today's generation of dancers is incredibly skilled and competitive. How do you judge such talented performers?

The most important thing for me is honesty.I will honestly evaluate their performances, and I hope they remain open to criticism and feedback. Growth only happens when you're willing to listen and learn.I simply want them to come on stage and perform honestly. If they do that, I will respond honestly as a judge. That relationship of trust between performer and mentor is very important.

Will viewers see some surprising performances this season?

Absolutely. From what we've already shot, I can say there are some fantastic performances. What’s exciting is that some songs people never imagined could be interpreted through dance have been transformed beautifully. The contestants have managed to preserve the essence of those songs while bringing a fresh perspective to them. Audiences are going to enjoy the music just as much as the dance itself.

Will contestants be divided into teams this season?

No. We already have our Top 12 contestants, and they are working individually with their respective gurus.Watch

So you'll get to see 12 brilliant performers paired with 12 fantastic mentors. Some of the gurus are familiar faces, while others are new. It's going to be a lot of fun.

Do differences of opinion arise among the judges?

One hundred percent! Every judge has a distinct personality and perspective. Terence is very particular about cleanliness, sharpness and technical precision in dance. I’ve always been vocal about my opinions too. In fact, people now tell me that I've become stricter and blunter. So naturally, our viewpoints will clash at times. But that's healthy because contestants benefit from hearing different perspectives. They receive four valuable forms of feedback instead of just one.

Contestants affectionately call you "Geeta Maa." How do you view this title?

I consider it a blessing. At the same time, it comes with a great deal of responsibility. When people look up to you in that way, you have to live up to their expectations. I only hope I'm fulfilling that responsibility well.

We've often seen you become emotional when contestants are eliminated. Why does it affect you so deeply?

Because I understand what hard work feels like.When someone dedicates themselves completely to a goal and doesn't achieve the result they hoped for, it's heartbreaking. Especially when you can clearly see their talent and potential. Whether it's because of voting or one weak performance, it hurts to watch someone leave before they've fully shown what they're capable of.I think these reality shows are among the few platforms left where genuine human connections still exist. In today's social media-driven world, those connections are becoming rare.On shows like India's Best Dancer and Super Dancer, people still learn directly from gurus, build relationships and grow together. I'm fortunate to be part of that environment.

Javed Jaffrey has joined the judging panel this season. How do you feel about that?

I'm actually a little nervous! He brings immense knowledge and experience. His understanding of dance, the entertainment industry and reality television is extraordinary. In many ways, he has been a mentor to all of us. I just hope he doesn't start judging us judges! (Laughs)But honestly, I'm thrilled he's back. His presence adds tremendous value to the show, and I'm very excited that he agreed to be a part of it.

Have you said goodbye to choreographing for films?

I never say never, but for now, yes, it has been a conscious decision. I feel that if I don't have something new to offer, I don't want to keep repeating the same things. The day I feel I can bring something fresh and meaningful to the big screen, I'll happily return. Until then, I'm content focusing on other creative avenues.

Are you still in touch with your mentor, Farah Khan?

Of course. She's been very busy lately, but we've met and stayed connected.

I'm genuinely happy to see the incredible work she's doing now, especially on YouTube. She's absolutely killing it, and it makes me very proud.

Any final message for your fans and viewers?

India's Best Dancer Season 5 is coming with a promise—to touch your hearts once again. We’re bringing back the emotions, the nostalgia, the music and the connections that make dance so special. So please watch the show at 9.30 P.M on Sat-Sun on Sony and be part of this beautiful journey with us.