My first taste of success and fame was when I won the Boogie Woogie Mahayudh solo championship in 2007. I have had my share of success and failures and my journey has surely not been a bed of roses but, I will not give up for sure.
I dream to become a leading choreographer in Bollywood, and I will surely achieve that dream.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
A person should never give up on their dreams as your dreams help you shape your life. I have been a dreamer since my childhood. I am a Keralite, born and brought up in Mumbai and hail from a very modest family wherein my parents taught me the importance of hard work and humility.
Myself, both my brothers and my sister have walked our respective life paths on these values. However, it took a while for me to convince my parents about my career aspiration. South Indian families have well educated kids in the blue-collar professions. But I was the odd one; I wanted to become a dancer.
My parents were completely against it as they knew the struggles it would involve. But I stood strong, faced everything and finally they agreed when I won the Boogie Woogie Mahayudh solo championship 2007.
2. When and how did you decide to become a dancer?
I have been good at sports and painting during my school days but, dance unfolded a whole new dimension for me. When I was in the 9th grade, I watched 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' which was I believe the first Bollywood movie to showcase different types of dance forms. That day, I vowed to become a dancer.
After that I participated in a dance contest was in my school, took dance classes to improvise my skill and since then I aspired to become a leading choreographer in Bollywood. My first taste of success and fame was when I participated in Boogie Woogie 2007, Dance India Dance (DID 2009) and many more dance reality shows, Jhalak Dhikla Jaa Season - 4, 5, 8 & 9.
The feather to my cap was when I judged the dance reality show 'Dance Kerala Dance Season 1 in 2018'. I have had my share of success and failures and my journey has surely not been a bed of roses but, I will not give up for sure. The dream is to be added to the list of top choreographers in the country and I will surely achieve that dream.
3. Who is your favorite dancer and why?
Every 80s and 90s kid will have only name as their dance guru - Michael Jackson 'the king of pop'. He was a legend, and I don’t even need to state a reason for me to like him. He was an emotion. All of us feel his loss but, he has left behind a legacy for us to follow.
We all love you Michael Jackson. My success is a tribute to you!
4. Can you throw some light on the opportunity one gets as a dancer?
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door! This world is competitive. Everyone is struggling to find a way for themselves. As a dancer, you will face stiff competition but, on the bright side you will get a lot of opportunities too.
My word of advice to all the aspiring dancers is that you will get ample opportunities and you might even fail in some but, if you want a career in this field then you should not give up.
I auditioned for Boogie Woogie and Dance India Dance, without the slightest hint that these 2 shows will change my life. Just imagine if I had missed that opportunity, I would not be a renowned name today. Nowadays, dancers and choreographers are respected. People look up to you and consider you as their idol.
Gone are those days when this profession was considered as a disgrace. With the changing times, people's thought processes have also undergone a transformation.
5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?
There is no problem in dancing without formal training but, if you want to pursue dancing in the long run, then I will strongly recommend that you undergo formal training. The major reason is that you will learn the proper techniques of dance like the body posture, strengthening of your muscle and flexibility and many more important aspects that need to be taken care of.
I have met many dancers who are amazingly talented even without a training but, have had many injuries as they start aging. So, please try and get a guru to help you hone your talent.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?
Stay focused and committed. The going can get tough but, do not ever give up. It is very important to hang out and socialize with people who have the same dreams. This will motivate you to do better in life and stay focused. Network with people, attend events where you can find successful people and connect with them.
Please do not take a break in your career. Initially, you may not earn much till you establish yourself so, if you need a financial support please work and continue dancing. Jealousy is your worst enemy so do not feed that within you. Every person has a different path, a different success story, so learn to accept that and remain on your path.
Lastly, stay grounded, stay positive and respect everyone you meet.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
I read a lot of motivational books and my most favorite book is 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' by Robert Kiyosaki. It is my number 1 favorite book as the learnings you get from this book is just life changing. The book revolves around the story of the author’s 2 dads; one his birth father who is a poor person, and the other dad (his father’s best friend) who is a rich man.
The book teaches you all about money and how to tame your mind and take the right step to become and remain rich. According to the book, we have tremendous potential, and we all are blessed with gifts. Yet the one thing that holds all of us back is some degree of self-doubt.
This book is a must read if you want to become rich and to learn the techniques to remain rich. I recommend this book to everyone.
Websites: www.jaikumarnair.com, www.iamjuzjai.com & www.idancenfitness.com
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Twitter: @iamjuzjai
Snapchat: @juzjai
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