Jaaved Jaaferi, the veteran actor, dancer, and comedian, has voiced his opinion on the current state of dance reality shows in India, finding them largely indistinguishable. According to Jaaferi, while these shows are overflowing with talent, they often lack originality and a distinctive quality that sets them apart.
Jaaferi, known for his exceptional dancing skills and iconic commentary on "Takeshi's Castle", reminisced about the dance reality show "Boogie Woogie," where he served as a judge alongside his brother Naved Jaffrey and Ravi Behl. "Boogie Woogie," which aired from 1996 to 2014, is considered one of the pioneering dance shows on Indian television. He emphasized the originality of "Boogie Woogie," noting that it wasn't a copy of any existing format. He believes that if the show were to return, it should be a fresh and different version.
"They all look the same," Jaaferi stated, highlighting that despite evolving formats, the core presentation of these shows rarely changes. "There's great talent around, but when it comes to the shows, nothing really stands out," he added.
Jaaferi also reflected on how the exposure for dancers has transformed over the years, stating that dancers today have access to global styles through the internet, unlike in the past. "Today, dancers watch everything online and pick up styles from all over the world. We didn't have that kind of exposure back then," he noted.
In a 2022 interview, Jaaferi expressed his concerns about the authenticity of modern reality shows, describing them as "clinical and rehearsed". He also commented on the prevalence of sob stories, suggesting they often feel fake and contrived. He contrasted this with "Boogie Woogie," which he felt was "organic, real, from the heart, and not scripted". He noted that while sob stories sometimes surface, talent, hope, and conquering disabilities were the primary focus, rather than manufactured narratives.
Despite his critique, Jaaferi acknowledges the platform these shows provide to aspiring artists. He recognizes the opportunity they offer for talent to gain exposure.
On a lighter note, a dance-off between Jaaved Jaaferi and Remo D'Souza on "Hip Hop India 2" grabbed attention, showcasing Jaaferi's enduring talent and energy.
Looking ahead, Jaaved Jaaferi is set to appear in the fantasy thriller "Mayasabha," scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. He was last seen in "De De Pyaar De 2" in November 2025, alongside Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, and his son, Meezaan Jafri.
