Hrithik challenges Shahid for a 'Dance Off' at IIFA 2014

Was it playful banter between two of the best dancers in Bollywood Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor or was it one-upmanship and cut throat competition? Well, the IIFA 2014 press conference turned out to be interesting for some very different reasons. For starters, the 'caustic camaraderie' (or should we call it sarcastic verbal duel?) between Hrithik and Shahid while on stage was hard to miss. Hrithik who was seated between Farhan Akhtar and Shahid looked quite pally with Farhan and more 'playfully combative' with Shahid. Had the IIFA organising team asked the distinguished dais personalities to create a sensation where none would have otherwise existed? All seemed to be going well until Shahid took the first jibe at Hrithik. Shahid who will be co-hosting IIFA 2014 with Farhan had just finished complimenting the later on his hosting skill by saying 'Farhan, you are the best host ever ever ever,' when Hrithik asked, ' The way you are repeatedly saying 'ever' gives out an impression that what you just said about Farhan is not true.' A witty Shahid responded by saying, ' Hrithik, you are the best dancer, ever ever ever.' A not so amused Hrithik replied, ' Now you are saying the truth.' Shahid, later while replying to a question on whether he would be tempted to perform with Shiamak at IIFA said, "I won't be performing. I will be happy watching Hrithik dance at IIFA." History shows that IIFA has always seen one superstar literally dominating the award show with his overbearing presence. From Salman to Bachchans to SRK all have ruled IIFA at one point or another. With Hrithik slated to perform and get top billing at IIFA after almost a decade, it's anybody's guess that he would want to make it special and grand. Is it because of Hrithik's special performance that Shahid decided not to don his dancing shoes at IIFA? Just when we thought nothing more could spice up the press conference, Hrithik dropped a bomb. When quizzed, what he is looking forward to at IIFA in America this time, Hrithik without batting an eyelid said, "Well right about now, I am seriously only looking forward to Shahid's reaction when I dance." Assuming a serious tone, Hrithik then turned to Shahid and looked him straight in the eye and said, "And you better stick to your words dude...yeah." A confused and nervous Shahid looked at a loss for words and could only blurt 'Yeah bro' in return. While there may not be any serious tiff between Hrithik and Shahid, their nimble dancing histrionics have always made fans wonder who the better is between the two of them. Master choreographer Prabhu Dheva who has worked with both these actors (choreographed Hrithik in 'Main Aisa Kyun Hoon?') had once stated in an interview that "Hrithik is the best dancer in Bollywood." However, Shahid is not shy of his admirers many of whom believe that he is a better dancer than Hrithik - especially when age and injury (physical and emotional too) is catching up with the superstar superhero... In 2010, top choreographers had picked Shahid as the best dancer. Apparently, choreographer Ahmed Khan was reportedly believed to have confessed that Shahid's dance moves were more enjoyable than Hrithik as the former knows the technicalities of his dancing which make his movements interesting. It may well be remembered that 2010 was the year when Shahid burnt the dance floor at Filmfare when he paid tribute to ultimate dance icon Michael Jackson. But with Shahid having decided to not dance at IIFA this time, we feel aficionados will be a bit disappointed. After all, competition would have only livened things up and with Hrithik saying he wants to see Shahid reaction when he dances, it would have made for a perfect sight to see Hrithik's reaction, had Shahid also decided to perform this time. Wonder whether IIFA organisers will have a special Shahid performance to make the event more Paisa Vasool... Wonder what Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Rani Mukerji who have worked with both the dancing stars in their recent films have to say about who's the better dancer!!!