MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s India’s Best Dancer is creating the right buzz with its exceptional content and outstanding performances by the top contestants. This weekend, the show will celebrate folk fusion special and has invited Pop singers Guru Randhawa and Dhvani Bhanushali and veteran folk singer Illa Arun as guests on the show. While they thoroughly enjoyed the performances, the guests will also be sharing interesting anecdotes about their own journey.

Contestant Rutuja Junnarkar, who hails from Pune, along with choreographer Ashish Patil delivered one of the most mesmerizing acts on the popular song – ‘Ghumar’ from the movie Padmaavat. Guest judge Illa Arun was mighty impressed with their performance and applauded them for their talent. Whereas the three judges gave them a standing ovation for their folk rendition. Illa Arun said, “I loved the performance. in such a short time span, you both showed immense energy, used various props, the way you both used the ghagra was magnificent to watch. I really want to say that Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Deepika Padukone did a brilliant job with the song, but the way you both presented the song with a touch of fusion, it looked beautiful and will resonate with this generation. I really want to thank you guys who believe in bringing innovation to our folk culture. You guys showcased Kalbelia costumes, Rajwada ka ghumar and did Bhavai dance. It was like seeing Rajasthan on stage today.” Illa Arun further added, “Rutuja, I was told that you wanted to pursue engineering but looking at your interest in dance since childhood, your father supported and pushed you to pursue dance as your career. In our times it was the opposite, but fortunately even my family supported me a lot as I was keen on singing and followed my passion. In our times, girls had limited career options like government jobs, doctor, engineer or a teacher and nothing beyond this.”

Listening to Illa Arun, Geeta Kapur said, “Illaji, your contribution to this industry and our culture is something that people will remember for generations, thank you so much ma’am. It is amazing to see to someone see hold on to their culture and roots. Illa ji is an Idol whom we look up to.” Malaika Arora, who appreciated their act as well as the costumes, said, “Ashish, you were on fire today! You were completely drawn by the culture. And you have got a sincere student like Rutuja, who performed so beautifully.” Ashish gave all the credit to the designing team for their hard work, expertise and said, “We only have to give them a reference and what they make out of that is commendable.” Terence Lewis said,” "Illa Arunji spoke about the act, the custom, certain elements in the act which were simply beautiful. This performance brought the whole of Rajasthan culture, art, village folk together on stage. Illa Arunji, who hails from Rajasthan understands and knows the real essence of this culture, she has been a part of it. The performance of Rutuja and choreographer Ashish was technically on point and showcased immense energy”.

Furthermore, Rutuja requested Illa Arun to do a few steps with her on stage. The veteran folk singer happily came on stage and performed on ‘Resham Ka Rumaal’ alongside Ashish, Rutuja, Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapur. Everyone was mesmerised with their folk dance moves. 

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