‘Kids handling fame is crucial’

Marzi Pestonji aka Master Marzi talks to Sangeeta Yadav about judging little dancers in the Season 4 of DID Li’l Masters and how these children handle instant fame and take their talent forward

• How does it feels like to be a judge of yet another season of Dance India Dance Li’l Masters Season 4...

It feels amazing. There is a lot of great talent and we always feel a sense of happiness and pride. There is a sense of fulfillment that we are on a show like this which gives a platform to children to showcase their talent which is mind-blowing.

• Is it difficult to judge these little wonders?

It is difficult because you get so much of good talent that who to say no to leaves me in a big dilemma.

• How do these kids take the ‘no’?

Children take it very well. I have not seen many children crying because they have not got selected. They say that they will work hard and come back next year again to participate. In fact, it is their parents who are more ambitious and ask us to give another chance to their child.

• How do these kids get that attitude?

For them, it is like any other school competitions. They know that there is going to be only one winner and that it is not necessary to come first, second or third all the time. They understand that the real joy is in participating and work hard to perform well. Today’s generation is very different than the previous ones who used to get disheartened by not excelling the show. Of course, the pressure is always in them in whichever every field they are in, be it school or extracurricular activities but the best part about DID is that you enjoy and love what you do. That is great.

• What made you say no to the contestant?

Most of the time, it is because of their talent which needs a lot of improvement. There are others who consider themself to be an excellent dancer but are not in real life. They live in denial that they are very talented but they are not. They go on to make a career in dancing and to convince them that you are not good enough is difficult.

• What has been the biggest learning for you from working with the kids?

I take back their never be defeated attitude which is amazing. They are full of zest and I love their bindass attitude.

• How come these kids are so flexible that they can fold any part of their body as they want?

That’s because they start dancing early in their life. Years ago there was no dance school but today every nook and corner has a dance school which is an advantage. Children as old as five years of age are getting trained in dancing. They are molded to be flexible, stretch every muscle and fold joints with ease. You work from an early stage to mold your body as you want.

• What is your judging criteria?

Full of talent, best of dancing and what new and different children are bringing to the table. These three will be the broad judging criteria for me.

• How do these children handle the fame that they get through this show?

That is my biggest concern. Children become famous and when they go back to their town, they don’t know how to handle fame and it sometimes lead them to the wrong path. The key is never let success go to your head and parents should make sure that their children stay grounded and never let their talent take a backseat.

• How do these children take their talent forward?

They go back and start their own training centre or assist in choreography. They earn a living by training others. There is one contestant who is the only earning member of the family as the father is bedridden and the mother is also not working and earns Rs 1000 from each performance. Another student teaches other children of her age and younger and charges Rs 100 per person.

The most important thing is that parents should ensure that their child completes their education and should be the priority. Even if you are dancing or not dancing, it is the education that will take you to places.