I have a long way to go as a dancer, says Jacqueline Fernandez

Jacqueline Fernandez is enjoying her stint as a judge on the reality show, Jhalak Diklaa Jaa. She took over the reins after the position was left vacant by Madhuri Dixit. We caught up with the actress on the grand sets of the show where she spoke at length about her experience as a judge, and about an unsatisfactory performance that she herself had once delivered. Edited excerpts:

What prompted you to take up the offer — the money or the massive exposure

I was a little shocked with the offer because I didn’t ever consider TV until the show was offered to me. A lot of people may or may not watch my movies or connect with my characters, but every single household in India has a television set. In Jhalak, there is no acting involved since I am a judge — viewers will see me for who I am. This is a great opportunity to connect with audiences.

You are known for your dancing skills. Have there been instances of stage performances that made you nervous

Of course. My first stage performance was at an awards show in 2010. I was really nervous dancing on the latest hits at that time and the performance was a disaster. I forgot most of my steps and the prop didn’t move properly. I didn’t know what to do and my costume was only a hindrance. Today, I know exactly what to do even if forget my moves, and where to look and what costumes to wear. I have realised that rehearsal is very important. I can even tell sometimes when contestants have not rehearsed enough. If you want to give 100 per cent you have to do your rehearsals day in and day out.

Celebrities, who have previously judged this show, have a huge body of work and have given lot of years to the industry. You, on the other hand, have got the opportunity to judge pretty soon in your career

I know it’s a huge opportunity for me. I still have a long way to go as a dancer; I still have a lot more to prove. Judges like Madhuri Dixit, Remo D’Souza and Shahid Kapoor have proved themselves. So, to have an opportunity like this is amazing because you are sitting on the judging panel and the fate of these contestants rest in your hands.

Which quality counts the most when you are judging a contestant

Honestly, a lot of these contestants are better dancers than me. I am not going to judge them on their technique or the dance form — I don’t even know it myself. I am going to judge them on how much they move me as an entertainer. I’ll also look at how much they push themselves every week.

The trendsetter that you are, people will always be curious about what you will be wearing on the show. Tell us something about your look for the season There are lot of designers who will be dressing me up for Jhalak. I want to bring a little bit of informality to the show, so I will not be seen in gowns and dresses that restrict me. I jump on the stage a lot and start dancing with the contestants, so my look will be casual. I want the contestants to see me as a mentor who has come here to motivate them.