'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa': Put on your dancing shoes on June 16

New Delhi: The fifth season of popular dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' kicks off on June 16 with contestants from all age groups fighting it out on the dance floor for the title of India's niftiest dancer.

'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa', which aired on entertainment channel Sony since 2006, will now be aired on Colors which signed up actor Madhuri Dixit as one of the judges for the upcoming season of the celebrity-based show.

The show, inspired by international show 'Dancing With The Stars', saw Madhuri on the judges' panel in its fourth season too. But that time, she was busy travelling between India and the US, where her family - her husband, and two kids - was then settled.

Darsheel Safari

The actress has now shifted base back to India, and is expected to be more relaxed on the sets as she doesn't have to think of travelling far away after every shooting schedule, said a source.

'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' features celebrities and well-known faces, who train with professional dance partners and perform various styles of dancing. The judges panel usually consists of three. Choreographer-director Remo D'Souza and filmmaker Karan Zohar make up the trio this year.

From ghaghra-choli to body hugging dress - the fifth season will see actress Pratyusha Banerjee, known for playing Anandi in top-rated show 'Balika Vadhu', transform from a typical bahu to a glam diva. She will compete with celebrity contestants from all walks of life for the title. This year's list of participants will see the likes of Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya and ghazal singer Talat Aziz.

Darsheel Safary, the 'Taare Zameen Par' child star, is another candidate on the show vying for the top spot. He is already learning the nuances of wooing Bollywood ladies. He recently, serenaded Priyanka Chopra and Madhuri Dixit on the sets of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa'. The 16-year-old, who is among the 12 contestants, danced to the romantic number 'Chaudhvi ka chaand' with Madhuri.

International cricket star Sanath Jayasuriya performed on a different pitch - he took to the dance floor and grooved to popular track 'Tama tama loge'.

The former Sri Lankan cricket captain was shy and, even in a 30-second sneak peek into his recently-acquired dancing skills, took a while to get used to the stage and dance style. Dressed in a white suit, he came on the stage with his choreographer Suchitra, and started by pointing a finger here and there on the lyrics 'Tu meri ahaa....'

He may not have been the best dancer from the total bouquet of 12 celebrities participating in the show, but he received the maximum cheers from the media during the glitzy press conference of the show. The show has a record of drawing in audiences of all age group due to its high entertainment value. This year too will be no exception. (Inputs from IANS)

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)