Hrithik: It made me cry to send back contestants

Hrithik Roshan, who makes jaws drop with his flawless moves and flexible dancing style, is making his television debut as judge on a dance reality show Just Dance. He calls Michael Jackson and Shammi Kapoor his idols.

The winner of the show gets to dance with Hrithik in a video, pocket Rs 1 crore in cash and drive away in a Swift from Maruti Suzuki. Just Dance airs on Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm, beginning on June 18 on Star Plus.

Excerpts from an interview in which Hrithik reveals how emotional he got on the show, and the importance of time management.

This is the first time you have featured in a music video, to promote your dance show Just Dance. Why did you do it?

In the last six years, if you look at my releases like Jodhaa Akbar, Guzaarish and my next film Agneepath, you will see that I didn't get much opportunity to dance. So, when they came up with this idea, I embraced it.

Why not do this music video where I can do what I enjoy doing most? After seeing the contests dance my eagerness and passion to do something that has not been done is even higher. My dream is to have a definitive dance video.

Vaibhavi Merchant (co-judge) said that you became emotional and gave your personal number to all the eliminated contestants!

I thought it would be easy for me to pick the contestants, but I was wrong. I was never so nervous in my entire life. Every contestant who performed in front of us had worked hard to reach this stage.

Books can be written or movies can be made on each of their journeys. I went through emotional upheaval during the short-listing from 30,000 contestants to 52 and then 21.

People, who are associated with dance and music, have kind of an aura because of the kind of journey they have taken. It made me cry to send them back so I gave them my personal number and said that if I can in any way be helpful to them, I will be at their service.

You have auditioned globally, so where did you find the talent better -- in India or abroad?

There is no difference in talent no matter from which part of the world they come. Dance and music are universal and they do not adhere to man-made geographical boundaries.

Is there any dance type that you find difficult to perform?

I find every dance step difficult. Whenever I start rehearsals, I start from zero and I feel that I can't do this. Then I slowly learn. I am no god of dance; I am just a symbol of dance through which the gods of dance can get their platform.

I am blessed that I have become a symbol for something that stands for such a great talent. But I'm not the best dancer in the country, city, or my neighbourhood. I'm just a very hardworking dancer.