I'm a host first, an entertainer later: VJ Andy

He has hosted reality shows and participated in a few as well, but popular video jockey Andy, who can be seen grooving on the seventh season of celebrity dance show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" nowadays, says he prefers to be referred to as a 'host' over an 'entertainer'.

"I have hosted shows like 'Get Gorgeous' and 'Dare To Date' in the past and would love to host a talk show if given the opportunity because I simply love to interact with people. If anyone asks me, I'll say I'm a host, a presenter. That's my job! Being a TV personality comes next," Andy told IANS.

Andy is ecstatic about being a contestant on "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa", where he is getting to learn new dance forms, while competing with a line-up of celebrities. He practices regularly with his choreographer Bhavani at the Jhalak Studio here.

The video jockey, who was noticed for his unique antics in a past season of "Bigg Boss", said he had learnt dance back in school and college. But he hadn't danced for the past 12 years due to an injury.

But now, he's fully geared for the televised dance competition.

"I started learning Kathak when I was in sixth grade, and contemporary dance during my college days. But that was 12 years ago! Coming back to fitness and shape is really tough for me. Plus, the injury that I had years back, scares me.

"Hence, I'm being careful at the same time. It's been over a month, since I'm practicing. I have become quite vigorous and intense."

His doctor had advised him to give up dance due to a back injury, and that was the reason why he left dance.

"Now I'm all set to set fire on the dance floor. I'm someone who believes in the power of mind. Im being positive, and I'm sure I'll go forward in the show," Andy said.

Actress Madhuri Dixit, filmmaker Karan Johar and choreographer-director Remo D'Souza are on the judges' panel for the new season, while TV actress Drashti Dhami, who won the dance show's last season, and Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey are hosting it.

Andy does all kinds of exercises to make his body flexible and that also helps him in his dance routines.

"Since the kind of dance forms that 'Jhalak...' has require flexibility, I warm up first when I come to the studio. I had a problem in the beginning with the practice hours. I want to spend as much time as I can practicing.

"The competition is very tough. I have to live upto the expectations. Bhavani is teaching some techniques and is trying her level best to make me strong. Plus, there are a lot of technicalities that are difficult to do in a room, so we'll be practicing at the sets also," said Andy.

Is dance the new arena that he wants to conquer?

"'Jhalak...' happened because I wanted to connect with the audiences on a different level than I have done in the past. Through dance, the people will be able to see me in a different light."

"Jhalak..." airs on Colors.