Junaid Khan has opened up about his surprising exclusion from dancing in the much-anticipated film 'Loveyapa,' which is set to be released on February 7. Despite his enthusiasm for dance, Khan's performance was deemed unfit by choreographer Farah Khan, leading to significant controversy during the film's promotional activities.
Khan and his co-star Khushi Kapoor have recently caught the public's attention, not just for their roles but also due to their viral dance videos. Yet, netizens have reacted with mixed feelings, often criticizing Junaid's dancing skills and expressing concerns about the awkward vibes between the two stars. Amidst this backlash, Khan has candidly admitted he considers himself a “really bad” dancer, sharing his baffling experience with Farah Khan's choreography.
During an interview with comedian Bharti Singh and her husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Khan recounted the turning point of his dance career in 'Loveyapa.' "Farah ma’am canceled our dance. During rehearsals, her assistants taught us the steps. But when she saw me perform, she decided to keep only Khushi’s dance and canceled my part. She asked me to perform in front of her, watched me, and said, ‘Tujhse nahi hoga, tu chalke aa. Khushi se dance hoga, tu baithke dekh isko’ (You can’t dance, just walk; Khushi will dance, you just sit and watch her)," he confessed.
Despite this setback, Junaid did not let it deter him from pursuing dance. He reflected on his more comprehensive training for his previous film, 'Maharaj,' where he had to master the garba dance form. "I had to do garba in Maharaj. I rehearsed for 10 weeks, practicing four hours daily. If you look at me in the film, I’m so thin. It’s all Vaibhavi ma’am’s (choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant) magic," he stated, praising the rigorous dedication he undertook to hone his skills.
Nonetheless, Junaid’s determined efforts seem to have gone to waste, as he shared his disappointment over the editing of his dance sequences. "Shweta ma’am cut everything in the song; I was looking so good in it. She didn’t keep one mid-shot of mine. She has only kept wide to close shots," he lamented. It was evident from his tone how much he valued the hard work and conditioning he underwent prior to this.
For Khan and Kapoor, the promotional push for 'Loveyapa' has taken on a life of its own. Their recent dance videos, which were part of marketing efforts for the film, have sparked conversations online, with many viewers noting the lack of chemistry and awkwardness during their performance. Critics have enjoyed pointing out the differences between Khan's and Kapoor’s dancing capabilities, leading to humorous critiques.
While the reactions may vary, Junaid has remained upbeat about his film, stating he genuinely enjoys the act of dancing, even if it does not appear to be his strong suit. "I love dancing, but I know I’m just not good at it," he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of enjoying oneself, irrespective of natural talent.
'Loveyapa,' directed by Advait Chandan and produced by Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment, follows the story of a couple who must exchange their phones before making the final commitment of marriage. This prompts unexpected revelations and challenges within their relationship, adding depth and excitement to what initially seems like just another romance.
Despite his dancing woes, Khan has future projects lined up, including another film alongside acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi. Meanwhile, Khushi Kapoor is set to star opposite Ibrahim Ali Khan (a project produced by Karan Johar) in 'Naadaniyaan,' marking his debut.
With the release date for 'Loveyapa' rapidly approaching, both Junaid and Khushi are gearing up for their big moment on the screen, hoping to captivate audiences with their performances, even if one of them is opting out of the dance floor.