April 29th is International Dance Day 2024, a day that means a lot to many people globally. Dance transcends barriers of language and age, as exemplified by nine-year-old Gunjan Sinha. Despite her young age, Gunjan proved her talent by surpassing well-known figures like Rubina Dilaik to clinch the prestigious title of winner on season 10 of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
On this day, the words of this young prodigy ring particularly true. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-Day.com, the skilled dancer spoke about her passion for dance. She eloquently encapsulates the essence of dance as more than just movement – it`s a source of joy, happiness, patience, motivation, discipline, and an important component of her identity. “I love dancing because dance gives me joy, happiness, patience, motivation, also discipline.” She said.
“It completes me as a Gunjan Sinha.” She states with a sweet smile. “I could not live, I could not sleep without dancing.” The dancer expresses with unwavering conviction.
About Gunjan winning JDJ 10
Winning JDJ 10 was a big milestone for Gunjan. In an earlier conversation with Mid-Day, she revealed, “I was both shocked and happy, after that I cried a bit. Sagar sir (choreographer) and Tejas cried a lot.”
Gunjan did not believe anyone else on the show was her competition, “I was my own competition. Whenever I saw my own performance I felt I could do better and would work on improving myself.”
Talking about her most memorable dance performance, she said, “My lavani performance on `Apsara` was memorable and so was the Bihu dance, along with `Humma humma.` I received a standing ovation for my lavani act and was encouraged to give it my all! I want to make a career in dance and achieve new heights by balancing both, dance and studies.”
One of the most memorable moments for Gunjan Sinha during her time on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 10 was when the judges stood up in the midst of her performance, “The judges stood up in between my performance and that has never happened for any other act this season. I also got the `golden chair.` My favourite co-contestants are Niti (Taylor) and Nia (Sharma) ma`am, Faisu bhaiya, along with Shilpa (Shinde) and Amruta (Khanvilkar) ma`am.”
