Bollywood icon Karisma Kapoor has been delighting audiences on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 with nostalgic stories from her remarkable journey in Hindi cinema. As one of the judges on Sony Entertainment Television’s popular dance reality show, the actress has shared several behind-the-scenes moments from the golden era of Bollywood dance numbers.
From memorable costume changes to working with legendary choreographers and co-stars, Karisma’s anecdotes have offered fans a rare glimpse into the making of some of the 1990s’ most iconic songs.
Here are five unforgettable stories Karisma Kapoor shared on the India’s Best Dancer stage.
1. Twenty Costume Changes for ‘Jhanjhariya’
Reflecting on her 35-year career in the film industry, Karisma revealed that she wore 20 different costumes for the female version of the popular song ‘Jhanjhariya‘.
She recalled how costume planning during the 1990s relied more on creativity, spontaneity and instinct than extensive pre-production, resulting in some of Bollywood’s most memorable fashion moments.
2. ‘What Is Mobile Number’ Wasn’t Shot in Goa
Karisma also shared an interesting secret about the Govinda-starrer Haseena Maan Jaayegi.
Although the film is set in Goa, the hit song ‘What Is Mobile Number’ was actually filmed in just one day at a resort in Madh Island, Mumbai.
She humorously remembered pointing out a background detail to director David Dhawan, fearing audiences would notice the difference. However, the sequence became a blockbuster, and viewers never seemed to mind.
3. Vaibhavi Merchant Never Allowed Her to Rest
Long before becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant worked as an assistant to choreographer duo Chinni Prakash and Rekha Prakash.
Karisma recalled Vaibhavi’s dedication and discipline during the filming of movies like Police Officer and Krishna, joking that the young assistant never allowed her to sit down for even a couple of minutes, constantly pushing her to perfect every expression and dance movement.
4. ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ Required the Longest Rehearsals
Known for her effortless dancing, Karisma revealed that actors in the 1990s rarely had the luxury of extensive rehearsals.
However, Yash Chopra’s musical blockbuster Dil To Pagal Hai was a notable exception.
Since it marked choreographer Shiamak Davar’s first Hindi film and featured accomplished dancers like Madhuri Dixit, Karisma spent the longest rehearsal sessions of her career preparing for iconic performances, including the unforgettable Dance of Envy.
5. Learning Discipline from Chinni Prakash
Looking back at her early career, Karisma spoke about working with legendary choreographers Chinni Prakash and Rekha Prakash.
She admired how the duo managed elaborate dance sequences involving hundreds of dancers long before camera monitors became common on film sets.
Recalling her first project, Police Officer, Karisma remembered performing in a heavy Amrapali costume and undergoing rigorous training sessions. She credited those experiences with shaping her into one of Bollywood’s finest dancers.
India’s Best Dancer Season 5 Telecast Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Show | India’s Best Dancer Season 5 |
| Judge | Karisma Kapoor |
| Channel | Sony Entertainment Television |
| OTT Platform | Sony LIV |
| Telecast | Saturday & Sunday |
| Time | 9:30 PM |
Celebrating the Golden Era of Bollywood Dance
Karisma Kapoor’s stories have become one of the highlights of India’s Best Dancer Season 5, giving viewers a nostalgic look at the dedication, hard work and creativity that defined Bollywood dance in the 1990s.
Her memories not only celebrate iconic songs and filmmakers but also highlight the passion and discipline that helped create some of Hindi cinema’s most unforgettable musical moments.
Don’t miss India’s Best Dancer Season 5 every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
