Mumbai: As the nation celebrates Guru Purnima, the judges and host of Sony Entertainment Television’s dance reality show India’s Best Dancer Season 5 reflected on the invaluable role of mentors, teachers and guides who shape an artist’s journey.
Celebrated actors and dance icons Karisma Kapoor, Javed Jaffrey and Geeta Kapoor shared heartfelt messages highlighting how their own gurus influenced their careers and how mentorship continues to inspire the contestants on the show.
Karisma Kapoor, judge of India’s Best Dancer Season 5, said growing up in a family deeply connected with cinema and working with legendary masters on film sets helped her understand that true gurus do much more than teach dance steps.
“Real gurus don’t just teach you steps, they teach you how to embrace the stage with your soul,” Karisma said. She added that watching the passion and dedication of the contestants on the show reminds her of the guidance she received throughout her journey.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Karisma expressed gratitude towards the mentors who taught her to dance from the heart before dancing with her feet. She hoped that the same inspiration and wisdom could be passed on to the talented performers of the current season.
Javed Jaffrey, another judge on the show, described dance as a medium of freedom, rhythm and self-expression. Reflecting on his journey from street-style performances to the grand platform of India’s Best Dancer Season 5, he said true gurus help artists overcome hesitation and discover their authentic selves.
“Dance has always been a way to find freedom, rhythm and my own voice,” Javed said. Paying tribute to his mentors, he acknowledged their role in keeping him connected to the roots of rhythm and creativity. He also saluted the choreographers associated with the show for their dedication towards shaping the future of Indian dance.
Geeta Kapoor, popularly known as ‘Maa’ on the show, spoke about the importance of mentorship and the lessons she received from legendary personalities, especially her mentor Farah Khan.
Geeta said her understanding of nurturing talent came from those who guided her throughout her career. She credited Farah Khan for teaching her how to develop talent with a combination of discipline, affection and an open heart.
“India’s Best Dancer Season 5 is not just a competition; it is a sacred gurukul where dreams are shaped through hard work, tears, passion and unwavering faith,” Geeta said. On Guru Purnima, she expressed her wish to continue guiding contestants with the same warmth, discipline and blessings that she received from her own gurus.
Host Rajeev Khandelwal also shared his thoughts on the significance of Guru Purnima while talking about his show Tum Ho Na – Ghar Ki Superstar. He said the festival serves as a reminder that learning never stops and that true guides often come in the form of people closest to us.
Rajeev described his parents as his first gurus, saying they taught him values, honesty, compassion and perseverance long before he entered the outside world. He added that as life progresses, people find mentors in different forms — including teachers, colleagues, directors, friends and even strangers whose journeys leave a lasting impact.
Sharing his experience with the contestants of Tum Ho Na – Ghar Ki Superstar, Rajeev said their inspiring stories offered him new perspectives and reinforced the belief that every individual has something valuable to teach.
He concluded by expressing gratitude towards his parents, everyday heroes and everyone who contributed to shaping his personality and journey.
Through their reflections, the stars of India’s Best Dancer Season 5 and Tum Ho Na – Ghar Ki Superstar celebrated the timeless bond between gurus and their disciples, emphasising that true mentorship goes beyond skill-building and helps individuals discover confidence, purpose and their inner potential.
