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As he gears up to judge India's Best Dancer Season 5, veteran entertainer and dance icon Jaaved Jaafferi is taking a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the legendary performers who inspired his own journey in dance.

Growing up at a time when international dance content was not easily accessible, Jaaved recalls how the arrival of VHS tapes opened up a whole new world of performance and movement for him. It was through these recordings that he discovered some of the greatest dancers and entertainers across the globe.

Speaking about his inspirations, Jaaved shares, "When we got access to VHS (Video Home System), we started seeing international dance and were exposed to it. The people I admired were Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and later the ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Then, of course, Michael Jackson as a performer. These were very prominent performers whom I saw and was very inspired by."

While international legends influenced his understanding of performance, Jaaved says some of his biggest inspirations came from closer home. "From the Indian perspective, I used to love Shammi Kapoor. Even though he wasn't a structured dancer in the formal sense, his body had movement and music embedded in it. The way he used music was incredible."

Over the years, Jaaved continued to admire artists who brought their own unique style to dance. "Later on, of course, I loved Prabhu Deva and Hrithik Roshan. These are the people I have liked over the years."

The actor and performer also expressed his appreciation for choreographers who have left a lasting impact on dance and cinema. While speaking about contemporary talent, he particularly praised Prabhu Deva and Raju Sundaram for their creative approach to choreography and music.

Having spent decades entertaining audiences and championing dance talent, Jaaved's journey has been shaped by a diverse mix of global icons and Indian legends. As he returns to television with India's Best Dancer Season 5, he continues to draw inspiration from the artists who first ignited his passion for movement and performance.

Don’t miss India’s Best Dancer Season 5, starting June 6th on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV.