International Dance Day 2024: Gunjan Sinha Says, 'Couldn't Imagine Living Without Dancing'

She may be young, but her energetic hip-hop moves took the country by storm! Gunjan Sinha was just 8 years old when she won Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10, winning over the most popular celebrities. Today, Gunjan is one of the most popular child dancers, with her Instagram reels frequently trending. On International Dance Day, we spoke with this talented star from Guwahati, Assam, about her love for K-pop, the challenges of being a young dancer, and her Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa journey!

Photo Credit: Gunjan Sinha

You participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa alongside such esteemed names from television. Did you ever envision yourself winning?

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa was a significant milestone in my dancing career. Sharing the stage with renowned artists and Bollywood's top celebrities as judges was an honour. While all the contestants were more popular and equally deserving, I had confidence in my performances and dedication. I'm grateful to God and my followers for making me the winner of the show.

What was your favourite part about performing in front of the celebrity judges? Was there any advice they gave you that you'll always remember?

My favourite part was the solo performance that I did in front of the judges. When it was a perfect performance, all the judges gave me a standing ovation. The cherry on the cake was when Madhuri Ma'am blew a whistle and said "perfect" in her style. They advised me to take my dance style to the world and represent India on the global stage - and this is one piece of advice that I will always remember.

Are you in touch with your fellow contestants from Jhalak? How was your bond? Who was your favourite, or who pampered you the most? 

All the contestants were my favourites but I love Nia Didi (Nia Sharma), Faizu Bhaiya (Faisal Shaikh), Sriti Didi (Sriti Jha), Niti Didi (Niti Taylor), Rubina Dilaik Ma'am and Shilpa Shinde Ma'am. They all gave me so much love and also pampered me a lot as I was the youngest contestant on the show. Everyone calls me “Chota Pataka” and this brings an instant smile to my face. They are all in touch with me via phone or social media platforms and sometimes we meet in person too either in events or to create content together. 

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A post shared by Gunjan Sinha (@gunjansinhaoriginal)

What's your favourite thing about dancing?

I love every aspect of dancing because it brings me joy, happiness, fun, passion, motivation, and discipline; it completes me as Gunjan Sinha. I couldn't imagine living or sleeping without dancing.

What was the first dance style you learned? 

Hip-hop.

Your favourite dancing song?

There are many favourite songs, but currently, they are "Money" by Blackpink's Lisa, "Dynamite" by BTS, "Fake Love" by BTS, "Baazigar" by Divine, and "Zaalim" by Badshah & Payal Dev.

As a young kid, what is the hardest part about learning a new dance routine? 

There are always some challenges in learning, remembering, and performing the dance steps/choreography of a new dance routine because different dance forms are performed differently. So remembering the dance steps/ choreography as a kid is always tough. But any dance form that is similar to Hip-Hop is easy to learn and perform.

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A post shared by Gunjan Sinha (@gunjansinhaoriginal)

What kind of dancer do you dream of becoming?

I dreamt of becoming a K-POP star.

Your favourite dancer?

My favourite dancers are K-pop star V (Kim Tae-hyung), Wren Crisologo, Ibuki Imata, Ato Kojima, and Lisa from Blackpink.

One dancer you would like to dance with on a live show? 

K-pop star V (Kim Tae-hyung).

What message would you give to other kids who love to dance?

I may not be old enough to offer advice to other kids who love to dance, as I am still learning myself. However, I can say that dance teaches discipline, emotions, and hard work. A dancer needs to be disciplined and hardworking during their practice sessions. The more you practice, the closer you get to perfection.