Steve Jirwa, a resident of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, has won the trophy of season 4 of Sony TV’s dance reality show ‘India’s Best Dancer’. This journey from North East of India to reach the city of dreams Mumbai was not easy for Steve. Recently, in an exclusive conversation with TV9 Hindi Digital, Steve Jirwa told how despite being an Indian, he often has to tell people that Shillong is a part of India and he is a resident of India.
Steve, you have been getting full marks for 8 weeks, were you sure that you were going to win the India’s Best Dancer trophy?
I was very nervous when the winner was about to be announced. Because the contestants who reached top 2 with me had won one round of the finale. He also had a power, because he was already given 20 marks. I didn’t have anything. I was just praying that I get a lot of votes from the audience. Not only mine, this was also the dream of my choreographer Raktim Sir, two years ago he had also become the finalist of Season 2 of India’s Best Dancer. But then he could not win the trophy. When the winner was announced after a long wait, we both had tears in our eyes.
Steve gave such a performance that everyone was impressed!
Dekhiye India’s Best Dancer Season 4, Sat-Sun night 8 pm only #SonyEntertainmentTelevision par.#IndiasBestDancer #JabDilKareDanceKar #IndiasBestDancerSeason4 #IndiasBestDancer4 #SonyTVShow #IBDSteve pic.twitter.com/BPSabokklB
— sonytv (@SonyTV) October 22, 2024
Steve where did you get your dance training from?
I was born in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. I did my basic dance training there. Then I went to Guwahati, Assam for advanced training. I learned dance there for two years. Then I returned to my hometown. There I continued my practice. Along with this, I also used to give auditions for many dance reality shows. Season 4 of India’s Best Dancer was my last hope. I had thought that if I could not pass this audition, I would forget my dream of joining a dance reality show. But now I can say that auditioning for India’s Best Dancer 4 was the best decision of my life.
You have said that your journey was more challenging than others?
Yes, I have a personal story. There was a time in my life when I was not able to walk, everyone had given up. But my grandmother did not give up. Because of him I have reached here today. I was that child who could not stand properly and today I have become that dancer whose foot work people praise. For me, my story is no less than a film with a happy ending. I want people to get inspired by listening to this story of mine.
Steve has reached No.1 in the journey of stage to stardom!
India’s Best Dancer Season 4 only #SonyEntertainmentTelevision par.#IndiasBestDancer #JabDilKareDanceKar #IndiasBestDancerSeason4 #IndiasBestDancer4 #SonyTV #IBDSteve #winner pic.twitter.com/tuUuZJmOno
— sonytv (@SonyTV) November 10, 2024
What will you do with the Rs 15 lakh you have received?
I am not old enough to spend this money. I will go home and give this money to my mother and grandmother. If I ever need money for dance training, then I will ask my grandmother for money. I have always dreamed of having a room for my shoes. However, I will not buy such expensive shoes with this money. But I will fulfill that dream also soon. Besides, I have to build a house for my family, that too cannot be done with this money. But I will definitely get that made one day.
Steve, you have come to Mumbai from North East, many people coming from there have to struggle to create their own identity in their own country, has this happened with you too?
When I came to Mumbai, people used to ask me where I was from? I used to tell them that I am from Shillong. After hearing my answer, he used to tell me from the front that ok, you are from Nepal. Then I had to explain to them that no, Nepal is a different country, I live in India. Shillong is part of India. It is very sad that even today people do not know that Shillong is a part of Meghalaya India. The children there are also very talented.
