'I was a non-dancer'

Prachi Desai, the youngest bahu on the small screen, was the surprise winner of the reality dance show, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, in its second season.

But the win was not without its share of controversy. The judges -- Shiamak Davar and Urmila Matondkar -- seemed to prefer Sandhya Mridul, but Prachi won the title thanks to audience votes.

It was rumoured that the final decision was influenced by Ekta Kapoor, whose father Jeetendra is also one of the judges. After all, Prachi -- who stars in Kasamh Se -- is one of Ekta's favourite bahus.

Within no time of winning Jhalak, Prachi is back to shooting for Kasamh Se. Rajul Hegde managed to catch her in between shots.

How does it feel to win Jhalak Dikhla Jaa?

Great! I have no words to express it. All my hard work has paid off. God has been kind to me. Of course without the audience support, I would not have won.

How was your journey in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa?

It has been a rollercoaster ride. There were ups and downs. Initially, it was smooth but after few episodes, it became tough. I had fun doing this show. Everyday was a learning experience.

I was eliminated earlier in the show. I felt very sad then. My mother told me that a lot of people were supporting me. Two days after my elimination, the channel decided to have a wild card entry. I went to Tirupati and prayed. My wish was fulfilled.

Did you ever think that you would come back and win the competition?

I never thought I would reach the finals. After the wild card entry, I wanted to work hard and remain in the competition. I didn't want to get eliminated again.

Whatever I am today is because of Deepak (Prachi's choreographer). I was a non-dancer; I was very shy and would be embarrassed to dance. Deepak helped me out.

What do you think about the other two finalists?

Jay Bhanushali was best among the male dancers; Sandhya is a good dancer.

Do you want to say anything about the judges?

The judges were fair and good. They pointed out our mistakes and helped us improve in the next rounds. Shiamak Davar used to correct us technically. Jeetuji and Urmila were very supportive too.

In spite of Sandhya scoring the highest points in most of the rounds, she lost. Why do you think?

There was a difference of one point in the total votes. The audience must have seen the progress from the first to last round. But I have no idea. I got more votes from audience and want to thank them for supporting me.

There was a buzz about Ekta Kapoor pulling strings for you to win.

Synergy (which produced Jhalak) and Balaji are two different production houses. Jhalak Dikhla Jaa is the same format as an international dance show. How can Synergy change the format for Balaji?

Everyone felt Jeetendra was partial towards you.

Whoever said this is wrong. He never overrated me; he was fair in his judgement. When my lip synch was not good in one of the rounds, he pointed it out. He encouraged everyone equally.

How do you rate this show in comparison with your other achievements on television?

An actor never stops growing. People have appreciated my role as Bani in Kasamh Se. Jhalak Dikhla Jaa is a different platform and here, people know me as Prachi. I am really happy that I took part in this show.

Do you want to shift to movies?

I have signed a film called Rock On, produced by Farhan Akhtar and his partner Ritesh Sidhwani. Abhishek Kapoor will direct it. They will start shooting between January and February. It will be Farhan's acting debut.

There are many characters; I am one of them.

There was a dip in the TRPs but it has picked up now, after a five years generation leap. This year has been good to me.

I have taken admission in Mithibhai College, Mumbai, but have not attended any classes. I will give my exams in March.

What do you intend to do with the prize money?

I have got Rs 30 lakh and a trophy. I want to buy a flat for my mother in Mumbai.