Jaaved Jaaferi Credits Saroj Khan For Teaching Him The Importance Of Expressions In Dance

05th June 2026, Mumbai: Over the years, Jaaved Jaaferi has established himself as one of India’s most versatile performers, earning admiration for his unique style, energy, and stage presence. However, the veteran entertainer believes much of his understanding of dance came not from formal training, but from observing and learning from some of the industry’s finest choreographers and performers.

Reflecting on the people who shaped his journey, Jaaved revealed that one of the biggest lessons he learned was the importance of expression in dance, something he credits legendary choreographer Saroj Khan for. “The expression is Saroj Khan, you know, a lot. Expressions are very important in the Indian form of dancing,” Jaaved shares.

Before entering films and television, Jaaved spent time learning from several dance professionals in Mumbai. He recalls working with jazz dancers and instructors such as Kavita Sahni, Sunita Struck, and Farida Pedder during his early years. However, it was his association with choreographer and dancer Carla Singh that left a lasting impact on his understanding of performance.”I spent a lot of time learning micro details from Carla Singh. She taught me that even if you’re extending an arm while dancing, you should dance right till the tip of your finger and not leave it halfway. It taught me how to project myself as a performer,” he says.

Jaaved also credits choreographer Ganesh Acharya for reinforcing the importance of expression and performance. “Even when you work with Ganesh Acharya, he’s very good with expressions. You pick up so much by watching and working with people,” he shares.

Despite being regarded as one of India’s most recognizable dancers, Jaaved insists that he never received formal dance training. “I’m a non-trained dancer. Whatever I learned came from working with people, observing performers, watching films, and understanding how great artists express themselves. That became my learning process,” he says.

As he returns to television with India’s Best Dancer Season 5, Jaaved brings with him decades of experience and a deep appreciation for the art of performance, proving that sometimes the greatest lessons come not from classrooms, but from observation, curiosity and the willingness to learn from those around you.

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