Veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff appeared as a special guest on the grand finale episode of the dance reality show India's Best Dancer Season 5, joining judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis in what turned into a nostalgic celebration of Indian cinema and dance.

The Dev Anand Anecdote

During the episode, Shroff took a walk down memory lane, recalling the pivotal role that the late legend Dev Anand played in launching his career. Recounting an incident from an action sequence during the filming of his debut, Shroff revealed that when the crew grew anxious, Dev Anand stepped in and reassured them: 'Take it easy, naya ladka hai' — a simple gesture that gave the young newcomer the confidence to push through the scene.

Shroff made his screen debut with a brief appearance in Dev Anand's Swami Dada, released on 3 December 1982. The film, which featured Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Christine O'Neil, Padmini Kohlapure, and Dev Anand himself in key roles, had its music composed by the legendary R. D. Burman.

How Dev Anand Discovered Jackie Shroff

According to Shroff, his entry into films came through an unlikely route — Dev Anand reportedly spotted him through a hoarding advertisement while Shroff was working as a model. That chance discovery led to his first on-screen opportunity, setting in motion one of Bollywood's most enduring careers.

This comes amid a broader wave of appreciation for Dev Anand's legacy, with multiple Bollywood veterans having spoken about how the actor-filmmaker's generosity helped several careers take off during the 1980s.

India's Best Dancer Season 5 Grand Finale

The grand finale features five finalists — Prathamesh Mane, Geetanjali Marwaha, Anshika Dhara, Dipali Borkar, and Ritesh Pal — each set to deliver standout performances as they compete for the top honour.

Judge Karisma Kapoor reflected on the season, saying: 'Being a part of this season has been truly special. I've loved watching these dancers grow in confidence, discover their individuality and evolve with every performance. Each finalist has brought something unique to the stage, and I'm extremely proud of how far they have come. I wish them all the very best for the finale and hope they continue to dance with the same passion and joy.'

When and Where to Watch

The grand finale of India's Best Dancer Season 5 is expected to air on Saturday, 26 September, and Sunday, 27 September 2026, on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on Sony LIV. The episode promises both competitive dance and a generous dose of Bollywood nostalgia.