Rithvikk Dhanjani on dancing: 'A life without it is a life wasted'
Synopsis
Rithvikk Dhanjani doesn't just perform dance—he lives it. The actor, who has hosted India's biggest dance reality shows, believes dancing is the purest form of presence and requires the heart, not technical skill. His career arc from Pavitra Rishta to hosting Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 mirrors a life spent chasing that feeling of being truly alive.
Key Takeaways
Rithvikk Dhanjani says dancing is when he feels most present and alive.
The actor believes dance requires emotional authenticity, not technical skill or formal training.
Dhanjani made his acting debut in 2009 with Bandini and gained recognition through Pavitra Rishta .
He has hosted major dance reality shows including Yeh Hai Aashiqui , Super Dancer , and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 .
His recent work includes web series XXX , Cartel , and Half Love Half Arranged Season 2 .
Actor Rithvikk Dhanjani has opened up about his profound connection to dance, describing it as the moment when he feels most alive and present. Speaking to IANS, the 37-year-old actor articulated a philosophy that extends beyond performance into a way of living.
"A life without dancing is a life wasted. I think when I'm dancing is when I'm truly present, truly living in the moment," Dhanjani said. He emphasised that dance transcends technical skill, rooted instead in emotional authenticity and joy.
Dance as emotional expression
Dhanjani believes that dancing requires no formal training or expertise. "There is nothing in this world that makes me happier than my two feet grooving to the rhythm of sound. And unlike what most people think, you don't really need a skill set to dance, because dancing was never meant to be done with your body—it was always meant to be done with your heart," he explained.
According to the actor, the gateway to better dancing is simple: emotional openness. "So if your heart is happy, just move; your happiness is going to multiply tenfold," he concluded.
Career trajectory from acting to hosting
Dhanjani made his acting debut in 2009 with Bandini, though it was his role in Pavitra Rishta that brought him wider recognition. His television breakthrough came with Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, while his film debut Jo Hum Chahein did not gain traction.
A significant turning point arrived in 2013, when Dhanjani transitioned to hosting. He has since fronted multiple dance and competition shows, including Yeh Hai Aashiqui, India's Next Superstars, Super Dancer, India's Best Dramebaaz, and So You Think You Can Dance.
Digital and recent work
His digital presence expanded with his web debut in I Don't Watch TV, followed by notable appearances in web series XXX and Cartel. Most recently, Dhanjani hosted Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, the dance reality show judged by Arshad Warsi, Farah Khan, and Malaika Arora, where Manisha Rani and her professional partner Ashutosh Pawar won the 2024 edition.
On the streaming front, he appeared in Half Love Half Arranged Season 2, which also featured Karan Wahi and Maanvi Gagroo. His consistent presence across dance-centric formats underscores the alignment between his personal passion and professional trajectory.
Point of View
Not the body—resonates in an industry obsessed with technique and perfection. His career pivot from acting to hosting dance shows suggests he found his true calling not in scripted roles but in spaces where raw emotion takes precedence. It's a quiet counter-narrative in entertainment: sometimes the most authentic work happens when you stop trying to perform and start moving from the heart.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rithvikk Dhanjani say about dancing and presence?
Rithvikk Dhanjani said that when he is dancing, he feels truly present and alive. He believes "a life without dancing is a life wasted" and that dancing should be done with the heart, not just the body.
Does Rithvikk Dhanjani think you need skill to dance?
No. Dhanjani believes that dancing does not require formal skill or training. He emphasises that dancing was always meant to be done with the heart rather than the body, and that emotional happiness is the key to good dancing.
What is Rithvikk Dhanjani's most recent work?
His most recent hosting role was on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, a dance reality show judged by Arshad Warsi, Farah Khan, and Malaika Arora. On the streaming side, he appeared in Half Love Half Arranged Season 2 alongside Karan Wahi and Maanvi Gagroo.
How did Rithvikk Dhanjani become famous?
Dhanjani made his acting debut in 2009 with Bandini, but gained wider recognition through his role in Pavitra Rishta. His breakthrough came with Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and he later became known for hosting major dance and competition shows starting in 2013.
Which web series has Rithvikk Dhanjani appeared in?
He made his web debut in I Don't Watch TV and has appeared in notable web series including XXX and Cartel. He was also part of Half Love Half Arranged Season 2.
