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Just as he was about to start the shoot, Terence Lewis’ dreams were abruptly cut short as he was replaced overnight by a star kid in the dance-based film.
Terence Lewis has judged several dance reality shows, including Dance Indian Dance. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Terence Lewis has long been celebrated for his impeccable choreography in Bollywood films. While he is one of the best in his field, many don’t know that the 49-year-old once dreamt of becoming an actor. Recently, Terence opened up about a heartbreaking experience from 25 years ago when he was all set to make his acting debut with a dance-based film. Just as he was about to start the shoot, his dreams were abruptly cut short as he was replaced overnight by a star kid.
Terence shared that he was just out of college when he had a few modelling contracts in his hand, and he also worked on some music videos when he received an offer to act in a film. “A director of a music video was making a dance-based film. So, he said, ‘I really think you were great in this music video, and you will be a great fit for this film of mine,’” the 49-year-old told Pinkvilla.
He auditioned for the film, and right before the shoot, he was informed that the director chose to cast a star kid in his place. He explained, “So, that somebody else was from the industry, a star kid. I wouldn’t say a star kid, but he is somebody from the industry. At that time, I didn’t know what nepotism was!” This unexpected turn of events left him disheartened for days, leading him to abandon his aspirations of becoming an actor. At the same time, he was thankful that he had a second option – his dance.
“At that time my dance thing was doing well. I was sad for a few days, but my dancing institute was there, so I had to work on it a lot. Fortunately, I had a second talent that was supporting me, and for me, financial stability was coming from there (dancing) only,” he mentioned. Terence recalled how he realised that instead of going here and there to ask for an acting role, he could just focus on his dance and become financially stable.
He added, “I told myself leave the dream of acting, focus on dance, and become financially stable because (that is) more important for me right now. I didn’t have the backing of a father who would say, ‘Do whatever you want, we will support you.’”
Over the course of his career, the 49-year-old dancer-choreographer has worked in films like Lagaan, Jhankaar Beats and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. He has also appeared as a judge on popular dance reality shows like Dance India Dance, Nach Baliye, and India’s Best Dancer, among others.
