“M y Facebook page has got a new lease of life,” says Adil Ibrahim, with a chuckle. Ever since he came on board as one of the hosts of the third season of ‘D 4 Dance’, a dance-based reality show on Mazhavil Manorama, Adil is in a happy zone. A natural in front of the camera, the 28-year-old seems to have charmed the audience with his suave looks and confidence. Over to the model-turned-actor:
His background
Although I have my roots in Tirur, Malappuram, I was born and brought up in Dubai. After completing my graduation in engineering, I worked for nearly two years. But cinema was a passion, a dream and soon I left the job. I started out as a model, then anchored shows that were based in Dubai, including programmes for Asianet, Amrita and Media One. After that I worked in radio. I also got to do small roles in movies that were shot in Dubai. Sanjeev Sivan’s Endless Summer was my first movie. Then I did a full-length role in Persiakkaran , directed by Asok R. Nath. The film that got me noticed was Nirnayakam . Right now, I am running an advertising firm, Crea, with my friend in Dubai.
‘D 4 Dance’
Yamuna, producer of the show, brought me on board. Incidentally, she had contacted me long ago to host another show, but I couldn’t do it because I was working then. When she called me again, I was happy to be part of the programme. This season is bigger than ever before with participants from across India. There are three categories in the competition – solo, duet and group contest between the teams of the three judges – Prasanna master, Priyamani and Neerav Bavlecha. There are three vice-captains, who are contestants from our previous seasons. There will be 12 teams in each category.
On following in the footsteps of GP, his predecessor
(Laughs) There was a lot of buzz surrounding who will succeed GP (Govind Padmasoorya) as the host of the show. Let me make it clear that I am no replacement for him. He was outstanding on the show and I admire him. Please don’t compare us. I think I am more playful, at times dramatic and I enjoy pranks. Most importantly, I am completely new in this field. In fact, I was quite embarrassed with my anchoring in the initial episodes. I am slowly falling into the groove. I must also add that I can’t dance. I am a disaster on stage! But the best thing about the show is the brilliant support system, be it Yamuna, Pearle Maaney (fellow host) or the judges. They have made me comfortable.
His USP
I think I am spontaneous. People have also appreciated the fact that I speak Malayalam fluently in spite of having lived in Dubai. My parents wanted me to learn Malayalam and I was also adamant about learning the language. I give credit to my Malayalam teacher, Murali, for that. He also encouraged me to read books and that has helped me a lot.
Big screen
Of course, I want to be part of good cinema. But right now I am enjoying every moment of being a part of ‘D 4 Dance’.
(‘D 4 Dance’ airs is aired on Mazhavil Manorama, Monday to Thursday, 8.30 p.m.)
