Bhubaneswar: Olympian from Odisha Dutee Chand dedicated her performance to her girlfriend on Sunday’s episode of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 on Colors TV.
Dutee narrated her love story through her dance with a sporty look. During the dance performance to the tunes of the Bollywood song Aati Kya Khandala from the movie ‘Ghulam’. Glimpses of throwback photos of the couple were shown in the background.
After the performance, the show’s anchor Manish Paul asked her about the hero of her life. “In my life, there is no hero but a heroine. Love transcends colour, caste, and gender,” she said.
Speaking about the love of her life, Monalisa, the sprinter said that she met her during the Khudurkuni puja in her village in 2017. It was love at first sight for them. They stayed in touch and after one year, confessed their love for each other.
Dutee also spoke about the criticism that came her way after she opened up about her same-sex relationship in May 2019. She was also scared about its impact on her relationship.
Along with the brickbats, the Indian athlete received a lot of support too from different quarters, including global gay rights icon Ellen DeGeneres, after she announced her relationship status. The ace sprinter had shared pictures with Monalisa on Valentine’s Day this year.
“Monalisa had asked me to take dance classes before I came to this show,” Dutee said, adding that she loves dancing to the song Aashiq Banaya Aapne with her.
Bollywood director and judge Karan Johar, actress Madhuri Dixit, and Nora Fatehi applauded her performance for which she scored 21 points. “There are many girls and boys who are living their lives out of fear to reveal their identity. I want everybody to be inspired by her story. I salute you,” said Karan.
