By Hindustan Times
The Indian Premier League (IPL) season five starts on April 4, with a grand opening in Chennai. The second one match of the league, played between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Daredevils, is scheduled for April 5 on the Eden Gardens.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan, owner of KKR, has added an area element to his team, no less than so far as the cheerleading squad is anxious. “SRK, being the emblem ambassador of West Bengal, wanted the flavor of the state in his team. As cheerleaders, only girls from Kolkata will perform,” says Vishal Kanoi, choreographer of the KKR cheerleading team.
Kolkata-based Vishal has had vast experience in training local students in various dance styles. The 12 cheerleaders were selected from the thousands who auditioned all across Kolkata. Vishal says, “Models, dancers, students and others came for auditions, that have been judged by me. They did freestyle dancing for 30 seconds and then we started short-listing candidates. Final selections were done by the KKR management.”
Kanoi adds, “You can expect a regional touch to all the cheerleading package.” Vishal may even choreograph the outlet ceremony of KKR’s first match. “It could be done keeping in mind the sport, town and brand KKR itself. SRK wants the most productive for his team relating to game play and entertainment.”
KKR’s Kolkata opening ceremony may also showcase performances by dhaak (traditional drum) players and chhau dancers (tribal dance practiced in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand) together with a surprise flashmob within the stadium.
