Terence Lewis Shares Calling Deepika Padukone Onstage Was Scripted: Reality TV’s Hidden Truths Unveiled

Mumbai, April 2, 2025 – Renowned Bollywood choreographer Terence Lewis has pulled back the curtain on the orchestrated world of reality television, revealing in a candid interview that even his viral dance moment with Deepika Padukone was a scripted affair. Speaking to Pinkvilla on Tuesday, the 49-year-old dance maestro, known for judging shows like Dance India Dance and choreographing hits like “Ang Laga De” from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, exposed how producers manipulate moments for TRPs, leaving little room for spontaneity.

A Staged Spotlight Moment

The revelation came when Lewis was shown a throwback photo from Dance India Dance Li’l Masters during the 2013 promotions for Deepika Padukone’s film Chennai Express. In the image, Lewis is seen lifting the actress onstage—an impromptu-seeming highlight that captivated audiences. “That wasn’t natural,” Lewis confessed. “The makers told me to create an unforgettable moment. Deepika didn’t know it was coming—we had to improvise in real time.” He described the pressure of television’s tight schedules, adding, “There’s no time, no budget. It’s unforgiving.”

Lewis recounted how he selected Padukone for the stunt to meet the producers’ demands, a decision that paid off in viral fame but underscored the artifice behind such shows. “She was a trooper, but it’s sad—these moments aren’t as real as they look,” he said, lamenting how TRPs dictate creativity.

Reality TV’s Scripted Reality

The choreographer didn’t stop there. He called out another common trope—male judges gallantly helping actresses onto the stage—as “completely scripted.” “It’s all planned to give the audience that ‘aww’ factor,” he explained, highlighting how such gestures are less chivalry and more choreography for ratings. Lewis’s comments peel back the polished veneer of reality competitions, suggesting that what viewers see as raw emotion or talent is often a carefully crafted illusion.

His exposé aligns with whispers long circulating in the industry but rarely confirmed by insiders. Posts on X today reflect a mix of shock and validation, with one user writing, “Always knew reality shows were fake—Terence just proved it,” while another quipped, “Deepika got lifted for TRPs, not love!”

A Career Beyond the Stage

Lewis, a master of contemporary dance who trained under legends like Martha Graham, brings credibility to his critique. Beyond reality TV, he’s left an indelible mark on Bollywood, choreographing for films like Lagaan and running his Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company since 1998. Yet, his stint on shows like Nach Baliye and India’s Best Dancer has kept him in the public eye, often as the charming judge with a flair for drama—drama he now admits was partly pre-written.

Deepika’s Unwitting Role

For Deepika Padukone, now a global star and new mother to daughter Dua (born September 2024), the moment with Lewis remains a footnote in her ascent. Last seen in Singham Again (2024), she’s been balancing motherhood with high-profile appearances, like Paris Fashion Week in March. Neither she nor her team has commented on Lewis’s disclosure, leaving fans to wonder how many other “candid” celebrity cameos were staged.

A Call for Authenticity?

Lewis’s revelations, detailed in outlets like News18 and BollywoodShaadis, strike a chord in an era where audiences crave authenticity yet lap up polished entertainment. “It’s a business,” he told Pinkvilla, a resigned nod to the reality behind reality TV. As the interview spreads—amplified by posts on X calling it “shocking but not surprising”—it may prompt viewers to question the next big moment they see onscreen.

For now, Terence Lewis has lit a fuse under India’s reality TV juggernaut, with Deepika Padukone’s dance as exhibit A. Whether it shifts the industry or just fuels debate, one thing’s clear: the stage was set long before the cameras rolled.