Happy to continue with 'Jhalak' but miss Madhuri: Karan Johar

Mumbai: Filmmaker Karan Johar is elated to be back as a judge on "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" but says he is missing his actress friend Madhuri Dixit, who had joined him last season on the panel.

"I hope people are not bored seeing me. I love Madhuri Dixit (one of the judges earlier) and I miss her. I have always looked up to Madhuri as a movie star and a great actress. I grew to love her as a friend. We had developed a strong relationship," Karan told PTI.

"Ram (Madhuri's husband) and Madhuri are very special people. I feel very attached to Madhuri," he said. The 44-year-old filmmaker feels happy as well as sad to be back on dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa".

"I come on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' with lot of happiness as I love the show very much. But sometimes I come with a heavy heart as I miss Madhuri very much," he added.

Last season it was Shahid Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. This time actress Jacqueline Fernandez have been roped in as judges instead of the "Udta Punjab" actor.

"Every experience is new. I loved judging with Shahid as he is vibrant, young and there is enthusiasm in him. I am having great time with Jacqueline she is out there," Karan said.

"She just gets up and dances, screams and all that she is voicing all our inner thoughts. She is replicating that on a platter. We are trying to replicate that energy. We are loving," he added.

The "Student of the Year" helmer feels the celebrity contestants this season are quite talented.

"It is unfair to say who I am betting on this season. There is a great bunch of contestants this time. Of all the seasons that I have judged this season looks more promising. (Referring to contestants)," he said.

"I have been dancing since last five seasons and that is not going to change. When it comes to judging this season I am much stricter I am not easily going to give full marks," he added.

The ninth season of "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" also has Ganesh Hegde, Farah Khan as judges besides Karan and Jacqueline. The show is aired on Colors channel.