Shakti Mohan Gave Up IAS Dream for 'Dance India Dance'


By Radhika Bhirani

Mumbai, Apr 24 (IANS): She always wanted to become a bureaucrat but ended up being the country's new dancing sensation. And now "Dance India Dance 2" winner Shakti Mohan says she will follow her heart and pursue her passion.

"I was always a topper in school and college and was determined to become an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer. But then 'Dance India Dance' came along. And now that I have won it, there's no looking back," she told IANS in an interview.

"My father was quite insistent that I take the civil services exam and kept saying that 'you can try till you're 30 years old'. But now I'm not heading there, I'm going to study dance," said Shakti, who has a masters degree in political science.

The 24-year-old, who was one among the thousands who came to audition for Zee TV's "Dance India Dance" almost six months ago, is trained in contemporary dance.

Before auditioning for the show, she had enrolled for a three-year diploma course in dance at the institute of choreographer Terrence Lewis, who was also her mentor on the reality show.

Shakti said she always wanted to go abroad to study dance, but couldn't do so as her "family isn't financially very sound".

She now hopes to fly abroad and polish her skills to become a choreographer and boost the popularity of contemporary dance in India.

"I will try and use whatever money I get here or in shows later to go abroad, especially London, and study dance seriously. Apart from contemporary dance, I also want to learn other forms of dancing such as Kathak and hip-hop," she said.

Bollywood too is on Shakti's agenda and she has already grabbed an offer to feature in a promotional video for choreographer-director Farah Khan's next movie "Tees Maar Khan".

"I don't know what offers I will receive in Bollywood in the years to come, but as of now I have one opportunity in hand. Who knows what I end up doing, but first and foremost is my love and passion for dance," she said.

Shakti has three sisters, two of whom are already in showbiz. While Neeti, a singer, was seen on "Music Ka Mahamuqabla", her other sister, Mukti, will soon be seen on STAR Plus' "Zara Nachke Dikha".

  
 Shakti Mohan Crowned 'Dance India Dance' Winner

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) After several weeks of tough competition, Shakti Mohan was announced the winner of Zee TV's dance reality show "Dance India Dance" at the grand finale here Friday night.

Shakti who is from Terrence Lewis' team, "Terrence Ki Toli" won with 7, 34, 140 votes and beat other finalists including Punit Pathak, Dharmesh Yelande and Binny Sharma to claim the spot. While Dharmesh bagged the second position, Punit was third.

"The journey has been really awesome. It is all thanks to Terrence sir that I have come so far and got a chance to wear the sunehri takdeer ki topi (Golden hat). He is a mind blowing guru and I will be seeking advice from him regarding whatever I do in future. It just feels great - from being nobody to being somebody," Shakti told reporters.

She also added that though she is a pro in contemporary dancing, she hopes to master hip-hop and kathak to be a versatile dancer.

The 24-year-old, who received the award from Pt. Birju Maharaj, in addition to the trophy, won a contract worth Rs.50 lakh and a WagonR car.

The show was graced by actor Mithun Chakraborty, grand master of the show, and masters Geeta Kapoor, Terrence Lewis and Remo D'Souza, at the Andheri Sports Complex here.

Also present were choreographer-director Farah Khan, who has promised the winner a chance to feature in the promotional video of her forthcoming film "Tees Maar Khan", choreographer Sandip Soparrkar and actor Manoj Bajpai and director Prakash Jha, who were here with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor to promote their upcoming movie "Rajneeti".

The channel will now launch its first junior version of "Dance India Dance" with Farah and Soparrkar as judges.

  

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Comment on this article

  • somya singh, kota

    Sun, May 02 2010

    Shakti proves her power as her all performance. Lot of good wishes for the next step for shinning herself.....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • palak shetty, udupi/bahrain

    Mon, Apr 26 2010

    shakti deserved her win.Kishore too. gaon ka bachche ko vote nahi kiya kisi aur ko kiya

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sam, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Shakthi won because of 2 critical factors:
    1. Geetha - Dharmesh's mentor was incompetent but at the same time greedy to win the title for her team. she couldnt bring out the enormous talent in Dharmesh. she was making him do the same few hits again and again.
    2. terrance is brilliant brain. he knew that Shakthi was good only in contemporary but brought in a huge variety in her dances with subtle changes. she won so many performance of the day awards and that shows the class of terrance. even on the final show the dance of show casing all indian cultures based on famous song versus dharmesh's repeat dances was another terrance creativity. so the winner was not shakthi but Terrance's choreography. The loser was not Dharmesh but dumb/lazy Geetha's lack of creativity.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • LENNY BARETTO, KUNDAPUR,INDIA

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Hi, shakti congrats,i am very happy,you are a super,and also i like your smile keep it up and god bless you on your feauture, I am in israel every weekend all my friends sitting and watching dance india dance we love it.best of luck in your future

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stella vaz, Pangala/London

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    I strongly Agree with yogitha salian.Runners up trophy was missing.I was feeling very sorry for darmesh Sir,atleast congratulate him.very poor ending for D.I.D.

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jyothi Vas, Ujire/Kuwait

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Shakti's victory made my day really i was very happy. She was awsome throughout the competition but i never expected a girl could win. All her performances were superb. . She deserves the title and the sunheri takdir ki topi. She is pretty, she has talent, she has a good persoanality overall a great bundle of joy to her family.
    Thanks to god and for all those who voted Shakti. All the very best Shakti and congratulations.........

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhir, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Dharmesh is the real winner & ZTV has given this award to Shakti. We are all fools, still wtaching, sending SMS & wasting our money

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • vaibhavi r, hyderabad

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    well u hav proved that u r the best by winnin the title....now is there any need to tell something about u???.....the whole india has known that u is the best dancing star....voted aaaa looooootsss for u.....just crossed my fingure,closed my eyes n heard to the results...and here u r the winner "SHAKTI"....the best of the best....i was jumpin with full excitement at 12 in the night....if i myself am feelin sooo happy fr u then i can imagine how happy u must b feelin............congrats shakti baby...u just rocked it.....and gud luck for ur furthur life...keep rockin n smilin:):):):):)....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Venna Dsouza,mangalore/kwt, mangalore

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Dear Shakti Congrtulations to you...

    You have struggled & hard work behind it anyhow almostly all did the good hardwork after all it ios a competition one has to it is luck,
    One thing is very sad for Dharmesh there is no photo or what he received gift no pictures please not to hurt anyone u r all contenstant r the best but need to treat all of them good.
    Shakti u won this trophy u deserve it and all the best to u AKHIR ME TAKKAR DIYA LADKOKO, ALL THE BEST AND GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COMES TRUE...
    VERY WELL DONE AND KEEP IT UP FOR ALL THE CONTESTANT IN DANCE INDIA DANCE, MITHUNDA WAS JUDGING PERFECTLY THANK YOU FOR ALL.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • YOGITA SALIAN, MUMBAI/DUBAI

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    I truly believe our voting does not count. Ultimately Zee/UTV Software Communications the producers make us fools. They did not even have time to give Runners up trophy and cheque to Dharmesh.Can you see a single picture with Dharmesh holding a tropy, a silver topi, a cheque? Anyway we will continue to be fools. How can we miss the little angels. The promos are so tempting.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • georgy, mlore

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    Congrats Ms. Shakti. Public made justice with Ms. Shakti.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clive, Kuwait

    Sun, Apr 25 2010

    She has got the looks to be a heroine!!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • anisha, manglore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congratulations dear Shakti
    I am very happy b'coz u won and u were my favourite contestant.
    I hope u come next time on dance india dance season 3 as judge and dance with terence sir
    you were a double part or copy of MJ.
    Hope u make my wish true

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gremsy Sequeira, M'lore/Saudi Arabia

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    yay! shakti. congrats on your great win.
    ALL D BEST FOR UR FUTURE!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Precilla /Dsouza, Vamadapadau /Israel

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Its not fare all the episode dharmesh did very well dancing but last moment public did not support him
    shakti not deserve this tittle its very sad dharmesh is the best dancerish u all the best w

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • DEONA LEWIS, GRD-3C, IDIAN HIGH SCHOOL, MANGLORE

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congrats Shakti... , kishor i am proud of u, Be a manglorian

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • chethan, mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Mr Satish Ullal, i dont know about the voting politics but with this result nobody should be surprised. coz, Shakti truely deserve this. & one more thing she isnt trained in Katak, she got training in contemporary dance. well i pity for Darmesh.he is gud too.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • NAVEEN, INDIA

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    golmal hain bayi golamal....

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Shaun AND Sharon, Fujairah/Manglore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Shakti u r the best!!!!!!! ALL THE BEST 4 UR FUTURE! God bless!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh Bhat, Kumta

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Mr.Rajendra , Mumbai..how dare you compare shakti to 'madhuri'!!shakti is having just a simple smile. No match anywhere to evergreen madhuri who is carrying a crooked smile..as like late madhubala..it happens to one in a million.. disappointed..mood-off kar diya really..before comment just double check.. don't jump to the band wagon.. it's like.. zopi ghela jaga jala..I think you are only looking her smile and not dance.. anyway congrats shakti..the power.. jai ho..

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • santhosh, mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    these are which preplaned with minimum stuff maximum doldrums about judges who were failures by general rules of acceptance. to put it in kannada ' santheyalli ella irthade '

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  • Megha, Bangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    BEST OF LUCK

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • arunrf, manglore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    shakti i must say that it is a mind blowing and chumumashury performance i was heartly happy to watch your performance i miss u shakti i wish u best of luck for your feature and let god pore his showers upon u and fly thank u shakti for felling me happy thank once again

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • anil maxim dsouza, dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    congratulations shakti,dharmesh was my favourite,but in the middle you did a very good job,you deserve it.all the best for your future.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • anusha, mangalore/padil/kuwait

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    congratulaions shakti didi for your great achievement.a hearty congratulations to terrence sir too.shakti didi,u are an example for all dance lovers.who says shakti won because of politics?this is no politics but the very truth.she is versatile.this is not only about india's favourite dancer but it is also about india's BEST dancer.it is not necessary that only the highest voted contestant should win.its all about hardwork and talent.may god bless u in your future endeavours.keep up the good work.

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  • Avril Pinto, Kirem, Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    "SHAKTI", Congrats!!!! U are a complete performer. Every performance was almost flawless. I’m a great fan of u...Good job and all the best :)

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Gilbert C. Rodrigues, Mumbai / Bahrain

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    congratulation Shakti all the best for ur performance for yesterday keep it up and best of luck in the future.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Sathish Ullal, Ullal / Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    I agree with you Nikita, Karnataka, Oman These all pre-planned. Just think that how they invited Kathak dance guru Pt. Birju Maharaj in advance to crown "The Topee" to the winner? Did they know it well adwance the Kathak girl "Shakthi" will win this crown? Same as you the whole world was embraced towards Dharmesh Sir, how it could be? Second thing Miss Binny sweety should have get at least on Punit's place. Fooling the people globally is called "Politics".

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  • LATHA, MANGALORE

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    CONGRATS SHAKTHI. ALWAYS CRICKET MATCH IS FIXING NOW DID ALSO FIXED BECAUSE ALWAYS DHARMESH IS THE HIGHEST VOTER CONTEST AND FINAL HE LOST THE VOTES. ANY WAY DHARMESH U ARE THE WINNER. LIKE U NO ONE CAN DANCE. YOUR DANCE IS ALWAYS A CHUMMESHWARI DANCE.

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  • sharmila, Manglaore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Offcourse wrong decision by the public, may be by influence Ms. Shakthi got the "topi". Only Dharmesh Sir deserve to win the prize. He is the ultimate dancer in all the way. Any how all the best Dharmesh sir.

    DisAgree [1] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • clitus tauro, Mangalore / Doha

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    DID.....its a real real reality show in TV as far now....Hats off MITHUNDA for his generaous.... kya baat....kya BAAT.......KYA BAAT.....HATS OF SHAKTI.....you are one of my favorite and you deserved it!!! Pity on Dharmesh Sir

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • abdul lateef, sullya

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    welldone shakti keep it up.........you rock the world

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • SANDRA DSOUZA, mangalore/israel

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    CONGRATS DEAR SHAKTHI.YOUR TRULY DESERVE IT...........VERY VERY HAPPY FOR U.ITS MY FAVORITE SHOW.....

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  • arif.bava, kaup/abu dhabi

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Dear Daiji reader,it is unfortunate that talent is not considered, really result was expected (fixing, setting)here once again talent considered secondary, looks (physical)played big role than tallent,hard luck, Dharmeshyour really ur the winner N my fevourate. Voting is only the foramalities N cheeting the audience.

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  • Chetan.S, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Dharmesh was the true winner ..

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Zakeer, mangalore/dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congrates Shakthi... I love ur performence, also Dhrmesh. Haarna, jeetna tho game ka eak hissa hai.You look sweet in "Sunehri Takdir Ki Topi".Best of luck for your future planing.

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  • Abdul Razak (dewa), Mangalore/Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congratulation Shakti, keep it up. You have danced to the hearts of millions of fans from the beggining.
    You deserve it. Wish you all the best in your future endeavour.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • prakash, magalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congratulitons shakthi.
    i like your dance.
    dharmesh went out ,i very happy.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Nikita, Karnataka, Oman

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    DID is one of my favourite shows, cannot miss a single episode, that's how it has captured our hearts. It's so thrilling to see the talents of our young generation. Congrats to Shakti Mohan!!! But sad that all of a sudden the tables turned upside down and that too so rudely. DHARMESH you are the NO.1 and the true winner... Chahe kuch bhi ho jaye heera heera hi rahega, you shine you rock and you swell in all your forms. The shock and pain at the result was too harsh for Dharmesh's fans... Anyways the show must go on, what has viewers hopes and choice got to do, it does not get counted. We are just fooled by our voting...

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  • farooq Mangalore, Ajman UAE

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Cong shakthi.wish happy future life

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • RICHARD CORREA, Mumbai/Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    There is no influence of DID in deciding the winner. It is the public like you & me have decided Shakti as winner!! Anyway congrats Shakti

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  • Nirmala, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congratulations Shakthi

    And all the best Jnana Aithal for DID Little masters. Hope you will make Mangalore proud

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  • Sushmita Bose , Kolkata , West Bengal , India

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Hi Shakti...! Congrtz.....! U are the best... may god bless u & all the best 4 ur future endeavours....

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  • Rajendra , Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    It seems that the viewers choice or vote was honestly taken into account. No doubt Dharmesh Sir is equally talented as Shakti, still Shkati has the edge on grace, perfection, the expressions and the movements....Whenever she dances it reminds me like Madhuri dancing...she has the beautiful smile like Madhuri...God Bless Shakti.

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  • Reshma Sequeira, Bajpe/Andheri East

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    I wanted Shakti to win and she has done it. All my best wishes are with Shakti. A piece of advice to Shakti please do not be carried away by the Glamour just be the way you are, A Simple Mumbai Girl. God bless U

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  • Shahid, Lahore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    congrats Shakti

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen, Udupi/Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congrats Shakti. to be frank Dharmesh was verry deserved this tropy but bad luck .!!!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Chetan .S, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    The show was gr8 but once again the one who deserved dint win.Dharmesh truely deserved it,sad to see that sms and emails can make a big difference in reality shows.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Anwar Hussain, Saudi Arabia

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Wow !
    Very nice, Congratulation for the winner of Zee TV's Dance reality show "Dance India Dance" Its very nice Decided. I said earlier to my family in saudi Arabia when we watch by Zee Tv's programme. she will get the price winner. so that is correct. Because she dance very nice. Thanks and keep it up in future who did not get price will try to get don't leave their hopes. Do hard work and suceeded in your life.

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  • APR, udupi/dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    "Dance India Dance" great show!!!!
    Congrats SHAKTI............

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • austin f lobo , vogga/israel

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    CONGRATULATION SHAKTI,WHAV! WHAT A PERFORMANCES.GOD BLESS YOU.....

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • John Vas, Kulshekar/Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Very good show right from beginning with all new arts of dancing. I salute all judges for their impartial judgement, comments, encouragement after every performance of the artistes. Moreover first time I found there is no egoism between judges and they are very loving, well spoken during their comments not like many other shows judges were giving wrong signals to the viewers by their tit for tat comments/fighting among themselves while judging. Someshows it was like fishmarket, very disgusting. Good luck many young talents are hidden in comeout and it is very entertaining.

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  • Sampath, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    After watching this show for nearly 4 months without being missed, It is really a disappointment finally. Dharmesh should have been the winner and he was the highest voted contestant for weeks and suddenly in final he looses. It is really a disaster. Zee should not have done this

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  • Mushtaq Zam Zam, Azad Nagar Bhatkal

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Very Cong to Zee TV's dance reality show winner Shakti Mohan ,as well as Terrence Lewis' also. this year we failed to watch this program because of IPL Season, any how we will try to watch Repeat Telecast, Well done and best of luck for future

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  • Dr Prakash Harischandra, Los Angeles / Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Hope fully our youth gets involved more constructive activities of nation building or changing the society.
    We have just gone crazy.

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  • JOshel, Kinnigoli/Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    Congrats Shakti...

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Reshma, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    I m sad because I want to Dharmesh Sir is the Winner. Shakthi Congrats

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • AKS, mangalore

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    She doesn't deserve to be the Winner.

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  • Sunil Suvarna, Moodabidri/Dubai

    Sat, Apr 24 2010

    I hate DID for giving such a wrong result.....Dharmesh was the winner...nobody can dance like him...this was like match fixing....

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  • VINOD, MANGALORE

    Fri, Apr 23 2010

    AS PER ME ALL TOP 12 ARE WINNERS, OUR OWN KISHORE IS ALSO IN THAT.DHARMESH SIR AND SAAJAN ARE SUPERB..
    HATS OF DID. CONGRATES SHAKTHI..

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  • Saleem GH, Abu Dhabi/Puttur

    Fri, Apr 23 2010

    I enjoyed lot with zee tv yestarday..
    Congratulation... Miss Shakthi..
    Her performance really mind blowing... Best of luck

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  • Manjunatha Bangera, Kasaragodu/Bengaluru

    Fri, Apr 23 2010

    DID rocks. Really a great show. I watched the finale yesterday, mindblowing performances. Remo sir gave a fantastic performance, a tribute to MJ. Shakthi congrats and all the best for your future. God bless.

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Title: Shakti Mohan Gave Up IAS Dream for 'Dance India Dance'



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