Dance numbers are the soul of Indian movies. They act as an ensemble of emotions, aspirations and carry the soul of the movie at times. The super energetic dance numbers makes the movie a hit at the box office. And the real heroes behind these dance numbers are the choreographers. Here are the top ten most famous choreographers in India.
1. Vaibhavi Merchant
Vaibhavi’s career in bollywood began as an assistant to his uncle Chinni Prakash. The song Dhol Baaje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was her biggest break. She also won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for this song. She has choreographed some of the most iconic dances in Bollywood like Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli, Kamli from Dhoom 3, Pinga from Bajirao Mastani, and Jhoome Jo Pathaan from Pathaan. She is famous for her ability to blend traditional with modern styles. Vaibhavi’s works won positive reviews for creativity, grace, and finesse.
2. Farah Khan:
Farah Khan, born on January 9, 1965, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most famous choreographers, directors, and producers in Bollywood today. She joined Bollywood, making her debut with Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar as a choreographer in 1992.She had phenomenal hits with songs like Pehla Nasha, Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se), Ek Pal Ka Jeena (Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai), and Kajra Re (Bunty Aur Babli). She has choreographed over 100 songs in local and international films, including works with Hollywood, like Monsoon Wedding and Bombay Dreams.
3. Shiamak Davar:
Shiamak Davar is a well-known choreographer from India who is often considered the first to present contemporary dance and modern jazz in Indian cinema. Born on October 19, 1961, in Mumbai, this artist has developed an innovative style that combines Western techniques with Indian aesthetics resulting in a unique dance vocabulary. He has indeed revolutionized Bollywood performances and stage works. He got recognized widely with his choreography for “Dil To Pagal Hai” which earned him a National Film Award for Best Choreography. His works in numerous films including Taal and Dhoom 2 proved him to be one of the most creative visionaries in the Indian entertainment industry. Outside of Bollywood, he has also choreographed various international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the IIFA Awards.
4. Saroj Khan:
Saroj Khan is affectionately called Mother of Choreography in Bollywood. She is one of the famous choreographers in Indian cinema for over forty years. She has choreographed for more than 2,000 songs in Bollywood. She became a household name during the 1980s with numbers like Ek Do Teen from the movie Tezaab, Hawa Hawai from Mr.India, and Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta. She became a super star when she started working with actors like Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi.
5. Ganesh Acharya
Ganesh Acharya is known in the Indian film industry as a choreographer, actor, and filmmaker. Ganesh ruled the bollywood industry with his dance numbers like Husn Hai Suhana, Mauja Hi Mauja, and Chikni Chameli. His choreography is known for wild and vibrant movements in Bollywood. He has choreographed for the hit films and danced with the top actors, such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
6. Geeta Kapoor
Geeta Kapoor, is one of the best choreographers in India. She got major recognition as a choreographer with the song Gori Gori from Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. But she became very famous with Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli. She has also choreographed a number of songs in Bollywood like Hasi from the movie Hamari Adhuri Kahani , Pappu Can’t Dance Saala from the movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na), Tung Tung Baje from the movie Singh is Bliing), and Pinga from the movie Bajirao Mastani.
7. Remo D’Souza
He is a self-taught dancer who learned dance through global icons like Michael Jackson. His popular work includes Dance Pe Chance from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi , Badtameez Dil from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Disco Deewane from Student of the Year. He has a vigorousness of contemporary and hip-hop dances along with the Bollywood style in his choreography. He has also directed movies, such as ABDC, and its sequel ABCD 2, and the action thriller Race 3.
8. Terence Lewis
Terence Lewis is an Indian choreographer, dancer, and also a dance educator. He is versatile in dance forms like contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and Indian classical dance. He became a household name across the nation, when he became a judge on the popular reality dance show, Dance India Dance. His expert feedback, strong physical appearance, and emotional connect with the contestants made him a celebrity in Indian television. Aaja Nachle, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Rock On are his famous dance numbers.
9. Prabhu Deva:
Prabhu Deva, often called the Michael Jackson of India, is one of the greatest choreographers, dancers, actors and filmmakers who have made a mark in Indian cinema. He was born on April 3, 1973, at Mysore, Karnataka but spent his childhood in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where he was trained in dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Western styles by his father, Mugur Sundar, a famous South Indian choreographer. His all time hit songs are Muqabala (Kadhalan, 1994) and Urvashi Urvashi (Humse Hai Muqabala, 1994). Besides Choreography, Prabhu Deva has acted in movies such as Kadhalan, ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) and Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
10. Punit Pathak
Punit Pathak is the most talented choreographer and dancer who is well versed in both contemporary and Bollywood dance forms. Punit earned the fame when he became one the finalists of Dance India Dance Season 2 in the year 2010. He also became one of the most popular choreographers in the Indian entertainment industry in a short span of time. His choreography in Bollywood includes Galti Se Mistake from Jagga Jasoos, Shiv Shankar from the movie ABCD 2, and The Disco Song from the movie Student of the Year 2.
Acheivements of our Indian choreographers reflect their tapestry of creativity, and innovation. From iconic dance numbers to exceptional dance competitions, they have truly made their mark on the landscape.
