Renowned choreographer Bosco Martis’s recent post on Instagram demanding due credit for choreographers on promotional platforms, especially on posters, radio, and YouTube, has garnered support. Calling it a fight of 22 years, he wrote, “When the music director, lyricist, singer or the writer is celebrated, then why not the choreographer who makes the actors and the nation dance. It’s heartbreaking.”

Talking about the need to recognize the hard work put in by choreographers, Bosco says, “The entire nation celebrates our hook steps and dance moves, but we rarely get credit. Even on YouTube, choreographers are seldom mentioned. Every time I choreograph a song, I have to insist on having our names on the poster. Unfortunately, our names don’t find a place even in teasers and trailers. Why should we beg for credit? It should be respectfully given to deserving people.”

He adds, “‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ reached the Oscars, but it was disheartening to see that the choreographer’s (Prem Rakshith) name was not acknowledged. I believe it was the choreography that contributed immensely to the song’s success.”

Bosco hopes to get more support from the industry on this. “A film’s director, actor, and producer should be the first to acknowledge our work. This is just the beginning. Established choreographers need to unite and fight for this cause. It’s not about one choreographer’s credit, it’s a fight demanding a fair deal for everyone,” he says.

Meanwhile, the latest development is that Hrithik Roshan has initiated a dialogue with the makers of his upcoming film Fighter to include Bosco’s name in the latest track.

Choreographer Mudassar Khan says, “Bosco’s post has struck a chord with every choreographer in the country — dil ki baat kar di. It’s strange to watch a song without knowing who put together those steps and movements. In Bollywood, a song gains popularity primarily after its visual presentation. What if a filmmaker likes the choreography, but how will they approach us if our names are not mentioned? Unfortunately, the industry always puts the lyricist, singer, and music director above a choreographer. Logon ko lagta hai naachna asaan hai, which is a misconception. Only 10 per cent of makers take the initiative to credit us in songs on TV and other platforms.”

Karishma Chavan, who has been part of the industry for 20 years and has choreographed for several films, including ‘Veere Di Wedding’, shares, “In the past, choreographers got their due, but dance in the industry has now lost its position as an art form. There is a lack of credit and monetary compensation for our experience, let alone respect. Bosco is justified in taking a stand and addressing the growing disrespect. The only way forward is for technicians to stand united on this.”

Vijay Ganguly, who became an independent choreographer in 2013, says, “I was surprised when Bosco sir posted about this issue, as I would think it happened to those relatively new in the industry. Often our songs are released on platforms like YouTube, and credits are given to everyone but choreographers. It’s a constant fight to ensure our names are mentioned. For films like Sam Bahadur and Pippa, I requested the makers to mention the dancers in the end credit because they put in significant time and effort. I am glad they complied. Seeing our names on the big screen makes a significant difference to us.”

Jyothi D Tommaar, who choreographed the National Award-winning song Ghoomar in Padmaavat (2018), along with Kruti Mahesh, says, “I am grateful to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for ensuring that Kruti and my name is mentioned every time the song is showcased. However, if others have had negative experiences, I will certainly support them. Unfortunately, choreographers face struggles despite bringing life to songs. Even after spending 36 years in this profession, I still feel unrecognized in the industry. If you don’t actively promote your name and achievements, recognition remains elusive. I empathize with Bosco and stand in solidarity with him.”

Vrushali Chavan, who assisted Farah Khan before starting independently in 2015 and has choreographed the single ‘Swag Mera Desi’, among others, asserts, “Every artiste deserves rightful acknowledgment. A song belongs as much to the choreographer as it does to the music director or the singer. In many cases, a visually appealing song serves as an invitation to watch the film. I have faced this situation – choreographed all three songs in a film only to find my name missing from the credits on YouTube. I had to request them to add my name, but by the third song, I gave up. It’s a sorry plight that we have to ask and remind people of our contribution.”