Showing posts with label ABCD - Any Body Can Dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABCD - Any Body Can Dance. Show all posts
Ganesh ustav special: All the prep that goes into shooting Ganesha songs in Agneepath, Don, Vaastav
2:55 PM
Natasha Coutinho (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2024)
Lord Ganesha songs in Hindi films have a history of being shot on a grand scale, complete with dance, colour, dhol-taasha and the works. The filming of these elaborate songs requires a lot of prep and detailed planning. And often these devotional and high-energy tracks lead to the film’s climax, elevating the drama and its visual impact on screen. We delve into the making of some of these beautifully shot Ganpati songs in cinema.
WE SHOT DEVA SHREE GANESHA FROM AGNEEPATH OVER FIVE DAYS ON A GRAND SCALE: Chinni Prakash, choreographer
Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Dutt starrer Agneepath was the remake of Amitabh Bachchan's 1990 release.
Deva Shree Ganesha from Agneepath went on to become one of the most popular Ganesh Chaturthi songs
Talking about one of the most popular Ganpati songs, Deva Shree Ganesha from Agneepath, choreographer Chinni Prakash says, "Agneepath was Karan Malhotra's debut directorial. An entire chawl set was erected on an open ground in Mumbai's Versova for the film. We began the shoot with a Ganesh pooja of the huge idol. We shot the song over five days on a grand scale, with Hrithik playing the dhol, performing aarti and lots of dancers around. People were screaming, dancing and all of us had goosebumps. We had trials over four days to decide how the kumkum would fall over the idol. We toppled a tank filled with kumkum with six cameras rolling to capture that moment, and everyone including Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra stayed back to watch the shoot."
WE MERGED SHOTS OF REAL CROWDS FROM GANPATI VISARJAN FOR MOURYA RE: Aradhana Seth, production designer
Don's (2006) visarjan song Mourya Re remains a favourite with Ganpati pandals. Aradhana Seth, production designer of the film Don, recalls, “Most songs take five days to shoot on a big budget film, Mourya Re took six days, if we count the real-life visarjan day. This particular shoot day was filmed much in advance as we decided to capture the real-life Ganesh visarjan. We sent out five camera crews across Mumbai to film it, viewed the footage and then decided on the idol that director Farhan Akhtar and I wanted to recreate. We also merged a couple of shots of the real crowd and the visarjan into the song. We created an 18-foot idol to match the one from the footage, tracking down an artisan who could do it. Pulling off a song as grand as this using live locations requires detailed planning and collaboration with the choreographer (Rajeev Surti) along with the director. The chawl gateway was not tall enough to take the Ganesh idol out on the truck, so there was lots of loading and unloading while moving to Juhu beach for the visarjan sequence. The shoot of the Ganpati song for SRK’s Don took place at a chawl. Multiple props were created and sourced, like an ektara, 90-100 instruments like dhols and cymbals, flags, coloured powder, flowers and pinatas.”
I ENSURE I HAVE A GANPATI SONG IN EVERY FILM: Remo D’Souza, director
Sadda Dil Vi Tu, the song from ABCD: Anybody Can Dance has the leads, Lauren Gottlieb, Dharmesh Yelande and others participating in a dance competition.
Director and choreographer Remo D’souza who is a great believer of Ganpati says, “Since the time I first became a director, I ensure I have a Ganpati song in every film, and ABCD: Any Body Can Dance had two such songs in it. I've been a huge believer of Ganpati Bappa since childhood and after I got married, we started bringing Bappa home every year. In ABCD, the first song was with the typical dhol taasha, but music director Sachin-Jigar and I got rapper Hard Kaur to sing the second song Sadda Dil Vi Tu, which leads towards the climax, because it was a dance-based film and we wanted to try something different. There’s a portion in ABCD where the dancers wear Ganesha masks and form 7 tiers to create Ganpati with their bodies — every time the dancers tried, they fell and got injured. My wife Lizelle suggested they don’t consume non-veg on the day of the shoot and eventually, we wrapped up in two days."
WE SHOT VAASTAV'S AARTI SONG SHENDUR LAL CHADHAYO IN ONE DAY: Shivaji Satam, actor
Shivaji Satam played father to Sanjay Dutt in Mahesh Manjrekar’s crime drama Vaastav: The Reality. The aarti from the film, Shendur Lal Chadhayo, is popular with Ganesh pandals even two decades after the film’s release.
Shivaji Satam who played father to Sanjay Dutt in Mahesh Manjrekar’s crime drama says, “The utsav of 11 days is celebrated in a grand way in chawls and director Mahesh Manjrekar wanted the celebrations to be a part of the film. We shot the aarti sequence Shendur Lal Chadhayo at Parleshwar Ganesh mandir in one day. Although it may look like a simple, non-glamorous song compared to others, it required a lot of work, filming mid-shots, insets of Sanjay’s entry scene and so on. Reema Lagoo and I did not need glycerin while shooting the aarti, as our eyes were filled with tears for real."
We often wonder how bizarre our life would be had we not met the right people - Sachin-Jigar
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Musician duo Sachin and Jigar to enable skilfull Gujarati individuals hone their talent, promote them on their social media handles
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; March 2, 2020)
A mammoth six-track set-list in Street Dancer 3D behind them, and with their eyes set on the March release, Angrezi Medium, Sachin Sanghvi and Jigar Saraiya have been devoting time to a passion project. A bevy of aspirational messages from their fans in Gujarat enquiring about measures they must take to enhance their individual skills has encouraged the musician duo to take matters in their own hands. With Gujarat Cultural Movement, they aim to provide a platform for talented individuals to enhance their craft, and showcase their work.
"We often wonder how bizarre [our life would be] had we not met the right people," says Sachin, as Jigar adds, "It was about time we too stepped up and did stuff for other artistes, especially those from Gujarat. We're not trying to shape anyone's career, but we're hoping to inspire them to step up their game, reinvent themselves, or even find themselves."
Sachin reveals that with the movement, they will invite entries to an official email ID, and encourage artistes across platforms — dance, music, handicraft, and everything under Gujarati entertainment — to express themselves. "Our team will pick deserving artistes, and we will bring [suited professionals] to help them enhance their art. After it has [met a certain standard], we will send it to our social media team [to share it on our platform]. I won't stop at calling this just a mentoring program. It could well become a talent pool. We'll look at every possible collaboration and viable outlet [for them to grow]."
Just yet, the duo isn't exploring a mentoring format that is rather defined. "If someone doesn't need to travel here, [they won't]. For instance, we have a friend in Vadodara who is a stand-up comedian. So, should we receive a suitable application from comics from the city, she can help them from there. We are looking at learning methods that are feasible and contemporary. Art is discovered, and we'll wait for people to discover [artistes]."
On the work front, Irrfan's Angrezi Medium, comprising five songs, has them take charge of four. "One is a remix, and we've decided we won't do them," they say. The film, that explores the relationship between a father and daughter — played by Irrfan and Radhika Madan — will also include their "favourite" song, the Coke Studio number, Laadki, also devoted to daughters. "Another is a promotional number that will release soon."
Yet another track, Ek zindagi, is a throwback to the first edition of the series, Hindi Medium. "Each [instalment] is seen as a stand-alone piece, and we have to see where the script's heart lies. But, we also try to retain something from the past edition. With [the] ABCD [franchise], we keep Bezubaan as a constant. Here, it is Ek Zindagi. But [each edition] has its own demand."
Among the new breed of musicians who still choose to work as a set, the duo admits that the clashing of their distinct music sensibilities implies there's always scope for each of them to learn. "Musically, we are so different that we keep surprising each other and discovering one another," says Jigar, as Sachin adds, "You have to respect each other for a jodi to work. We've had our share of fights, but we've realised that together we can deal with stress, and [people's] expectations better."
When I make a dance film, I ensure that the characters have a reason to dance-Remo Dsouza
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Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 23, 2020)
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D’Souza gave the dance film genre a boost by introducing the Indian audience to the world of new-age dance through his movies. While his first two films, ABCD: Anybody Can Dance (2013) and ABCD 2 (2015), were all about the art form on stage, this time around, he is taking it to the streets. He promises that this experiment of his, in 3D, is going to be a joyride. In a chat with BT, he talks about casting stars in his film, boxoffice expectations and making one of India’s best dancers — Prabhudheva — dance to his tunes. Excerpts:Street Dancer 3D is your third dance film. The challenge to make it bigger and better must have been daunting...
I feel that I have not explored even five per cent of the kind of dance and music that’s there in our country and across the world. While the earlier two films were based on dancing on stage, we have taken to the streets with this one. Street Dancer 3D is based in London and revolves around Indian, Pakistani and people of other nationalities. It’s about desis, who are born and brought up there and the film focuses on what they feel about India. It is based on a real, six-hour documentary on illegal immigrants. There’s a strong storyline that sees a fusion with dance and music. When I make a dance film, I make sure that the characters have a reason to dance. It took some time to find that reason. But when we found it, it was amazing.
While song and dance have been an important aspect of Hindi films for many decades, there is a section that tends to look down on it, without realising the amount of hard work that goes into it...
A lot of people associate Bollywood with just song and dance. I get annoyed when they say that. Aise hi thodi hum duniya mein sabse zyada films banaate hain. Toh kabhi kabhi bura lagta hai, but I am glad that the perception is changing. Maybe, in the coming years, we will prove that the Indian film industry is the best. Bollywood is known for its music and dance, and there are no two ways about it. However, we are now making films without music and dance, too. But back when I decided to make a film on dance, there weren’t too many films of that genre. Everyone told me that this genre doesn’t work and that’s why no one makes any films that focus on dance. During the process, I realised that if I focus only on music and dance, without any story, it won't work. I knew that I needed a strong story to pull it off. A strong storyline is of paramount importance to support a dance film, and when you have that, you’ve got a winner.
With ABCD, you delivered a hit without a big star. Why did you feel the need to rope in Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor for the second instalment and repeat them in Street Dancer 3D? Do you think star presence translates into box office success?
The film industry doesn’t talk about hits and flops anymore. Now, it’s all about the box-office collection on the day of the release, the second day and weekends. Today, no one asks, ‘Picture kaisi hai?’ All they ask is the first-day collection of the film. As a filmmaker, it’s scary to answer questions about the collections instead of how a movie is made. A film is judged on that. While it is scary, this is how the industry works now, and so, numbers matter. When we started working on ABCD 2, I realised that the person playing the central character had to be a strong actor along with being a good dancer. That combination was tough to find. Our quest to find that perfect combination ended with Varun and Shraddha. When we met Shraddha for ABCD 2, she said that she would audition for the part even if she was not chosen for it. She did this despite being a big name in the industry. I appreciate her dedication and sincerity, and we cast her.
Katrina Kaif and not Shraddha was your original choice for Street Dancer 3D. Did you make any changes to the script after Shraddha came on board?
The script was originally written keeping in mind that this would be the third instalment of ABCD. But since the studio that backed the first two films had shut down its Hindi film production unit, I had to take the film to someone else. I couldn’t use the same title, and so, we named the film Street Dancer 3D. Varun was the original choice for it along with Katrina. However, just a month before we were set to go on floors, she had to opt out of this film due to Bharat. Everyone knows what happened with that film… Priyanka Chopra (Jonas) backed out and Katrina had to step in. We were stuck because I couldn’t push my schedule, as I wanted to shoot during winter in London. Being a thorough professional, Katrina herself told us that we should go with somebody else. That’s when Shraddha came on board. I had to make very minute changes in the script when she joined the team. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that one is indispensable. It could have happened with the actor, too. If an actress can get replaced, so can the actor.
You are extremely fond of Prabhudheva, and he has featured in all your dance films. Since he is also a choreographer and director, does it ever get tricky for you to make him dance to your tunes?
Not at all. He is the sweetest person I have met in my life. Despite being a big director and actor, he behaves like a newcomer on the set and surrenders himself to the vision of the director. He has never read the scripts of the films I have offered him, nor has he ever inquired about his character. He just comes and asks, ‘What do you want me to do?’ That’s how much he trusts me. His favourite line is, ‘Don’t make me dance so much; you should consider my age. These youngsters are better dancers than me.’ But as soon as the music is turned on and he starts dancing, he puts everyone to shame. He is like family to me, and will be a part of every dance film that I make.
I love being an entertainer, and making people smile is a big deal with our family-Varun Dhawan
8:25 AM
Varun Dhawan has also just announced a comic thriller and admits that he’s in talks for an action film even as he gears up for a musical
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 15, 2020)
It’s a Sunday morning and Varun Dhawan is chilling at home, remembering the Tamtam and Khaman he savoured during the promotions of his upcoming film, Street Dancer 3D in Ahmedabad. Looking at his rippling muscles, you would think food would be the last thing on his mind but the actor is known to spring surprises, not just on screen but off it too. Talking about his Republic Day offering, he points out that director Remo D’souza and he had already set a standard with their last film, ABCD: Anybody Can Dance 2. “Given all the TV reality shows it is difficult to excite the audience with dance alone, so we have introduced some novel aerial jumps and flips,” he reveals, admitting that over the years, though he has evolved as a dancer, it’s still hard to match up to today’s kids.He reunites with his ABCD2 co-star Shraddha Kapoor and has a new dance partner in Nora Fatehi. “Nora and I share an exciting chemistry, hers is a special track in the film. The banter between Shraddha and me will bring a lot of laughs, the way it is for real,” he says earnestly.
After the 2017 comic caper, Judwaa 2, Varun took a step back from the masala movies he graduated in with October, Sui Dhaaga and Kalank. “Yeah, I’m getting back to the commercial child-friendly genre. I want to do such films the minute I start missing them. The timing is right for us because January has several important films on serious issues,” points out the actor, saying he follows his heart when it comes to signing films and is looking forward to another “fun” film, Coolie No. 1, with dad David Dhawan. “I love being an entertainer, and making people smile is a big deal with our family. My dad’s films have always spread happiness too.”
Coolie No. 1 sees a new jodi in Varun and Sara Ali Khan and he reasons that if people are already talking about the sparkle they exude even on camera and Varun believes it’s because they get along famously in real life. After stepping into Salman Khan’s shoes in Judwaa 2, Varun will do a take on one of Govinda’s character in the Coolie No.1 remake. “It’s not a remake actually, but more of an adaptation,” he corrects. “It’s a film for this generation though we have retained the screenplay, which was brilliant. Sara and I are trying to do what our seniors (Govinda and Karisma Kapoor) did in the original, under David Dhawan’s direction. It’s been a crazy ride.”It’s been nine years since his debut film, Student Of The Year, and one has yet to see Varun in the quintessential Bollywood action film. “Talks are on, I’m looking to explore the comic thriller genre too in Mr Lele. After reading the script, I called Shashank (director Shashank Khaitan) 109 times in two days,” shares the actor who was to team up with him on a period film, Rannbhoomi, which for now has been put on the back-burner. Mr Lele rolls in March, following which Varun moves on to Sriram Raghavan’s biopic on 1971 war hero, Arun Khetarpal. He describes his recent visit to the Air Force base around Jodhpur as “the best experience of my life—so amazing and inspiring”. As an actor, he observed their body-language and as a part of his prep, will go to more such bases.
Meanwhile Bhushan Kumar, who is producing the film with Lizelle D’souza, has plans to spin Street Dancer 3D into a franchise. Varun confirms this, saying, “There is an idea, but these films need to be done for the right reasons; like in this film, we dance for a cause. Remo keeps coming up with wonderful ideas and I’m sure after two dance films, Shraddha and I will do the next one together, with Nora joining in the family too.”
Post War, which saw Hrithik Roshan team up with Tiger Shroff, two-hero films are back… “I have done them already, from Dilwale to Dishoom and Kalank,” he cuts in. How about a collaboration with Salman Khan, a sequel to Partner 2 maybe, helmed by dad Dhawan? “You never know what can happen in the future. I’m ready to work Salman Bhai anytime,” he signs off.
Nora Fatehi is one of the best dancers, says Shraddha Kapoor at Street Dancer trailer launch
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Shraddha Kapoor vouches for her new co-star, director Remo Dsouza says actress and Varun Dhawan begged to be in ‘Muqabala’
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 19, 2019)
For the trailer launch of their upcoming film, Street Dancer 3D, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor arrived in an open-top bus with the film’s team. The duo greeted the media and fans with a flash mob on the recreated version of Prabhudheva’s “Muqabala” and “Suno Gaur Se”, even getting producer Bhushan Kumar to shake a leg.After things settled down, Varun recalled the time the film wasn’t even happening. “The studio backed out and the script was stuck for almost three years. That’s when Bhushan sir came into our lives,” he said. Bhushan added that he had wanted to produce a dance franchise ever since ABCD released. “After ABCD, I told Remo (Dsouza, director) that he should make the next film in the franchise with a music company. When he didn’t offer me the second one, I made him promise to make the third with me,” he laughed, confiding that his dancing skills have improved now. Lizelle Dsouza, Remo’s wife, was described by Varun as “our other producer and Remo’s children producer”. The actor then joined Shraddha to welcome the new entrant in their team, Nora Fatehi, with the latter describing Nora as “one of the best dancers I’ve ever seen” and urged the audience to “keep their handkerchieves handy” as her hotness will make them sweat.
Referring to the film as “her childhood dream”, Nora revealed that she approached Remo for a part. “During the music video shoot of ‘Baby Marwake Maanegi’, which Remo sir was directing, I had decided that I’d ask him to cast me in his next dance film. I even practised in front of the mirror, but couldn’t gather courage. On the third day, I went up to him, blabbered to please cast me in his next and just ran away,” she confessed.
Meanwhile, Remo revealed why Katrina Kaif had to back out because of Bharat. “We all saw what happened with the casting of Bharat, so she had to go there. And Shraddha came in as our saviour,” he said. On the new version of “Muqabala”, Remo revealed, “Varun and Shraddha begged to be a part of it. We shot for one step with them, but even that didn’t make the final cut.”
Talking about the ongoing protests in the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Varun said that, as a public figure, it’s his responsibility to speak only after analysing the situation. “Even kids follow us, so I can’t just put out anything. And in today’s world, if you don’t tweet, you haven’t done anything,” he said, adding that it’s not because of anyone’s fear that he hasn’t responded yet. “I am not scared of anyone. I feel the safest here, surrounded by my countrymen.”
Viewers must feel Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor are dancing with them-Remo Dsouza
8:41 AM
Currently handling Street Dancer's post-production, director Remo D'Souza explains why he envisioned the film as a 3D affair
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 8, 2019)
Remo D'Souza kicks off the fifth season of his reality show, Dance+, this weekend. The choreographer-director will have to juggle his judging duties with the post-production of his next, Street Dancer 3D. Though the shoot of the Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor starrer wrapped up earlier this year, the director has allotted months to the post-production, aware that employing 3D technology can be a time-consuming affair."Dance is a visual treat and what better way to capture it than in this format? I wanted the audience to see the third dimension. We see dance only on television and in films," says D'Souza, whose last two musicals — ABCD (2013) and ABCD 2 (2015) — employed the technology. While horror and action flicks have long enjoyed the advantages of the format, the director is surprised that it hasn't been explored as much for dance offerings. "The reason I made Street Dancer in 3D was simple; I wanted audience to feel that Varun and Shraddha are dancing in the theatre with them, or that they are in the film with the stars."
One to give platforms to budding artistes, D'Souza has roped in several contestants of Dance+ in the Republic Day 2020 release. "It features not only those who were selected for the show, but also those who auditioned."
Dance+ sees Punit Pathak, Dharmesh Yelande, Suresh Mukund and Karishma Chavan as mentors with D'Souza as the super judge. "I advise contestants not to push themselves so hard that they get injured. They should enjoy the art."
It was like a six month dance camp-Remo Dsouza
8:29 AM
Varun Dhawan and Co. underwent exhaustive prep to match steps with the world’s best
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 10, 2019)
Remo D’Souza’s upcoming musical, Street Dancer 3D, which has Varun Dhawan playing a London-based dancer of Indian origin who takes part in a in a competition with participants from different countries, is gearing up for a Republic Day release. The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar and director Remo D’souza’s wife Lizelle, explores the culture of street dancing in India, and has roped in real-life street dancers for pivotal roles.
As part of their prep, all the actors, including Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva and Nora Fatehi underwent a prolonged dance workshop which started around three months before taking the film on the floors. “It was essential because we are playing with several dance forms, including crumping, breaking, hip hop, old school and B-boying. The actors trained with different choreographers, all masters in their own styles,” informs Remo, adding that the sessions continued even during the shoot in Punjab, London and Mumbai. “We kept training till the film wrapped up, so it was like a six month dance camp.”
Since no training camp is devoid of injuries, this one, too, despite the presence of three physiotherapists on the set throughout the shoot, had someone or the other suffering a back or leg injury. There were moments of real anxiety when Varun broke his knee and Shraddha was down with fever just before the final face-off.
“They had to compete with the world’s best dancers when both actors fell prey to the incessant rains. However, they were very professional and dove into a crowd of 1000-plus with 500 back-up dancers and completed the climax shoot within the deadline without complaints,” the director recounts.
A choreographer himself, he is all raves for Nora, promising the film will showcase her in a dancing avatar not seen before. “Unlike ABCD and its sequel where the dancing was on stage, this film is about underground dance face-offs. Expect the unexpected,” “he quips.
Got To Dance UK finalist Tashan Muir to train Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor in street dance and hip hop
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 17, 2019)
Considering their last collaboration ABCD 2 ( 2015) was a runaway hit, director Remo D’souza is pulling out all stops for his next featuring Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor. In a bid to up the ante, the filmmaker has flown in Tashan Muir — a famed London-based artiste who runs a dance school in the Queen’s city — to train his leads in street dance and hip hop.says a source from the creative team, “Having worked closely with Tashan during ABCD ( 2013), Remo was keen to use his expertise in this project, too. So, Tashan, along with one of his students Tanya, has been brought down to India to conduct workshops with Varun and Shraddha. Tashan is one of the leading names in street dance in London; in fact, a team training in his school was the runner-up of Got To Dance UK season 3. Since the movie is set in London, the director was keen that the leads be shown employing dance forms that are prevalent there. So, the actors have been training in European hip hop, locking and popping, and disco hustle over the past week under their tutelage. In fact, Tashan and Tanya will also feature in the film.”
The source goes on to add that the film will go on floors in Amritsar next week. “It’s a seven-day-long schedule that will feature key sequences between Varun and Aparshakti Khurana. Post the Punjab leg, Varun and Shraddha will resume their dance training till March, post which the unit heads to London for the 40-day schedule. As the story is based in London, the rest of the movie will be shot there.”
The final leg of the dance drama is scheduled for July. for their next outing
This is the dance film I always wanted to do-Katrina Kaif opens up on film with Varun Dhawan
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Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 4, 2018)
From the time when she received flak for her moves on screen to being hailed as one of the top dancers in Bollywood today, Katrina Kaif has come a long way. Whether it’s Sheila Ki Jawani in Tees Maar Khan (2010), Chikni Chameli in Agneepath (2012), Dhoom 3’s Kamli (2013) or Baar Baar Dekho’s Kala Chashma (2016), the actress has managed to turn up the heat. But in her 15-year long career, she has never done a complete dance film. That was up until now. She has finally signed the third instalment of the ABCD franchise where she will team up with Varun Dhawan for the first time. Here, she talks about shaking a leg with VD and being directed by Remo D’Souza...
There was a point in your career when someone called you ‘zero’ in dance...
That was when I started. I didn’t know much about it and although I would do it with as much dedication, I don’t think my choreographer was happy.
Today, you have established yourself as one of the best dancers in the industry. How did you change the perception?
I’ve focused a lot of my energy on it — whether it was learning Kathak with Pandit Viru Krishna Maharaj or working with choreographers like Farah (Khan), Bosco (Martis) and Ganesh (Acharya) for my films. Dance became my passion and I felt it was a different way through which I could express myself. It’s still an area which is unexplored. We can do so much with our song-and-dance sequences. There are endless possibilities to what we can achieve.
What took you so long to sign a dance film then?
I never sign films for the sake of doing a particular genre. I follow my instinct and choose from the best scripts that come to me at a given time. When this sequel in the franchise came about, it astounded me. I liked the concept and what the makers were planning to do with the story. I love Varun and his energy. I have known Remo for a long time, too. It’s an opportunity for all of us to do something special. This is the dance film I always wanted to do.
Today, with the ABCD franchise faring well, the genre, too, has evolved in the country. Do you think it’s the right time for a full-fledged dance film?
Remo did get it right with ABCD. But you also have to understand that a lot of reality shows in this category are aired on TV. A few of those contestants are doing so well in movies. It’s more about the connect than the space. Right now, the whole space we are getting into with this film is absolutely new. It’s a dance flick but in a different zone. So, it’s an amalgamation of all the right things put together.
What is this zone?
It comprises many forms such as hip hop, contemporary, classical or jazz. The movie’s setting, the choreography and the story allow me to do the kind of dance that I aspired to.
What dance forms are you training in?
(Laughs) It’s too early to talk about it. But there will obviously be a lot of new stuff that we will try and showcase. When we get into the schedule and start planning, there will be proper training and rehearsals in different forms for every song in the film.
This is the first time you’ll be paired with Varun. What was your first reaction?
I have known him for many years and he’s doing a fantastic job. I admire what he brings to the table. We have always discussed working in a film together and thought that whenever it happens, it has to be something in this space.
Which are your favourite dance films?
It has to be Dirty Dancing. I’m also a huge fan of musicals. Whether it’s The Sound Of Music or Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, I love all of them. I’ve always enjoyed classics like the MGM dance films. Last year, The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, was so beautifully done. We attempted that in a way with Jagga Jasoos, although it was a lot different.
Are action and dance films your comfort zone?
I don’t think so. It’s just that my last release, Tiger Zinda Hai, was an action flick. But Remo’s movie isn’t my immediate next project. It’s coming after Zero and Thugs Of Hindostan. It’s just a matter of time that I opted to do them right now. But there’s no strategy while picking these subjects. When I choose a film, I try to do my best with the opportunities that I get. TZH worked wonderfully, but sometimes, you also make wrong choices and don’t deliver. Right now, I want to do movies where I’m happy. I want to make every element on a set my comfort zone. Every new film is a new journey and experience where you engulf yourself completely.
You had a slate of disappointments but with TZH doing phenomenally well, are you veering towards more commercial films now?
No. That’s the way I choose my films and it will always remain the same. If I’ve something to contribute, I’d do it. Also, there are a lot of other factors. You only choose the best of what you get. If a film is shouting out at you and challenging you, those are the ones that I find exciting.
I would love to be part of a dance movie like ABCD-Katrina Kaif
8:00 AM
Katrina Kaif says contemporary dance has an emotional connect with her
Upala KBR (DNA; February 11, 2016)
Katrina Kaif doesn’t get enough credit for being the
fantastic dancer that she is. No one could have done the jhatkas and
matkas better than what she did in Chikni Chameli and Sheila Ki Jawaani.
While she knocked it out of the ballpark with those two songs, she held
the viewers in a trance every second of the free-style
dance-cum-striptease act in the Kamli song in Dhoom:3. And she has done
it again now with the ballet-style Pashmina song in her next release.
It’s natural to wonder if it comes all too easy to her because she is the gifted born-to-dance sort or if she slogs to get the steps right. Kat says, “Dance came to me as a beautiful discovery. I didn’t know the kind of joy it would give me. It was a slow and unexpected process of discovery. I don’t think it started out naturally. I think I had to put in a lot of work and I still do, but now I enjoy it more.”
She adds, “Because of the lack of time and the logistics involved, we actually had only three days for Pashmina. And that is not my idea of performing in a song (laughs). I like to work on the song for 10 days and I like the whole team to be there. Instead, we had a small, minimal team because it was a Christmas holiday. We had literally three days to rehearse and shoot, once we had the choreography set. Pashmina has just the tip of contemporary dancing, the depths of the style is still unexplored. I don’t consider myself great or good at all, but I feel fortunate to connect to dance. It has an emotional connect with me.”
So what about a dance musical? “I would love to perform in one and be a part of a dance movie like Flashdance or closer home, something like ABCD! Dance, for me, is a way of expressing my emotions which are left unexpressed. There are times when if I feel really low or just don’t know what to do, there are certain songs that I listen to, sometimes on loop for literally two hours, the same song because for that moment, it’s speaking the words of your heart. It’s almost like someone is expressing what you feel inside and putting it into words, the lyrics sometimes conveying what’s wrong. Music can do that for me. I felt that connection with Pashmina, too. There are certain movements that I do in the middle of the song and there’s something about the movement and words and music which is in a way I can feel it. It’s an emotion, not a movement, even though I would say I would want more time and choreography to do something like this. I would have happily rehearsed for a week (laughs), but there are few moments where you just feel that connect and gives you that joy in your heart, some kind of upliftment and a sense of relief when you are able to express yourself correctly.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 364
6:03 PM
WILL ABCD 2 EMERGE AS THE BIGGEST HIT OF VARUN DHAWAN?
ABCD had arrived with Special 26, a much bigger film. ABCD meanwhile had no known faces but the promo and the songs had worked its charm. And the film was quite a decent fare and hence, it emerged as a semi-hit. Now director-choreographer Remo Dsouza is back with ABCD 2, made on a much larger scale. And he has also got on board prominent actors Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor. Some of the actors from the first part are also retained, including Prabhu Dheva and Lauren Gottlieb. This time, the competition is much more tough as the dance group is seen competing among the world’s best dancers in Las Vegas, USA. Interestingly, the film is based on a true story of a dance group in Nallasopara in the outskirts of Mumbai. The trailer is fun and has appealed to the youth. The 3D is also an added advantage.
Varun has emerged as a great actor and his presence has generated tremendous excitement. In fact, a section of media is confident that it can take the biggest opening of 2013 (crossing 12 crore approx Day 1 of Gabbar Is Back). In fact, the trade believes that the film can work despite Holy Month of Ramzan commencing from today, June 18 and that it can emerge as the biggest hit of Varun Dhawan. Hence, a 100 crore collection is not ruled out. 2 years back, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag crossed 100 crore despite releasing during Ramzan. Hence, ABCD 2 too can achieve the same but for that, the word of mouth has to be very positive.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ABCD 2 AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!
Varun Dhawan & Shraddha Kapoor were average stars when I signed them-Remo Dsouza
9:08 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 15, 2015)
Choreographer Remo D’Souza made his directorial debut
with 3D dance film ABCD, which was made by culling dancers from various
talent hunt shows. For the sequel, however, he managed to rope in
mainstream actors Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor for the lead roles
and took it to the next level. Here, he talks about the difficulties in
making a dance film, his favourite dancing stars and more..
With Varun and Shraddha in ABCD 2, your film has become big. Was that always the plan?
It’s true that I wanted to make the sequel bigger in terms of scale and energy. However, when I signed Varun and Shraddha, they were average stars. I signed Varun after Student Of The Year and Shraddha was on board when she wasn’t even doing Ek Villain. But during the shoot of my film, Varun’s Main Tera Hero and Badlapur released and were hits, While Shraddha’s Ek Villain was a blockbuster. So, from average stars they became very big stars. It helps my film, so that’s great.
What prompted you to cast them?
It was the requirement of the characters. I wanted Varun because besides being an energetic, vibrant dancer, he is a very good actor and this role requires him to be intense. It was he who suggested Shraddha’s name. I was actually thinking of getting some American dancer because I wasn’t sure I would get that level of a dancer here, and one who would look good with Varun. Shraddha is Varun’s childhood friend and he said she is a good dancer.
What was your reaction?
I was like, ‘Shraddha, is she really a good dancer? I have never seen her dance’. She is pretty and a good actress too, but I wanted to see her dancing skills. I was surprised when she showed me her moves! More than dance, I saw a lot of passion in her. I told her ‘Maintain that throughout, give me time, and I will make you a good dancer’. Shraddha has turned out to be brilliant. I feel proud of her.
Is it difficult to make a dance film?
It is very difficult. In fact, when somebody asked Prabhu sir (Prabhu Dheva) whether he will make a dance film, he said he can’t. That’s because it is mentally and physically stressful. A love story is just about two people falling in love, but in a dance film, you not only need dance but a story. Also, the story-telling has to be good, else people will get bored. It takes a lot out of you time-wise, money-wise and effort-wise. And, if it’s a 3D film, then it’s double.
Will you make ABCD 3?
I don’t think so, though Varun and Shraddha want me to make it! ABCD 2 is not one, but 10 steps ahead of ABCD. I have given my everything to this film. I don’t know if I can give anything more on dancing.
It’s based on a real story, isn’t it?
Yes, it is about Suresh and Vernon who hail from Nallasoapara and have a dance group called Fictitious. It’s about their journey to Las Vegas. What’s amazing about their story is they watched various dance groups on videos, copied them and later competed with them! Varun plays Suresh’s role and one of my dancers plays Vernon.
Who, according to you, are the best dancers in the industry besides Varun?
Undoubtedly, Hrithik Roshan who everyone knows is a brilliant dancer. Then there’s Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and even Arjun Kapoor. Now there’s a new dancing sensation in Tiger Shroff.
And among the heroines?
Deepika Padukone is a brilliant dancer and so is Priyanka Chopra. If I have to go back, it would be Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and of course, Madhuri Dixit who is numero uno in dancing. Shraddha has also proved to be one. Now, I think Alia needs a dance film!
Despite good dancers in the industry, why weren’t dance films made?
I don’t know. Hrithik became a big star after Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Everyone knew that he is a superb dancer, but he got action movies and love stories after that. Nobody gave him a dance film. Shahid proved that he is a good dancer with his debut film Ishq Vishk. Though he did get one dance film Chance Pe Dance, that film had no dance at all! People forget that if you are making a dance film, you have to make sure it has dance also.
Salman Khan came on the show and said, 'My mother is in love with you'-Lauren Gottlieb
8:09 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; May 29, 2015)
Lauren Gottlieb, 26, is a
dancer, choreographer and actor who has trained the likes of
Tom Cruise and Tobey Maguire in dance. She is real, has a pure heart and
cares for others. She is blunt like most Americans and considers
herself an honest and happy person. She has had three serious
relationships, but not with any Indian so far. She is a multitasker with
amazing work ethics as she always wants to go beyond what is expected
of her and aspires to work with the multi-talented Farhan Akhtar, who
inspires her.
Ahead of her upcoming comedy Welcome 2 Karachi, she talks to Bombay
Times about what Salman Khan told her on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, her
love for her parents and how even though Remo
D'Souza brought her to India, he is not her mentor. Excerpts:
Talk about your background?
I am from the US and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is an upper class city that is very well put together and pristine. There is never any trash on the road and it's almost like a model town. I always knew that I wanted to go to Hollywood, so just like many kids in the US, I skipped college and two days after graduating from high school, that was on my eighteenth birthday, I moved to LA. Right from the age of seven, I had learnt all forms of dance and that is all I knew. My professional life as a dancer had already started so even when I was in school, I would often fly to LA for my work and come back to school the next day. I struggled initially in Hollywood a lot as it's really difficult to break into the SAG (Screen Actors Guild), which is essential if you want to do big shows or movies. In LA, I moved with a girlfriend of mine. I got my first big break on America's biggest dance show that was aired across every single country of the world So You Think You Can Dance. I didn't even know the night before that I was going to audition for it. I got selected and it turned out to be life changing. I struggled in the show and was that person where you are put always at the bottom struggling your way to the top. I was constantly under pressure and was killing myself though no one knew that as I am a very bubbly person on the surface. Also, I was just 18, so I would say anything that came to my mind, without any filters. I learnt the hard way on the show but could not take the pressure. The good thing was that I came to know every director and choreographer, so it opened me up to the entertainment industry. I also learnt lighting and direction and got into acting and hosting and started taking acting classes. I did TV shows and did guest star shows and movies, where I danced along with small roles with a few scenes. The big difference between Hollywood and Bollywood was that I was wanting to move into acting and in Hollywood, you can't do both as that culture does not exist there where you can both dance and act.
But are the stars there good dancers?
No one would know as they don't dance.
How did you get your first break in Bollywood?
I was in the process of giving up dance and get into acting. One day, I was very upset as one of my best friends had bagged the role in the Step Up movie that I had been trying for and that had been my dream job. I was bawling and was devastated. Even though my manager kept consoling me and I wanted to be happy for her, my ego did not allow that. It was only after four hours that I finally managed to shift my energy and was deeply excited for my friend from my inner heart and that's when at 4 in the morning I got an email that Remo D'Souza had seen me in So You Think You Can Dance and decided that he wanted to bring me to Bollywood and offered me the lead role in ABCD. I knew when I managed to give up my ego and shift my energies and that very time the gates opened up for me. I woke up my parents at 4 in the morning and they pretty much slapped me and they said, 'What are you saying? Go back to bed.' But I just knew that I had to come.
Talk about your parents?
My dad calls me 'sweet one' and mom 'wild woman'. I am a Gemini and have these two sides where I am very sweet but insanely wild. My dad is a mortgage broker and my mom has a jewellery line. They are not well off. The mortgage industry is what caused the whole crash in 2008. He organised loans for people to buy homes. My dad is so real and the most amazing person I have met in my life. He has the cleanest heart, has the cleanest intentions and will never speak a lie and will never steer you in the wrong direction. He is just a good man. A husband will be difficult for me to find as I think of my dad and lose it. All these loans were given to people who were walking away from their obligations and that is what my dad did not do. So, when people were walking away from their commitments, my dad ate through his savings and went bankrupt. This happened just after I had moved to LA. So, I had no money and they had no money.
My mom had been a stay-at-home mom since my childhood, but due to us going bankrupt, she went back to work then. I am very close to my parents and on one occasion I had come back home from LA on my dad's birthday and happened to go to her place of work to see what she did. I was devastated to see her work in a kitchen at a hospital. Not that she needed to do something glamourous, but not that. But she had no choice as there was no other work. My older brother is a pilot and is doing very well but he supports only his wife and child. Something happened while growing up where he ended up hating the entertainment industry. So, he didn't agree with what I was doing, and neither understands it nor thinks it's right. He was a really good baseball player and probably would have gone pro, but his coach took that opportunity away from him so he got bitter and still till this day does not support what I do. My younger brother is the kindest and sweetest guy, but he doesn't say much. So neither of my brothers ask me what I am doing even though I am here in India doing these amazing things. I also feel angry that my older brother does not support any of us. So, I am the emotional one in my family and am really attached to both my parents and my whole driving force in my life is to take care of them. It was my dream to be able to buy them a house and I was able to do that a month ago.
Your presence in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa made you a household name. How did that happen?
After shooting ABCD for three months, I went back home and didn't know whether I wanted to come back. I was working in Hollywood, had an apartment there, a career, my dog, my boyfriend, basically a full life. In the meantime, Indian restaurants started opening up next to me, Bollywood films were coming there, Oprah Winfrey went to Bollywood and all these were signs for me. Even though ABCD kept me out of the promotions, I called Remo and decided to come to India. I stayed here for one month and just two days before my visa was expiring, I got offered Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Had that not happened, I would never have come back. Salman Khan came on the show and said, 'My mother is in love with you. The country is behind you. You are a beautiful woman. You get a few songs under you.' And I told him, 'Sir, I want to act, I didn't come here to dance.' I can make you dance and laugh and get you hot and bothered with my dance, but I wanted to be an actor. Again last year, all of a sudden I was having a dry spell when I signed up for a film that did not happen and had my parents saying every day to me to come back home and I pretty much decided to give up when Sushant Singh Rajput recommended me to choreograph the Calcutta Kiss song in which I finally also featured as a dancer. Working on that was actually my favourite two weeks in India. It is during this time that I got offered the lead role in Welcome 2 Karachi.
Which has been the lowest period of your life?
Emotionally, my parents support me but they really want me home. It's a conflicting thing for me all the time with what I am doing. I see a path but they don't see it as they have not come here and they can't afford to and don't have the time to take off from work. It's a bit conflicting but even though right now it's the highest period of my life and I feel that everything is on the rise, on the back end, it's not. It's too hard to be away from your family. I didn't bring anyone out here. I see people who have their cooks and all the assistance but I am doing everything on my own. Remo may have brought me here but he is not my mentor. I love that I am doing it on my own but it could have been easier had I had someone supporting me. Physically, everything is happening, but emotionally it's tough, I cry every day. I made a name for myself in the US and I made a name for myself in India and it's not a cocky thing, but in my heart, I have the confidence that I have the ability and fighting power to do whatever I want anywhere.
So, do you see yourself living in India in the future?
Every single time in my life when I have been ready to pack up, I have got my next big offer. My parents always tell me that if it's not happening come back home. I feel that I have a spiritual connection with India. I don't know if it has a connection with my past life but in my heart and soul, I feel like an Indian.
Talk about your background?
I am from the US and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is an upper class city that is very well put together and pristine. There is never any trash on the road and it's almost like a model town. I always knew that I wanted to go to Hollywood, so just like many kids in the US, I skipped college and two days after graduating from high school, that was on my eighteenth birthday, I moved to LA. Right from the age of seven, I had learnt all forms of dance and that is all I knew. My professional life as a dancer had already started so even when I was in school, I would often fly to LA for my work and come back to school the next day. I struggled initially in Hollywood a lot as it's really difficult to break into the SAG (Screen Actors Guild), which is essential if you want to do big shows or movies. In LA, I moved with a girlfriend of mine. I got my first big break on America's biggest dance show that was aired across every single country of the world So You Think You Can Dance. I didn't even know the night before that I was going to audition for it. I got selected and it turned out to be life changing. I struggled in the show and was that person where you are put always at the bottom struggling your way to the top. I was constantly under pressure and was killing myself though no one knew that as I am a very bubbly person on the surface. Also, I was just 18, so I would say anything that came to my mind, without any filters. I learnt the hard way on the show but could not take the pressure. The good thing was that I came to know every director and choreographer, so it opened me up to the entertainment industry. I also learnt lighting and direction and got into acting and hosting and started taking acting classes. I did TV shows and did guest star shows and movies, where I danced along with small roles with a few scenes. The big difference between Hollywood and Bollywood was that I was wanting to move into acting and in Hollywood, you can't do both as that culture does not exist there where you can both dance and act.
But are the stars there good dancers?
No one would know as they don't dance.
How did you get your first break in Bollywood?
I was in the process of giving up dance and get into acting. One day, I was very upset as one of my best friends had bagged the role in the Step Up movie that I had been trying for and that had been my dream job. I was bawling and was devastated. Even though my manager kept consoling me and I wanted to be happy for her, my ego did not allow that. It was only after four hours that I finally managed to shift my energy and was deeply excited for my friend from my inner heart and that's when at 4 in the morning I got an email that Remo D'Souza had seen me in So You Think You Can Dance and decided that he wanted to bring me to Bollywood and offered me the lead role in ABCD. I knew when I managed to give up my ego and shift my energies and that very time the gates opened up for me. I woke up my parents at 4 in the morning and they pretty much slapped me and they said, 'What are you saying? Go back to bed.' But I just knew that I had to come.
Talk about your parents?
My dad calls me 'sweet one' and mom 'wild woman'. I am a Gemini and have these two sides where I am very sweet but insanely wild. My dad is a mortgage broker and my mom has a jewellery line. They are not well off. The mortgage industry is what caused the whole crash in 2008. He organised loans for people to buy homes. My dad is so real and the most amazing person I have met in my life. He has the cleanest heart, has the cleanest intentions and will never speak a lie and will never steer you in the wrong direction. He is just a good man. A husband will be difficult for me to find as I think of my dad and lose it. All these loans were given to people who were walking away from their obligations and that is what my dad did not do. So, when people were walking away from their commitments, my dad ate through his savings and went bankrupt. This happened just after I had moved to LA. So, I had no money and they had no money.
My mom had been a stay-at-home mom since my childhood, but due to us going bankrupt, she went back to work then. I am very close to my parents and on one occasion I had come back home from LA on my dad's birthday and happened to go to her place of work to see what she did. I was devastated to see her work in a kitchen at a hospital. Not that she needed to do something glamourous, but not that. But she had no choice as there was no other work. My older brother is a pilot and is doing very well but he supports only his wife and child. Something happened while growing up where he ended up hating the entertainment industry. So, he didn't agree with what I was doing, and neither understands it nor thinks it's right. He was a really good baseball player and probably would have gone pro, but his coach took that opportunity away from him so he got bitter and still till this day does not support what I do. My younger brother is the kindest and sweetest guy, but he doesn't say much. So neither of my brothers ask me what I am doing even though I am here in India doing these amazing things. I also feel angry that my older brother does not support any of us. So, I am the emotional one in my family and am really attached to both my parents and my whole driving force in my life is to take care of them. It was my dream to be able to buy them a house and I was able to do that a month ago.
Your presence in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa made you a household name. How did that happen?
After shooting ABCD for three months, I went back home and didn't know whether I wanted to come back. I was working in Hollywood, had an apartment there, a career, my dog, my boyfriend, basically a full life. In the meantime, Indian restaurants started opening up next to me, Bollywood films were coming there, Oprah Winfrey went to Bollywood and all these were signs for me. Even though ABCD kept me out of the promotions, I called Remo and decided to come to India. I stayed here for one month and just two days before my visa was expiring, I got offered Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Had that not happened, I would never have come back. Salman Khan came on the show and said, 'My mother is in love with you. The country is behind you. You are a beautiful woman. You get a few songs under you.' And I told him, 'Sir, I want to act, I didn't come here to dance.' I can make you dance and laugh and get you hot and bothered with my dance, but I wanted to be an actor. Again last year, all of a sudden I was having a dry spell when I signed up for a film that did not happen and had my parents saying every day to me to come back home and I pretty much decided to give up when Sushant Singh Rajput recommended me to choreograph the Calcutta Kiss song in which I finally also featured as a dancer. Working on that was actually my favourite two weeks in India. It is during this time that I got offered the lead role in Welcome 2 Karachi.
Which has been the lowest period of your life?
Emotionally, my parents support me but they really want me home. It's a conflicting thing for me all the time with what I am doing. I see a path but they don't see it as they have not come here and they can't afford to and don't have the time to take off from work. It's a bit conflicting but even though right now it's the highest period of my life and I feel that everything is on the rise, on the back end, it's not. It's too hard to be away from your family. I didn't bring anyone out here. I see people who have their cooks and all the assistance but I am doing everything on my own. Remo may have brought me here but he is not my mentor. I love that I am doing it on my own but it could have been easier had I had someone supporting me. Physically, everything is happening, but emotionally it's tough, I cry every day. I made a name for myself in the US and I made a name for myself in India and it's not a cocky thing, but in my heart, I have the confidence that I have the ability and fighting power to do whatever I want anywhere.
So, do you see yourself living in India in the future?
Every single time in my life when I have been ready to pack up, I have got my next big offer. My parents always tell me that if it's not happening come back home. I feel that I have a spiritual connection with India. I don't know if it has a connection with my past life but in my heart and soul, I feel like an Indian.
My own mother did not get tickets for ABCD on the first day-Punit Pathak
9:00 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 25, 2015)
Punit Pathak, choreographer
and actor, never aspired to be a dancer. In fact, the actor wanted to
become a filmmaker or a cricketer. In an interview, he tells us how
destiny charted a different direction for him. Excerpts from it:
Can you describe your journey as a choreographer?
Dancing was not allowed in school, but I used to participate in college talent fests. I was around 17 years of age when I started working with Terence (Lewis) sir and dancing became a part of my everyday life. I only knew hip hop dancing and had no clue about other dance forms. But when I turned 21, I quit Terence sir's academy to work as an assistant director. It was a clerical job and I hated it. That's when I got a call from DID (Dance India Dance) and it turned into a life-changing experience, because there I met my mentor Remo Dsouza. I can say that if Terence brought dancing to my life, Remo put life into my dancing.
Do you feel disappointed that you have still not won the Jhalak trophy?
It is not about what you do, but it is more about how you do. Even the last season, I was just a step away from winning the trophy on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Karan Johar also said, 'You are made for better and bigger things in life'. I think I have done a decent job as a choreographer and impressed everyone with my choreography skills. I have not only been on Jhalak... but also worked behind the scenes, choreographed Bigg Boss' finale (last season), Comedy Nights With Kapil and many other such live events. I have choreographed for three films too.
There was a
time when after I left Terence sir's academy, I was spending only Rs 15
in a day (Rs 10 on noodles and Rs 5 on biscuits). But when Remo sir gave me
the permission to assist him on FALTU, life completely changed. He not
only liked my work, but also gave me an opportunity to act in his next
film ABCD. So I think with what I have achieved, I am blessed.
After becoming a choreographer and actor, what are your plans now?
After ABCD released, the response was overwhelming. My own mother did not get tickets for the film on the first day. I have completed ABCD 2. Though I am a I dancer and actor, the passion to tell a story is deep down in my heart. My dream is to become a filmmaker some day.
REMO D'SOUZA
Punit is brilliant. He is a superb assistant and now an independent choreographer. I will feature him as an actor in my future projects too.
MOUNI ROY
Punit is talented and hard-working, full of thoughts and ideas. Jhalak has been the best story of my life and Punit has written that story for me.
SHIBANI DANDEKAR
Everyone knows how wonderful a choreographer Punit is, but for me he is more than that, a friend for life.
LAUREN GOTTLIEB
Punit may not have won the trophy yet but we all know who has been most deserving of all seasons, and all the good filmmakers are also calling him for choreography on their films.
Can you describe your journey as a choreographer?
Dancing was not allowed in school, but I used to participate in college talent fests. I was around 17 years of age when I started working with Terence (Lewis) sir and dancing became a part of my everyday life. I only knew hip hop dancing and had no clue about other dance forms. But when I turned 21, I quit Terence sir's academy to work as an assistant director. It was a clerical job and I hated it. That's when I got a call from DID (Dance India Dance) and it turned into a life-changing experience, because there I met my mentor Remo Dsouza. I can say that if Terence brought dancing to my life, Remo put life into my dancing.
Do you feel disappointed that you have still not won the Jhalak trophy?
It is not about what you do, but it is more about how you do. Even the last season, I was just a step away from winning the trophy on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Karan Johar also said, 'You are made for better and bigger things in life'. I think I have done a decent job as a choreographer and impressed everyone with my choreography skills. I have not only been on Jhalak... but also worked behind the scenes, choreographed Bigg Boss' finale (last season), Comedy Nights With Kapil and many other such live events. I have choreographed for three films too.
There was a
time when after I left Terence sir's academy, I was spending only Rs 15
in a day (Rs 10 on noodles and Rs 5 on biscuits). But when Remo sir gave me
the permission to assist him on FALTU, life completely changed. He not
only liked my work, but also gave me an opportunity to act in his next
film ABCD. So I think with what I have achieved, I am blessed. After becoming a choreographer and actor, what are your plans now?
After ABCD released, the response was overwhelming. My own mother did not get tickets for the film on the first day. I have completed ABCD 2. Though I am a I dancer and actor, the passion to tell a story is deep down in my heart. My dream is to become a filmmaker some day.
REMO D'SOUZAPunit is brilliant. He is a superb assistant and now an independent choreographer. I will feature him as an actor in my future projects too.
MOUNI ROY Punit is talented and hard-working, full of thoughts and ideas. Jhalak has been the best story of my life and Punit has written that story for me.
SHIBANI DANDEKAR
Everyone knows how wonderful a choreographer Punit is, but for me he is more than that, a friend for life.
LAUREN GOTTLIEB
Punit may not have won the trophy yet but we all know who has been most deserving of all seasons, and all the good filmmakers are also calling him for choreography on their films.
Lauren Gottlieb's dream comes true with three big films
7:43 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; April 1, 2015)
Though she started off
as a Hollywood import, today, Lauren Gottlieb has
become a household name, thanks to her perfect score almost every week
on the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6. The actress, who made
her Bollywood debut with Remo D'Souza's ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, will
soon be seen in ABCD 2 alongside Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor.
While she was shooting the climax of ABCD 2, she got a call from the makers of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy to choreograph a promotional song for the film. Lauren reveals, “Sushant Singh Rajput has always been vocal about being my fan and he suggested my name to Aditya Chopra and Dibakar Banerjee.“ Adding that she had the time of her life working with them, she continues, “I was completely bowled over when they asked me to not just choreograph, but also feature in their next promotional song, Calcutta Kiss.“
Interestingly, she has also been signed on to play an ISI agent in Vashu Bhagnani's Welcome To Karachi. “I've always wanted to step out of the dance zone and do an action role. So, I'm just pinching myself that my dream has come true,“ she enthuses.
Lauren, who wants to do more films in the future, says, “Everyone I work with calls me a workaholic and I'm happy with that. This is my biggest passion in life and I'll always give it my all.“
While she was shooting the climax of ABCD 2, she got a call from the makers of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy to choreograph a promotional song for the film. Lauren reveals, “Sushant Singh Rajput has always been vocal about being my fan and he suggested my name to Aditya Chopra and Dibakar Banerjee.“ Adding that she had the time of her life working with them, she continues, “I was completely bowled over when they asked me to not just choreograph, but also feature in their next promotional song, Calcutta Kiss.“
Interestingly, she has also been signed on to play an ISI agent in Vashu Bhagnani's Welcome To Karachi. “I've always wanted to step out of the dance zone and do an action role. So, I'm just pinching myself that my dream has come true,“ she enthuses.
Lauren, who wants to do more films in the future, says, “Everyone I work with calls me a workaholic and I'm happy with that. This is my biggest passion in life and I'll always give it my all.“
Salman Yusuff Khan won't be seen in ABCD 2; bags dance-action film
8:10 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; May 28, 2014)
Dancer-choreographer Salman Yusuff Khan who made a substantial impact in his Remo D’Souza’s dance film ABCD - Any Body Can Dance won’t be seen in the sequel.
No, he has not fallen out of the graces of choreographer-director Remo. Salman will not be seen in ABCD 2 because he is readying for his big launch as a leading man. Remo confirms, “Salman is going to be launched as a hero in a film to be produced by me. It’s a dance-action film to be directed by Shakir Ali Khan.”
Salman is busy preparing for the big launch. He was recently seen in the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi but now he has been instructed by Remo not to appear in any more reality shows on television. Salman is excited about his impending launch as a leading man, “Yes, Remo Sir is launching me in his first production. I’m looking forward to doing some outstanding dance and action in the film.”
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