When director-choreographer Remo D’Souza suffered a heart attack recently, his family and friends were shaken up. The maker of films like ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, Race 3 and Street Dancer 3D is known to be a fitness buff.

So, when everyone got to know about his heart attack, they initially couldn’t believe it. “Yes, everyone was shocked. Frankly, I am shocked myself! Though, I am happy that I am doing better now, and the doctors have checked on me and said that my heart is getting back to normal,” says Remo while talking to Bombay Times.

Recalling the day that it all happened, Remo says, “It was just a regular day. I had my breakfast and went to the gym. Lizelle (wife) and I share the same trainer, who was already training her. So, I was waiting for my turn, and in the meanwhile, I did some brisk walking on the treadmill and stretching on the foam roller. Then, I was just sitting idle, waiting for my turn. As soon as Lizelle finished, I got up, but I started feeling pain at the center of my chest. Since it wasn’t in my left arm, I thought it was because of acidity. So, I drank water. But the pain was still there, so I told my trainer that we should cancel the training for the day. When Lizelle and I took the elevator to go up, I pressed the lift button and sat down. Once I stepped out of the lift I started coughing and I even wanted to throw up. Lizelle saw my smart watch, which checks on the heartbeat and ECG and the screen prompted ‘Are you not well?’ This pain was something that I had never experienced in my life. On reaching the hospital, we were told by the doctors that it’s a major heart attack.”

Remo says that the entire period was the scariest time of his life. “I am told that my right artery had a 100 per cent blockage. Usually, a normal human heart works at 55 per cent and when I was taken to the hospital, it was working only 25 per cent. Yeh mere saath kaise ho gaya? I keep a check on my body from time to time. It is probably hereditary, preworkout session or work stress. They are trying to figure it out and I am dying to know. A lot of people think I take steroids, which is not true at all. I believe in having a natural body,” he shares.

Talking about his diet and restrictions, the ace choreographer who is currently resting in his Goregaon home, explains, “Food is now restricted. For a month, I have to follow the no oil, no salt, no sweets diet.” 

Fundraiser plans afoot, with promise to choreograph songs that adhere to social distancing
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 15, 2020)

With no set to report to and actor to direct or choreograph, Remo D’souza has been cutting funny videos of his new, domesticated self, roping in his dog and wife Lizelle as co-actors. He has realised after 21 years of marriage that his better half is a ‘drama queen’ and that there are corners in his home he didn’t know existed. “When I first came to Mumbai, I lived alone and did all the chores. That experience has come in handy. My wife and kids love my masala chawal, dal and egg preparations,” he relays.

It will be a while before he gets back to the editing table, so, the choreographer-turned-filmmaker is happy snipping off hair. “I had just returned from Tirupati when the Coronavirus lockdown was announced, so my hair was taken care of. But Lizelle, our son Zene, the house help and even my dog needed a trim. So, I volunteered. I think I did a good job,” boasts Remo, who also dabbled in paints to commemorate his recent brush with Balaji.

Chatting with the aam aadmi on a one-hour live session every day was also inspirational. “I have three ideas—for a musical, a thriller and an action film—ready to be scripted,” he informs, adding that before the lockdown, he choreographed two songs for the Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer fantasy adventure drama, Brahmastra: “The song we shot in Varanasi is a travel song and called for the typical Bollywood dance style.” He was simultaneously working on a sports drama inspired by a real-life event.

Currently, all his efforts are focused on helping out-of-work background dancers. “Social distancing norms will be applicable even after we return to the sets, which will be a problem. I’ll try and come up with choreography that adheres to all the rules,” assures Remo who is gearing up for a show to raise money for his tribe. “We will record performances from homes, all the choreographers are coming together to support it.”

He is already in Round 2 of a cross-country online dance competition called Danz Station, which has dancers sending him tapes of their recorded performance. The winner gets a cash prize of Rs 50,000. “We have received some amazing entries so far,” he exults.

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.”

The couple renewed their vows on their 20th anniversary, with one son as best man and other giving the beaming bride away
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 7, 2019)

Choreographer-director Remo D’souza celebrated his 20th anniversary by renewing his vows with wife Lizelle D’souza at the St Anthony’s church on Saturday. Surrounded by family and close friends, including Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor, the couple admitted it was an “amazing experience to celebrate their bond before people they love and care for”.

When asked what triggered the idea, Lizelle shared, “It came in an instant. We were both in New York, wondering how to make the day special. We toyed with the idea of a vacation in Maldives, but both of us travel so much and the thought of going out for even one day was a no-no. So, then, I proposed this idea and Remo immediately agreed.”

This time, their sons, Dhruv and Gabriel, were present at their parents’ wedding. “Dhruv was Best Man and Gabriel gave me away. They were both laughing throughout the ceremony making us feel like two teenagers,” she shares.

But how did it feel standing at an altar again after two decades? “Wonderful!” exults Remo, confiding that the first time, they were both young and inexperienced, and everything was done in a hurry. “We didn’t even have all our friends with us then, this time we did,” he beams, while Lizelle adds that like her, her father-in-law was a St Anthony believer and it felt like Remo’s dad was with them as they tied the knot again.

Speaking about their years together, Lizelle flashbacked to the struggling days in the city when they were staying in a flat in MHADA. “The rent was Rs 2000 and by the end of every month, we’d worry how we’d pay the money. When my elder son was born, our house was getting renovated and it rained so heavily that the roof fell down and there was water everywhere,” she reminisces with her husband insisting that the journey has been so fulfilling it doesn’t feel like 20 years have flown by.

However, the couple admits that while it’s smooth sailing in their personal life, professionally they fight a lot. “Remo doesn’t know how to say ‘no’, and a lot of times people take undue advantage of this and I have to play the bad cop,” Lizelle grouses, with Remo concurring that he is completely dependent on his better half on the work front.

Lizelle recently shed 30 kg of weight, transforming herself. “My focus has always been the kids and my work. Last year, Remo told me I have to concentrate on myself. I can be lazy, but he pushes me towards being a better me every single day. Even when it’s not his time to go to the gym, he comes with me. He’s my biggest support,” she gushes.

So, is another honeymoon on the cards, too? The couple unanimously says that right now the focus is on completing their next film, the Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor-starrer musical, Street Dancer 3D, after which they might plan a holiday.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 19, 2019)

Varun Dhawan, who wrapped up shooting for his dance-drama, Street Dancer 3D, on July 27, is now gearing up to provide a platform to street dancers from across India. The actor informs that director Remo D’souza enlisted real-life street dancers to feature in the film. Now, the duo, along with producers Bhushan Kumar and Remo’s wife Lizelle D’souza, are launching a nationwide campaign to motivate dancers from underprivileged backgrounds. “The idea of this film is to connect with street performers of the country and showcase their potential to the world. We start by sharing stories of the people who are a part of our film,” Varun explains, adding that the campaign will also showcase other aspiring dancers.

Describing working with street dancers in his upcoming film as an eye-opening experience, Varun says, “Dance and music go hand-in-hand and are one of my biggest passions. I was blown away by these dancers and I knew one film was never going to be enough to do justice to their talent. That’s why we have created this series.”

The film, which also features Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi, has dancers from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, to name a few. “I know these dancers. Now, I want the entire world to know them as well,” smiles the actor, quick to add that he would love to team up with the same set for future projects as well.

Street Dancer opens during the Republic Day weekend next year and Varun adds that apart from the campaign, other plans are in place too. “Bhushan ji and Remo sir have agreed to donate a percentage of the film’s profits to a welfare fund for the dancers. There are so many of them who don’t have a home, so the money would a big help. I will speak to my industry friends to help them out further,” he shares.

Dharmesh Yelande, Varun’s co-star in ABCD 2 and Street Dancer, rose to fame as one of the most talented contestants on the reality show Dance India Dance, which earned him a central role in Remo’s first dance film ABCD, will also be sharing his nothing-is-impossible story. in the series. The actor-dancer was reluctant initially, but Varun persuaded him to open up on camera. “There’s also a talented girl from Nalasopara, whose story is sure to motivate a lot of women,” the actor signs off.

Remo D’souza and his actors, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi, let their hair down to celebrate pack-up on their upcoming musical
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 1, 2019)

After kicking off Street Dancer 3D in Amritsar in January, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi wrapped up the Remo D’souza directorial last Friday with tears and cheers. It’s been a long journey, from Punjab to London, Dubai and finally, the finale shoot in Mumbai. On Tuesday, the team reunited for a wrap-up party at Remo’s suburban restaurant.

“It was time for the team to celebrate, let their hair down. The bash took off around 10 pm and went on till after midnight,” informed a guest. Both Varun and Nora opted for white—he, dapper in a jacket and she, sexy in shorts and an off-shoulder—Shraddha was dressy in a black Dolce & Gabbana with sheer sleeves. Producers Bhushan and Divya Khosla Kumar (right), and Lizelle D’souza (left; below) were also there, along with Prabhudheva and choreographers Rahul Shetty, Sushant Pujari and Salman Yusuff Khan.

“Remo doesn’t drink while shooting but on Tuesday he was in high spirits, pulling everyone to the dance floor and getting solo acts from his guests. Varun and Shraddha stayed for half an hour and danced to popular tracks like Batla House’s 'Saki Saki' with Nora, who exited around the Cinderella hour and her 'Dilbar' played on loop,” informed the guest, adding that at one point, Remo shook a leg on the bar counter to Aparichit’s “Aaya Dil Ko Churane Remo” while his dancers cheered. Later, he even took over the DJ console, playing a remixed version of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s “Balam Pichkari.”

Party eats included pizza, paneer and chicken. But more than the bites, guests were interested in clicking selfies for their memory bank. The film unveils on January 24, 2020.

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 1, 2019)

Tuesday night saw Remo D'Souza in the mood for celebration, and with good reason — the director not only wrapped up the shoot of his Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor starrer Street Dancer 3D but is also ready with his first restaurant, Ministry Of Dance. So, the director threw open the doors of his restaurant, a week before its official unveiling on August 7, to celebrate with the cast and crew of the dance film.

A source from the unit says, "Varun, Shraddha, Remo and his wife Lizelle have been single-mindedly concentrating on the film since it went on floors in January. While the makers were initially eyeing a November 8 release, Remo has now decided to push it to January next year as the 3D conversion will be time-consuming. So, before they dive into post-production, Remo thought it would be nice to make merry with the entire team. Prabhudheva left the party early since he had to report to Dabangg 3 set the next morning. Varun and Shraddha took to the dance floor with gusto and were seen dancing to co-star Nora Fatehi's O Saki Saki remix. The high point was when Remo showed off his dance moves atop the bar."

Dhawan, who has earlier worked with D'Souza on ABCD 2 (2015), says, "It was nice to meet everyone before I leave to shoot my next. I'm looking forward to the film as a 3D movie has its own charm." D'Souza's wife and co-producer Lizelle adds, "Everybody needed to enjoy as it's been a non-stop schedule from Amritsar to London, Dubai and finally, Mumbai."

What makes a star choreographer-filmmaker-reality show judge add 'h' to his resume? You got it right. Daddy issues
Anju Maskeri (MID-DAY; July 7, 2019)

Sitting inside a restaurant suffused with rich gold tones, art deco light fixtures and heavy chandeliers, choreographer Remo D'Souza and wife Lizelle are unmissable for their hipster coolth.

Twinning in tracksuit and sneakers—in fact so comfy was Lizelle that she refused to pull down the hoody even for the shoot—the couple has had a long day of shoot with actors Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, and might have to return to the set of Street Dancer 3D soon after our chat. But, before that, they have a number of things to look into: get the graffiti on the wall finalised, replace the current design on the tables, check acoustics and put the champagne bottle display for celebrities to sign on. All this before its launch on July 17.

The hospitality hustle is all very new to them, considering they are now officially the first-generation restaurant owners in the Nair family—Remo was born Ramesh Gopi. So, if Ministry Of Dance is palpably plush, modern and mainstream in its decor and offering of global cuisine, they are the edgy, alternative force behind it.

And quite a force, at that. "We got the idea six months ago, and the space was done up less in than two months," says D'Souza, who chose Andheri's New Link Road as the location for the lounge bar, given its proximity to his residence. With a successful hyphenated career as a choreographer-director and reality show judge, the 45-year-old says he is excited about venturing into new territory. After all, it was his late father, Gopi Nair's long-nurtured dream to open a restaurant.



"But he fell ill and passed away in September 2014 before we could put the thought to action," says D'Souza. Senior Nair was a chef at Jamnagar's Air Force mess, and D'Souza would often make a dash for the mess after school. "I went there because I was always assured of a lot of food," he laughs. He recalls being transfixed by his father's theatrical flips while making rotis, which were prepared every day for no less than 500 people. "If I was lucky to reach the mess in time, I would get to taste the food before the officers." But the staple was dahi mixed with sugar and puris.

Interestingly, the original location for the restaurant was Gujarat, but they later chose to zero in on Mumbai because of logistics. "The backstory was really a serendipitous sequence of events. During a casual conversation with fellow dancer Krunal Shah, I bounced the idea of a restaurant. It turned out that he too wanted to open one," he says.

Shah, who runs his own dance school and has also mentored participants on dance reality shows, joined hands with D'Souza and got down to business. While D'Souza might be the face of the venture, he admits it's Lizelle and Shah who've done all the groundwork and execution. But he's quick to add that it's not a side hustle or a fallback career for him. "It is passion," he says.

Talking about passion, it's difficult to not discuss dance with the man, who started his career as a background dancer, went on to assist choreographer Ahmed Khan and later came out of the shadows to become what he is today. It's during his days as a struggler that his romance with Lizelle blossomed.

"Back then, I didn't know how to cook so he would whip up masala rice for me. Although, now, I'm the better cook between us," she says. Masala rice, however, continues to be the couple's comfort food. "In fact, the other day, after a long round of tastings, I saw one of the kitchen staff tucking into dal rice. I told the chef, I want that and both us ended up simple dal chawal with achaar," she laughs.

D'Souza's two cents are usually given when it comes to food, because a couple of the dishes are ones that have been dredged from his father's repository. For instance, the mutton curry. Siddharth Chogle, sous chef to renowned chef Rakesh Talwar, says dishes from memory are the hardest to recreate.

"We have tried to take signature Indian and European dishes and tried to give our own touch. For instance, the Roast Chicken Jus is finished in a tandoor." Some items, he tells us, have been named after dance moves such as the crumb-fried Hip Hop Chicken Wings, which is smokey, sweet and spicy.

"There's also a dish named after popular dancer duo, Dharmesh Yelande and Raghav Juyal." The dancers and actors became a household name after their performances in Dance India Dance season 2 and 3. "We tried to take the personalities of Dharmesh and Raghav and replicate it in a dish. So we have tomato and basil paneer tikka, both ingredients representing their characters. They are distinct flavours but also go well together which is symbolic of the duo," says Chogle.

At the restaurant, D'Souza has decided to convert one of the areas into a dedicated studio, where dance enthusiasts can come together to jam and showcase their talent. "I am not here to become a big restaurateur. I am happy being where I am, but if this labour of love becomes successful, I'll be a happier man."


The tomato and basil paneer tikka has been named after popular dancer duo, Dharmesh Yelande and Raghav Juyal, with the two ingredients representing their personalities


Mary Jo Footloose


Cosmopolitan


Coconut, lime and chilli soup


A traditional Caesar salad


Mexican Wave or chipotle grilled shrimp tomatillo and feta relish

Deepali Singh (DNA; June 24, 2019)

If you come across a dish named ‘Hip Hop Chicken Wings’ in the menu of the soon-to-be-opened Ministry Of Dance, you will probably reckon that the person naming the dish had dance on his mind. And you will be right. Because one of the persons behind this all day kitchen and bar is none other than choreographer and filmmaker Remo D’souza. Along with his wife Lizelle D’souza and partners Krunal Shah and Kiran Khabad, Remo’s eatery in Andheri will be a place where food, drinks and music come together in a tripping confluence.

Telling us more about the venture, Remo says that post his school hours as a kid, he would head straight to the Indian Air Force mess, where his father was a chef. Watching him feed so many people filled his little heart with pride and his interest in food was kindled because of it. “I would see him cooking for 500-600 people. He would often make me taste some dish and seek my opinion. He would talk about opening a restaurant when he retired. I couldn’t help him do that then, but I wanted to fulfil my dad’s wish. This is my way of giving back to him,” he elaborates.

His dream of stepping into the hospitality business took shape when he met Krunal. “I would keep telling my wife that we have to think of a good concept for the place. When I met Krunal, he told me that he wanted to start a restaurant. I thought this was the right time,” he shares. The brainstorming sessions led to Ministry of Dance, which as Remo says, is where the three Ds — drink, dine and dance — come together.

With his passion for choreography, it’s natural that Remo has tried to bring in the dance element here as well. “Out of the three floors, one will be a dedicated studio, where dance enthusiasts can come together to jam and showcase their talent,” he informs. While he admits that he will not be able to be involved in the day-to-day activities of the restaurant, his wife Lizelle will ensure he stays up-to-date. “This business requires a lot of focus and I won’t be able to do that with my professional commitments, but I will keep a check on everything and will drop by often,” says Remo.

A‌vinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 17, 2019)

Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D’souza, who is currently shooting his upcoming dance film Street Dancer 3D headlined by Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor, is gearing up to enter the hospitality business with his own restaurant in suburban Mumbai.

Fresh off the Dubai schedule of his upcoming directorial, Remo says, “My father was a chef. As a child, I saw him feed everyone amazing food. It was his dream to open a restaurant, but he couldn’t do it, and this is my way of giving back to my father. It is a fine-dining restaurant located in Andheri and has an all-day kitchen.”

He goes on to add that his love for dance will find an expression in his new venture. “We have a special dance floor where talent can come and perform. My wife Lizelle is handling everything along with our partner Krunal Shah,” he informs, adding that he loves to cook.

Ask if the eatery’s patrons will get to sample food prepared by him and Remo says, “Of course, besides we also have two great chefs on board to lead the team. We can’t wait for it to begin.”

On the film front, he is set to kick off the last schedule of his next. “We will begin the Mumbai schedule by the month-end. It’s a 20-day schedule,” Remo reveals. The film went on the floors in Punjab in January, followed by a long schedule in London.

BOMBAY TIMES (February 6, 2019)

Remo D’Souza’s next directorial venture, Street Dancer 3D, will see Prabhudheva and Varun Dhawan reuniting on screen. The duo will not only showcase their passion for dance, but also promises to raise the bar with intensive dance forms. As its name suggests, the film, touted to be India’s biggest dance movie, will be made in 3D.

Varun, who started the first schedule of the film in Amritsar with Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa, will take off to London for the next schedule, which starts on February 11. The remaining cast, including Prabhudheva, will join him for the shoot there, which is expected to go on till the end of March. Talking about reunions, there’s more. Shraddha Kapoor, who has shared screen space with Varun and Prabhudheva in Remo’s previous dance film, is set to join the team in London, too. Also joining the cast is Nora Fatehi.

Producer Bhushan Kumar says, “A powerful line-up, including Varun, Prabhudheva, Shraddha and Nora, has come together for Street Dancer 3D. Along with the audience, I, too, am looking forward to seeing how our vision comes to life on screen. Remo will set new parameters with this dance entertainer.”

On his part, Remo shares, “For me, this film is a family reunion. I am excited about working with Prabhu sir, Varun and Shraddha, and welcome Bhushan ji as part of our journey. We have envisioned this movie to be a seamless amalgamation of emotion and dance, but this time around, the passion will be limitless.”

Producer Lizelle D’Souza adds, “This film is all about old friends coming together for yet another beautiful outing. We can’t wait to show the magic that will be created by spectacular dancing and performances.”

Street Dancer 3D, produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Lizelle D’Souza, releases on November 8.