Choreographers are one of those rare breeds who can make even the most diva-like heroines bow down to their whims and even the most egotistical heroes sway their legs as they see fit.
When a movie is released in India, the plot may or may not be a flop. However, if it has even one hip or popular item song, the entire film can become a smashing blockbuster.
In the realm of Bollywood, where the importance of dance and music in a film outweighs the need for a solid storyline, choreographers are far more valuable than any other film technician or employee.
This article takes a look at 5 of the most successful Bollywood choreographers.
1. Saroj Khan
Saroj Khan affectionately referred to as 'Master Ji,' is the reigning queen of Indian film choreographers. She began her career as a backup dancer at the age of three, having been born in 1948.
She learned dancing from B.Sohanlal Ji and assisted him while working as a dancer. Saroj Jim's first job as an independent choreographer was for the film Geeta Mera Naam in 1974, after climbing the corporate ladder. She was a dancer for most of her childhood, but her popularity skyrocketed once she became a choreographer.
Saroj Ji began a long and fruitful association with her muse, Madhuri Dixit, after choreographing "Ek Do Teen" (Tezaab, 1988), "Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai" (Khalnayak, 1993), and "Dhak Dhak Karne Laga" (Beta, 1992). Her dance moves are a mix of traditional Indian and Bollywood dances.
Saroj Khan has received three National awards for Best Choreographic, as well as numerous Filmfare awards and international choreography honours. She is without a doubt the most well-known Bollywood choreographer.
2. Prabhu Deva
Prabhu Deva's dancing and choreography technique dubbed the "Michael Jackson of India," is well-known. Prabhu's technique is highly influenced by Michael Jackson's, having been trained in both classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam) and western disciplines like ballet.
His song "Hamma Hamma" (Bombay, 1995), which is a hallmark of his unusual style, is still at the top of the charts.
He choreographed for films such as Lakshya (2004) and Varsham (2004), for which he received the Filmfare Award for Best Choreographer and the National Award for Best Choreography. Prabhu has also demonstrated acting, directing, and singing for films in addition to choreographing.
3. Vaibhavi Merchant
Vaibhavi Merchant has proven to be a perennial taste that continues to increase our feeling of dance when it comes to the season's flavour. She choreographed for contemporary films such as Bhag Milkha Bhag (2013), for which she received critical acclaim.
Even though Vaibhavi was born as the granddaughter of B.Hiralal Ji, a great Indian cinema choreographer, she established her mettle in her debut song, 'Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje' (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, 1999), for which she received the National Film Award for Best Choreography.
After that, she choreographed for Oscar-nominated films such as Lagaan (2001) and Devdas (2001). (2002). She won multiple prizes for her film 'Kajra Re' (Bunty Aur Babli, 2005). Vaibhavi is one of the best choreographers of our generation, having judged on several television dance reality competitions.
4. Ganesh Acharya
If you're a fan of Bollywood dance, you've probably heard Katrina Kaif's popular item song 'Chikni Chameli' (Agneepath, 2012), in which she swings her tiny waist in the most attractive way possible. Ganesh just spent one day teaching her those movements.
Ganesh reportedly remarked that he had Govinda in the same way that Saroj Khan has Madhuri Dixit.
Ganesh choreographed songs such as 'Beedi' for the film Omkara (2006), for which he received the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography. His approach is unmistakably Bollywood, with no overt references to the west or even traditional Indian dance techniques. His dances have all of the hip jutting and masala motions that one would expect from a true Bollywood dance.
5. Shiamak Davar
Shiamak Davar is a choreographer who has altered the perception of dance in India. Shiamak went on to become Bollywood's most sought-after choreographer after being the first to integrate influences such as jazz and contemporary western forms. In 1997, he got the President's National Award for Choreography for his first film, Dil To Pagal Hai.
He has done numerous successful tours and events, including the IIFA awards, The Unforgettable Tour (2008), and The Shiamak Davar Tour, after receiving prominent designations such as Director of Choreography for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and Delhi. Many current Bollywood actors, such as Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, have studied at his dancing institution.
It's tough to name only five choreographers in a business that produces the most films every year because the list and pool of brilliant choreographers in Bollywood are infinite. But these five appear to be at the top of the game at the moment.
