International Dance Day: Farah Khan to Remo D’Souza, Famous Indian Choreographers Turned Bollywood Directors
International Dance Day: There is no reason to dance; we dance when we’re happy, bored, or whenever we feel low. We dance if it rains, we dance at family occasions, we dance to stay fit, we dance for passion. Dance has different meanings in every individual’s life, with the same goal of letting our hearts out and bringing the best out of ourselves. International Dance Day is observed every year on April 29, celebrating the happy and joyous moment of dancing. International Dance Day is a global tribute to the art of dance in all its diverse forms, rich history, and profound significance in connecting people and cultures.
Celebrating the same spirit, there are many renowned Indian choreographers who have ventured into directing Bollywood films and paved the way. We have curated a list of famous Indian choreographers who have also successfully directed Bollywood movies, showcasing their more than just one talents.
Remo D’Souza
Remo has become a household name after he was one of the judges in the dance reality show Dance India Dance (DID), the platform that gave rise to many young talents like Raghav Juyal, Dharmesh, Shakti Mohan, and more. Remo has choreographed several Bollywood numbers, including “Badtameez Dil” from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, “Pinga” from Bajirao Mastani, “Sun Saathiya” from ABCD, and “Disco Deewane” from Student of the Year. In 2011, Remo made his directorial debut with F.A.L.T.U. starring Jackky Bhagnani. Later on, Remo also directed the dance franchise ABCD: Any Body Can Dance starring Shraddha Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Raghav Juyal, and Dharmesh. He has also directed A Flying Jatt starring Tiger Shroff, Race 3 with Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez, and Street Dancer 3D.
Farah Khan
Farah Khan is one of the most renowned celebrities in the Bollywood industry. She is considered one of the most successful choreographers and directors in the industry, and has worked with famous stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and Akshay Kumar. Initially, Farah has also choreographed many Bollywood songs in movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Dil Chahta Hai, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Farah went on to make her directorial debut with the 2004 film Main Hoon Naa, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, and Zayed Khan. She also directed Tees Maar Khan, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year.
Prabhu Deva
Often referred to as “Indian Michael Jackson”, Prabhu Deva is one of the names who have revolutionized the art of dance in India. Apart from choreographing songs like “Urvashi Urvashi,” “Kay Sera Sera”, and “Main Aisa Kyun Hoon,” Prabhu Deva started his directing career in 2005 with the Telugu movie ‘Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana’, and went on to direct many Bollywood films like Wanted, Rowdy Rathore, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Singh is Bliing, and Dabangg 3.
Ahmed Khan
Having choreographed for Bollywood films like Ghajini, Rangeela, Taal, Kick, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, Ahmed Khan has made a lasting impression in the Bollywood industry and made his directorial debut in 2003 with Lakeer. He went on to direct movies like Fool N Final and Baaghi 2. The choreographer-turned-director is all set to release his next film, Welcome to the Jungle, which is slated to release in 2025, with an ensemble cast of Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Sanjay Dutt, among others.
