International Dance Day: Bollywood Actors Who Started Their Career as Background Dancers
International Dance Day: Every year on April 29, the world comes alive with rhythm, movement, and joyous expression as we celebrate International Dance Day. In 1982, the International Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), UNESCO’s major performing arts partner, founded International Dance Day. April 29th was designated as International Dance Day to honour the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a visionary French dancer and ballet master largely considered the father of modern ballet.
Dance is not just about captivating performances and graceful steps; it has also given people hope to reach their goals and helped in their journey of becoming an inspiration to many. Many of Bollywood’s biggest stars honed their talent with the bustling energy of background dancers, rather than making a dramatic appearance on screen. Here’s a list of Bollywood stars who started their career as background dancers.
Shahid Kapoor
Shahid Kapoor attended Shiamak Davar’s dancing academy before becoming a well-known actor and dancer. He performed as a background dancer in various films, including the popular songs “Mujhko Hui Na Khabar” in Dil Toh Pagal Hai and “Kahin Aag Lage Lag Jaye” in Taal. The actor has become one of the most recognized film stars, playing the lead role in over 40 films.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh began his career as a background dancer, most notably in the song “Bole Chudiyan” from the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Deepika Padukone
The Bollywood diva who is currently ruling the industry began her career in modeling and advertising. However, few people are aware that she also appeared in music videos, including Himesh Reshammiya’s “Naam Hai Tera Tera.”
Sushant Singh Rajput
Another talented performer who polished his skills with Shiamak Davar’s dance academy, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, began as a background dancer. He can be spotted in the background of songs like Dhoom 2’s title track, featuring Hrithik Roshan.
Arshad Warsi
Arshad Warsi, best known for his superb comic timing and iconic parts in films such as “Circuit,” began his career as a background dancer. He even danced to the song “Help Me” from the film Aag Se Khelenge.
Daisy Shah
Daisy Shah spent a decade as the assistant to choreographer Ganesh Acharya before making her debut as a leading actress. During this time, she also performed as a background dancer in the “Lagan Lagi” song from Salman Khan’s movie Tere Naam, who later on launched her into Bollywood with ‘Jai Ho’
Dia Mirza
The graceful and poised Dia Mirza also began her career as a background dancer in South Indian films before breaking into Bollywood. She performed a Tamil song called “Jumbalakka” in the film En Swasa Kaatre.
