Dance is an integral part of Bollywood movies, and choreography is just as intricate as directing a movie. Which is why, many choreographers have made the jump from directing dance moves to directing movies, and a few have struck gold. This issue, we look at the biggest choreographers turned directors in Bollywood
Prabhu Deva is an all-rounder. His career trajectory as an actor, director and choreographer has been quite intertwined. Initially, India knew of him as an accomplished dancer who always brought his A-game. He wore the director’s hat for the 2005 Telugu film, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana. He then directed Salman Khan for Wanted in 2009, which is a film credited with kicking off both his and Salman Khan’s golden phase. Over the years, he has directed Shahid Kapoor in R… Rajkumar, Ajay Devgan in Action Jackson and Akshay Kumar in Rowdy Rathore, Singh is Bliing.
Farah Khan is arguably the most successful choreographer turned director in Bollywood. Having choreographed iconic movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Dil Chahta Hai and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, she has directed super hit films like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, Tees Maar Khan and Happy New Year. In fact, Happy New Year still holds the record of the highest opening day gross of Rs.44.97 cr for a Bollywood film.
Remo D’Souza is a popular choreographer who brings his signature swagger to his dance moves. He has choreographed films like Kaante, Rock On, Student of the Year and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. As a director, he can be credited for bringing the genre of dance movies to India with blockbuster films like ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and ABCD 2.
One of the most popular choreographers of Bollywood, Ahmed Khan has made actors dance to his tunes in movies like Rangeela, Taal, Ghajini, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani and Kick. His directorial debut was Lakeer in 2003, which he followed up with Fool N Final. However, it was his 2018 blockbuster Baagi 2 starring Tiger Shroff, which cemented him as one of the most bankable directors in Bollywood. Interestingly even before Ahmed Khan became a choreographer, he made his acting debut as a child artist in the super hit film Mr India.
By Neeraj Varty
