A well-crafted song sequence has the power to captivate audiences, leaving them humming the tunes long after they’ve left the theater. However, to truly elevate the experience and make the song sequence irresistible, a unique and captivating dance routine is essential. This is where the choreographers step in, infusing their artistry and expertise to create mesmerizing dance sequences that leave a lasting impression. In this edition, we explore the magic of movement and rhythm as we highlight the top 10 choreographers in India who have made a lasting impact on the Indian dance scene.
Choreographers, the unsung heroes behind the scenes, possess the extraordinary ability to transform stars into flawless dancers.With their creative vision, choreographers design movements that synchronize with the rhythm, lyrics, and emotions of the song, making it a visual spectacle. Their keen understanding of various dance forms, their innovative choreographic techniques, and their knack for storytelling through dance make them the backbone of any memorable song sequence. Join us as we celebrate the creativity, passion, and artistic finesse of these choreographers in India
List of Top 10 Choreographers in India
- 10] Ahmed Khan
- 9] Vaibhavi Merchant
- 8] Geeta kapoor
- 7] Terence Lewis
- 6] Remo D’Souza
- 5] Prabhu Deva
- 4] Ganesh Acharya
- 3] Farah Khan
- 2] Chinni Prakash
- 1] Saroj Khan
10] Ahmed Khan
Ahmed Khan, one of the prominent choreographers in India, is a multi-talented individual excelling as a choreographer, actor, director, and producer. Born on June 3, 1974, in Pune, Maharashtra, India, he is currently 48 years old. He completed his schooling at The Bishop’s School in Pune. Since his early days, Ahmed Khan displayed a deep passion for dancing, leading his mother to arrange an opportunity for him to assist Saroj Khan, her friend and renowned choreographer.
Let’s delve into his illustrious career. Ahmed Khan commenced his journey as a child artist in the movie “Mr. India,” released in 1987. Subsequently, he made his choreographic debut in the film “Rangeela” in 1995. He continued to mesmerize audiences with his choreography in blockbuster movies such as “Taal,” “Ghajini,” and “Kick.” Notably, his talents extend beyond choreography, as he proves to be an exceptional director and producer.
In 2004, Ahmed Khan made his directorial debut with the film “Lakir,” and later contributed to the success of the highly acclaimed comedy movie “Fool and Final.” He garnered significant acclaim when he directed “Baaghi 2” and followed it up with directing “Baaghi 3.” Moreover, Ahmed Khan has also graced the small screen as a judge on popular TV reality shows like “Nach Baliye” and “Dance India Dance.”
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9] Vaibhavi Merchant
Vaibhavi Merchant is an acclaimed Indian choreographer and dancer known for her work in the Bollywood film industry. She was born on December 17, 1975, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Vaibhavi comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, with her father, Ramesh Merchant, being a well-known choreographer himself.
Vaibhavi Merchant began her career as an assistant choreographer and gradually made a name for herself in the industry. She is known for her innovative choreography, fusion of traditional and contemporary dance styles, and ability to bring out the best in the actors she works with. Her dance sequences are often vibrant, energetic, and visually captivating.
Over the years, Vaibhavi has worked with several leading Bollywood directors and actors, and her collaborations have resulted in numerous successful films. Some of her notable works include choreography for movies like “Dhoom” (2004), “Devdas” (2002), “Bunty Aur Babli” (2005), “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” (2008), “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997), and “Kalank” (2019), among many others.
Vaibhavi Merchant’s talent and contributions to Indian cinema have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. She has been honored with prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song “Dhol Baaje” from the movie “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999), solidifying her status as one of the foremost choreographers in India.
8] Geeta Kapoor
Geeta Kapoor is an accomplished Indian choreographer and reality show judge. She was born on July 5, 1973, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Geeta Kapoor is widely recognized for her association with the popular dance reality show “Dance India Dance” (DID), where she has served as one of the main judges. She is recognized as one of the leading choreographers in India.
Geeta Kapoor began her journey in the entertainment industry as a background dancer in Bollywood films. She worked her way up and eventually became an assistant choreographer to her mentor, Farah Khan. Geeta’s talent and hard work quickly gained attention, leading her to choreograph several hit songs in Hindi cinema.
However, Geeta Kapoor rose to prominence when she joined the panel of judges for the first season of “Dance India Dance” in 2009. Her keen eye for detail, constructive feedback, and ability to connect with the contestants made her a beloved figure on the show. Geeta became known for her energetic and expressive style of judging, earning the nickname “Geeta Maa” from contestants and fans.
Her success on “Dance India Dance” led to her continued involvement in subsequent seasons of the show, solidifying her position as a respected dance expert and judge. Geeta’s guidance and mentorship have helped shape the careers of numerous aspiring dancers who have participated in the show.
Apart from her work on “Dance India Dance,” Geeta Kapoor has also choreographed dance sequences for various Bollywood films. Some of her notable choreography credits include movies like “Main Hoon Na” (2004), “Om Shanti Om” (2007), “Heyy Babyy” (2007), and “Thugs of Hindostan” (2018), among others.
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7] Terence Lewis
Terence Lewis, born on April 10, 1975, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a renowned Indian dancer and choreographer known for his expertise in contemporary dance. He received training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and later served as the director at the Martha Graham Center of Dance in New York.
Terence gained recognition for his choreographic work in Bollywood, where he contributed his creative touch to numerous songs in films. His talent extended beyond the film industry, encompassing stage shows and music videos as well. Over the course of his illustrious career, Terence has choreographed more than 25 film musical albums.
Some notable films that feature Terence’s choreography include “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,” “Gold,” and “Lagaan.” His exceptional work in “Lagaan” even earned him the prestigious American Choreography Award in 2002. While Terence is widely known as a judge on various television shows, his journey began with his inaugural stint as a judge on “Dance India Dance Season 1.” He later served as a judge on “Dance India Dance Season 2” and has appeared on several reality shows such as Dance India Dance 3, Nach Baliye, Nach Baliye 5, and Dance India Dance Super Moms.
Apart from his television appearances and film choreography, Terence Lewis established the Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company, where he imparts training in various dance forms. His unique style of dance has garnered a massive fan following in India, making him an influential figure in the realm of dance and choreography.
6] Remo D’Souza
Born on April 2, 1974, in Bangalore, Karnataka, Remo D’Souza has made significant contributions to the Indian film industry as one of the prominent choreographers in India. After completing his studies, he established a dance class in Mumbai called “Super Brats,” where he focused on teaching dance to a select group of four children. During his initial struggles, he even spent nights at Bandra station.
While Remo initially lacked professional dance training, he idolized Michael Jackson. In his Bollywood journey, he began as an assistant choreographer, collaborating with Ahmed Khan on the film “Rangeela.” He later appeared as a background dancer in various films. Remo, with his distinct style that blends various dance forms such as hip-hop, contemporary, and Bollywood, has choreographed numerous Bollywood films, music videos, and television shows.
His remarkable talent has earned him several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song “Deewani Mastani” from the film “Bajirao Mastani.” Some of his popular choreographed songs include “Pinga” from “Bajirao Mastani” and “Badtameez Dil” from “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.” Additionally, Remo has served as a judge on esteemed dance reality shows like Dance Plus and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Remo D’Souza’s inspiring journey serves as motivation for aspiring dancers in India. Starting as a background dancer, he has risen to become one of the most sought-after choreographers in India. He has also explored acting, appearing in films like “ABCD: Any Body Can Dance” and “A Flying Jat.”
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5] Prabhu Deva
Prabhu Deva, one of the renowned choreographers in India, has made a significant contribution to the Indian film industry as a dance choreographer, film director, producer, and actor. Known for his unique and innovative dance moves and choreography, the world exclaimed these words after witnessing his dance: “His body is not made of bones but of springs.”
Prabhudeva’s father, Mugur Sundar, who worked as a dance director in South Indian films, greatly influenced him. He received training in Indian classical dance, particularly in Bharatanatyam, from his gurus Dharmaraj and Udupi Lakshminarayana. Prabhu Deva mastered both Hindustani and Western styles of dance. In 1988, he appeared as a background dancer in a Tamil film and made his mark as a choreographer in a film in 1979. Since then, he has established a reputation in choreography, leading even the biggest heroes to be recognized as phenomenal dancers. Alongside Prabhudeva, he also opened a dance academy in Singapore.
Prabhu Deva’s choreography showcases a fusion of Indian classical dance forms and western dance styles. He has choreographed numerous popular songs in Indian cinema, including “Muqabla” from the movie “Humse Hai Muqabla,” “Kay Sera Sera” from the movie “Pukar,” and “Go Go Govinda” from the movie “OMG – Oh My God!”.
His talent has also extended to international films such as “Lakshya” and “Kisna.” Prabhu Deva has received several awards for his outstanding choreography, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song “Mukkala Muqabla” from the movie “Kadhalan” and the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for the song “Kay Sera Sera” from the movie “Pukar.”
Beyond his choreographic skills, Prabhu Deva is celebrated for his own dancing prowess, delivering energetic and graceful performances in numerous movies. Some notable dance sequences include “Chikku Bukku Rayile” and “Urvasi Urvasi”
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4] Ganesh Acharya
Ganesh Acharya, one of the prominent choreographers in India, is also recognized as a film director. He was born on June 14, 1971, in Tamil Nadu, India. His father, Krishna Gopi, and his sister, Kamla Nair, have been significant influences in his life. Ganesh Acharya is happily married to Vidhi Acharya, and they have a daughter together. Tragically, Acharya lost his father at the tender age of 11.
His journey in the entertainment industry began as a background dancer in the late 1980s, and at the age of 19, he embarked on his professional choreography career. He marked his choreographic debut in the film “Anaam” in 1992. Although his initial attempts with movies like “Maidaan e Jung” and “Taqaat” did not achieve great success, it was his opportunity to choreograph the song “Husn” in the 1995 film “Coolie no 1,” directed by David Dhawan, that catapulted him to fame. This song became an instant hit, and Ganesh Acharya went on to collaborate with Govinda in numerous films such as “Chotte Sarkar” and “Sajaan Chale Sasural.”
Subsequently, he choreographed dance sequences for a multitude of Bollywood movies, including “Golmaal Returns,” “Singham,” and “Rowdy Rathore.” With an impressive repertoire, Acharya has contributed his dance steps to over 500 films to date, and his influence continues to expand.
Recognized for his exceptional talent, Ganesh Acharya has received several awards for his remarkable choreography, including the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song “Beedi” from the film “Omkara.”
3] Farah Khan
Farah Khan, an Indian film director, producer, actress, and splendid choreographer, is renowned for her exceptional choreography in Bollywood. She has established herself as one of the prominent choreographers in India, showcasing her dance magic in over 100 songs that have captivated audiences. Let’s explore some lesser-known aspects of Farah Khan’s journey.
Born on January 9, 1965, in Mumbai, India, she hails from a talented family with her father, Kamran Khan, mother, Menaka Irani, and siblings Sajid Khan, a renowned actor, comedian, and film director, along with sisters Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar. Despite completing her education in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Farah’s profound inspiration from Michael Jackson propelled her to pursue a career in dance. Fueled by her passion, she self-taught and formed a dance group.
Farah Khan’s choreography career took off when she stepped into the position left by Saroj Khan after the film “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar,” leading her to choreograph numerous songs. It was during the filming of “Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa” that she crossed paths with Shah Rukh Khan, forging a close friendship and embarking on collaborations.
Her work in acclaimed films like “Bombay Dreams” and “Monsoon Wedding” earned her accolades, including the prestigious Tony Award for Choreography in 2004. Additionally, Farah Khan has been honored approximately five times with the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for her remarkable contributions.
Alongside her choreographic prowess, she made her directorial debut in 2004 with the commercially successful film “Main Hoon Na.” Since then, she has directed several successful films, including “Om Shanti Om,” “Tees Maar Khan,” and “Happy New Year.” Farah Khan has also served as a judge on popular reality shows such as “Indian Idol” and “Dance India Dance.”
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2] Chinni Prakash
Chinni Prakash, a versatile artist in the Indian film industry, has excelled as a film choreographer, art director, actor, script-writer, and director. His remarkable talent earned him the National Award for Best Choreography in 2000 for the film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.”
Chinni Prakash is the visionary choreographer behind iconic songs like “Jumma Chumma,” “Tamma Tamma,” and “Tuh Chiz Bade hai mast mast,” which made the nation dance to their beats. From a young age, Chinni Prakash aspired to make his mark in Bollywood. With ambitious dreams in his eyes, he started his journey as an assistant to renowned choreographers and eventually made his debut as a Choreographer in the film “Khandan” in 1964.
Throughout his illustrious career, he worked on notable films such as “Swarg,” “Doodh ka Karz,” “Thanedaar,” “Hum,” “Coolie no 1,” “Karan Arjun,” “Chennai Express,” and many more. With over three decades of experience in the Bollywood industry, Chinni Prakash has choreographed for numerous popular films.
His extraordinary contributions have earned him accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for songs like “Jumma Chumma,” “Sheher ki Ladki,” and the National Award for the song “Azimo Sham Shehensha.” Additionally, Chinni Prakash has made notable contributions to the South Indian film industry, choreographing for films like “Soggade Chinni Nayana” and “Oopiri.”
As times changed, he gradually shifted his focus away from Bollywood and gained immense popularity in the Kannada and Telugu film industries. Chinni Prakash’s wife, Rekha Prakash, is also a talented choreographer, and the couple has collaborated on projects like the film “Bol Bachchan.”
Notably, renowned choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant is a student of Chinni Prakash and has been trained by him. Chinni Prakash is among those choreographers in India who revolutionized dance moves in Bollywood and left an indelible mark on the industry that can never be forgotten.
1] Saroj Khan
Saroj Khan, an esteemed choreographer from India, left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Born on November 22, 1948, in Mumbai, India, she embarked on her journey as a child artist in the 1950s, appearing in films like “Nazrana” in 1952. As the 1960s unfolded, she transitioned into a background dancer before receiving her breakthrough as an independent choreographer in the 1974 film “Geeta Mera Naam.” Her talent continued to shine as she lent her choreography skills to movies such as “Mr. India” and achieved great acclaim with the scintillating dance number “Main Teri Dushman” in the film “Nagina.”
Saroj Khan’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which she contributed her expertise to over 2,000 songs. Her work encompassed a wide range of movies, from “Tezaab” and “Chandni” to “Thanedaar.” Additionally, she graced television screens as a judge on shows like “Nach Baliye” in 2005 and subsequent seasons. Noteworthy mentions include her appearances as a judge on popular shows like “Jhalak Dikhla Ja,” “Ustaadon ka Ustad,” and “Boogie Woogie.” Her unique choreographic style and her innate ability to bring out the best in her dancers earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
Saroj Khan’s immense talent and contributions to the industry garnered her numerous accolades. She was the recipient of three National Film Awards for Best Choreography and eight Filmfare Awards for the same category. In 2003, she received the prestigious Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India. Her remarkable choreography was once again acknowledged with the National Film Award for Best Choreography in 2019.
Saroj Khan’s artistic collaborations extended to numerous Bollywood actors, with her most notable association being with the iconic Madhuri Dixit. Together, they created magic on the silver screen, choreographing unforgettable songs like “Ek Do Teen” from “Tezaab” and “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” from “Beta.” Her work also extended to other talented performers, including Sridevi and Shah Rukh Khan, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most revered choreographers.
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