Here is a candid conversation with Nakul Dev Mahajan. He is the man who took Bollywood dance to the Hollywood stage by a popular US television series- So You Think You Can Dance.
Let us hear him as he talks about music, dance and more:
1. Tell us what makes Bollywood dancing an ‘Art’?
Bollywood Dancing is an “Art” because it allows creative self-expression. It is a canvas with many colors, textures, and depth. It is a fusion of dance that incorporates Indian classical (Bharata Natyam and Kathak) and Folk, (Bhangra and Garba) mixed with Western styles of dance (Hip-Hip, Latin, Ballroom and Jazz). No dance form is as eclectic as Bollywood. It takes a true dancer/artist to execute proper Bollywood.
2. What is the most memorable part of your dancing odyssey?
I have many memories in this journey of dance like winning my first 1st place, opening first Bollywood dance school in North America, So You Think You Can Dance, and choreographing for A. R. Rahman‟s World Tour.
3. How did SYTYCD happen? What inspired you to choose the song ‘Dhoom Taana’ from Om Shanti Om?
It was the law of attraction mixed with years of experience in a field that wasn’t being recognized globally, that landed me the “big break” in my career. I was simply watching season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance and thought to myself, “wouldn’t it be amazing if they had Bollywood on the show.” A week later I was called in for an interview and got the job on the spot, it was years of hard work that paid off. Dhoom Taana was the perfect song selection to introduce Bollywood. It has traditional and modern elements with beautiful lyrics that portray a typical Bollywood love song.
4. Your take on dance based reality shows?
Dance based reality shows not only showcase the art of dance and talent, but also remind us, as diverse as the world is, dance is one language we all speak and can relate to. These shows break boundaries and open our minds to other cultures.
5. Tell us about the response of American audiences to Bollywood dance style? In what way the Indian costume plays a role in making the whole concept acceptable and popular?
The American audience has been very appreciative of Bollywood dance. It is the only cultural dance style on So You Think You Can Dance with the most popularity. My dance school, NDM Bollywood Dance Studios, has seen an increase of non-South Asian students that want to learn this fun dance style. I believe that Bollywood Dance is composed of 3 elements: the movement, expressions and the costume.
6. Do you or your troops take up wedding choreography assignments? What are your favorite Bollywood songs for first dance and couple performances?
My humble beginning started with performing at weddings and other festive occasions. The NDM Dance Troupe continues to be the leading Bollywood Dance Troupe to perform at South Asian wedding functions. We also provide Bride and Groom First Dances. Music selection for Bollywood First Dance/couple performance changes each year. It is always contingent on what songs were popular that particular year. Some of my all-time favorite First Dance songs have been Ek Din (Yes Boss), Tumhi Dekho Na (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna), and Jiya Dhadak Dhadak (Kalyug).
7. How are Indian weddings in America like, especially in Artesia and other regions in California?
I have attended or performed a plethora of Indian weddings in America and can say that they are a delight. From the mehndi parties to the wedding receptions, I feel that the South Asian communities continue to uphold our traditions and joyfulness of all the tastes, smells, colours, music and dance that Indian weddings have, back in our Mother Land.
8. If you were to recommend Bollywood dancing to someone with two left feet (supposedly)
I feel that anyone can dance regardless of their experience or age. It’s a matter of putting your mind to it and dancing from the heart. With the right instructor, someone with two left feet can find a lot of happiness dancing to Bollywood music.
9. Given a chance to choreograph your two idols together, Amitabh Bachchan and Paula Abdul, which Bollywood song sequence would you select?
I have many idols and Amitabh Bachchan and Paula Abdul are amongst them. I must also add that I am a huge Madhuri Dixit fan and have been inspired by her tremendously. I would choreograph a trio with them and chose Rhythms of Mohabbatein from Aditya Chopra‟s Mohabbatein. I love this instrumental track of segregating different styles of music in 3 parts, yet making it sound harmonious and catchy. I would choreograph each idol in their own musical part and showcase their strengths as individuals. The climax would have them in the same shot with synchronized choreography.
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10. 3 Dance Tips for our about to be married brides and groom:
- Find a song that means something to you both. Don’t dance to the “played out song of the year.” 20 years from now, you want that song to be a classic and not some cheesy song that everyone liked that month.
- Decide whether your First Dance will be choreographed from start to finish or you just need tips of what to do randomly while you dance. Many couples do not have the time to practice a full routine. An option would be to learn a few Bollywood steps or some beginner Ballroom combinations.
- Going to a professional choreographer to learn your wedding dance(s) is as important as getting your wedding cake professionally made. You wouldn’t have your sister bake your wedding cake from home would you? Just like cake tasting, do your research and find a choreographer with experience and a flavor for life.
Want to learn some cool Bollywood moves from Nakul? Visit his website to know more details.