International Dance Day: Remo D’souza on Bollywood’s Top 5 Dancers

On International Dance Day, Remo D’souza picks his top 5 dancers from Bollywood

Choreographer and director Remo D’Souza’s favourite topic to discuss is, you guessed it right, dance. On International Dance Day, he chooses five legends of Hindi cinema who danced to kill.

Vyjayanthimala

I have not seen a complete dancer like her till now. With grace, expressions, and a lot of energy, she danced like no other in her films. And don’t forget, in earlier times, films used to have very long shots, and she could hold those difficult expressions for the whole length. That’s the beauty of her sense of rhythm and grace.

Remo’s favourite: Honton Mein Aisi Baat

Sandhya

I saw Sandhya for the first time in Arey Ja Re Hat Natkhat and I was completely stunned by her performance. There are so many styles in that one performance. Even Adha Hai Chandrama was terrific. Unlike Vyjayanthimala, her expressions were on the louder side. But she has a lot of energy in her which made up for everything.

Remo’s favourite: Arey Ja Re Hat Natkhat

Mithun Chakraborty

Mithunda is my all time favourite. Disco Dancer is the film that brought me to the world of dancing. When I was very small, I saw Mithunda and was completely blown away by his performances. His body expressions were so catchy, he had a very Elvis style to his steps. I actually started dancing because of him. I tried my best to copy his style, and then later when I discovered Michael Jackson, I mixed them both and evolved my own style. They are totally my inspirations.

Remo’s favourite: I Am a Disco Dancer

Govinda

Govinda for me is a complete dancer. He is what I would say the only performer in Bollywood who could perform the prefect steps while keeping the facial expressions intact. Also when you see him dancing, you know that he is really enjoying the process. That’s the beauty. Recently, I did a show with him, and people went mad seeing him dancing, and let me be honest here, I was awestruck too.

Remo’s favourite: I am a Street Dancer

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri is the female Govinda. She is the only lady in India who defines dance. In fact, Govinda and Madhuri are the only dancers who made the whole nation dance to their tunes. Madhuri’s steps are very clean, and her expressions are a joy to behold. And when you see her performing, you can’t help but be mesmerised.

Remo’s favourite: Ek Do Teen

(As told to Ranjib Mazumder)