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Top 10 Bollywood Dance Choreographers | Indian Dance Legends

Choreographers

Bollywood Dance Choreographers
07 Jan, 2025

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Bollywood is known for its vibrant songs and energetic dance sequences. But who are the creative minds behind those iconic moves? It’s the talented choreographers who bring these performances to life. From traditional styles to modern grooves, these experts have revolutionized dance in Indian cinema.

Are you a dancer yourself, or simply curious about the maestros behind Bollywood’s most unforgettable dance moments? Either way, this list includes the top 10 Bollywood dance choreographers who have left an indelible mark on the world of Bollywood dance.

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List of Best Bollywood Dance Choreographers

1: Saroj Khan

Saroj Khan
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Date of Birth: November 22, 1948, Mumbai, India

Date of Death: July 3, 2020, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Best Choreography:

  • Hawa Hawai from Mr. India
  • Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera from Nagina
  • Mere Haathon Mein from Chandni
  • Ek Do Teen from Tezaab
  • Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta

Accolades:

  • Filmfare Award
  • National Film Award
  • IIFA Awards
  • Zee Cine Awards
  • American Choreography Awards
  • Nandi Awards

Saroj Khan entered the film industry when she was just three years old (as a child artist in Nazarana). She later transitioned into being a background dancer and honed her craft under the guidance of renowned choreographer B. Sohanlal.

At 13, she married Sohanlal, who was significantly older than her. The marriage, however, ended after the birth of their children. In 1975, Saroj Khan remarried and fully immersed herself in choreography, marking a turning point in her career.

Her breakthrough came in 1974 with the film Geeta Mera Naam, but it was her work with Sridevi in Nagina (1986) and Mr. India (1987) that truly catapulted her to fame.

Known for seamlessly blending classical mujra elements with contemporary rhythms, Saroj Khan redefined Bollywood dance. Her iconic choreography in songs like Ek Do Teen from Tezaab (1988) is a mark of her extraordinary talent and lasting legacy among the top Bollywood dance choreographers.

2: Vaibhavi Merchant

Vaibhavi Merchant
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Date of Birth: December 17, 1975, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Best Choreography:

  • Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
  • O Ri Chhori from Lagaan
  • Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli

Accolades:

  • National Film Award
  • IIFA Award
  • Zee Cine Award
  • Bollywood Movie Award
  • Producers Guild Film Award

Vaibhavi Merchant began her choreography career by assisting her uncle, the renowned choreographer Chinni Prakash. This experience provided her with a strong foundation before coming to the limelight. Her big break came in 1999 with the song “Dhol Baaje” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, a performance for which she was honored with the National Film Award for Best Choreography.

Known for seamlessly blending traditional Indian dance forms with modern aesthetics, Merchant’s choreography is celebrated for its grace, intricate movements, and expressive storytelling.

3: Farah Khan

Farah Khan
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Date of Birth: January 9, 1965, Bombay, Maharashtra, India

Best Choreography:

  • Chale Jaise Hawayein in Main Hoon Na
  • Dhoom Tana Om Shanti Om
  • Sheila Ki Jawani from Tees Maar Khan
  • Indiawaale from Happy New Year

Accolades:

  • National Film Award
  • Filmfare Awards

Farah Khan began her journey as a choreographer in 1992 with Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, marking the start of an illustrious career. Her breakthrough came with the song “Dhol Bajne Laga” from Virasat (1997), for which she got the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography.

Renowned for her high-energy style, Farah seamlessly blends traditional Bollywood dance with modern influences, crafting performances that balance grandeur with emotion. Her choreography is characterized by intricate footwork, vibrant expressions, and a flair for dramatic storytelling. Iconic songs like “Sheila Ki Jawani” and “Dhoom Tana” stand as timeless examples of her creativity and vision.

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4: Geeta Kapur

Geeta Kapoor
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Date of Birth: July 5, 1973, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Best Choreography:

  • Indiawaale from Happy New Year
  • Chale Jaise Hawaien from Main Hoon Na

Geeta Kapur’s journey into choreography was uniquely shaped by her academic background in economics, fine arts, and cultural criticism. This foundation gave her a distinct perspective, enabling her to blend traditional Indian dance forms with contemporary styles in a meaningful way.

Her breakthrough came with films like Main Hoon Na (2004) and Happy New Year (2014), where she introduced vibrant group sequences and innovative choreography that resonated with both traditional and modern audiences.

Geeta Kapur’s signature style lies in her ability to weave storytelling into her dance routines, making each performance not just a visual spectacle but a narrative experience. By seamlessly fusing classical Indian dance elements with popular trends, she has established herself as one of the most versatile and impactful Bollywood dance choreographers.

5: Shakti Mohan

Shakti Mohan
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Date of Birth: October 12, 1985, Delhi, India

Best Choreography:

  • Dance India Dance 2 (Winner)
  • Dance Plus (Judge and Mentor)
  • Nainowale Ne from in Padmaavat

Shakti Mohan’s inspiring journey into the world of dance began with a childhood accident that left doctors predicting she might never walk again. However, through sheer determination and unwavering support from her family, she defied the odds and pursued her passion for dance.

Her breakthrough came in 2010 when she won Dance India Dance Season 2, catapulting her into the spotlight. Known for seamlessly blending classical and contemporary dance styles, Shakti’s choreography is celebrated for its precision, grace, and emotional depth.

Her work in songs like “Nainowale Ne” from Padmaavat beautifully highlights her ability to merge traditional dance forms with modern storytelling. Today, Shakti Mohan stands as a prominent figure in both Bollywood choreography and the contemporary dance scene, inspiring countless aspiring dancers with her talent and resilience.

6: Terence Lewis

Terence Lewis
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Date of Birth: April 10, 1975, Mumbai, India

Best Choreography:

  • Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
  • Radha from Student of the Year
  • Laal Ishq from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

Accolades:

  • American Choreography Award

Terence Lewis is a renowned choreographer celebrated for his innovative style, which seamlessly blends contemporary, jazz, and classical Indian dance forms. He rose to fame with his choreography for the song “Mitwa” from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, where his intricate movements beautifully captured the emotional essence of the film.

His work on “Radha” from Student of the Year exemplifies his ability to infuse youthful energy with contemporary flair, solidifying the song as an iconic moment in Bollywood dance.

Beyond cinema, Terence Lewis has made significant contributions through stage performances, dance workshops, and international collaborations, earning global recognition for his artistry. His choreography continues to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in Bollywood, leaving an indelible mark on the dance industry.

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7: Shiamak Davar

Shiamak Davar
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Date of Birth: October 19, 1961, India

Best Choreography:

  • Dil To Pagal Hai
  • Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol
  • Dhoom 2

Accolades:

  • National Film Award
  • Lycra MTV Style Awards

Shiamak Davar’s journey into choreography began with his training in Western dance forms, including contemporary jazz, ballet, and modern dance. At a time when Indian dance was predominantly rooted in classical styles, Shiamak introduced a fresh perspective by blending these Western techniques with Indian elements.

His breakthrough came with the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai, where he revolutionized Bollywood choreography by bringing contemporary dance to mainstream cinema. This marked a significant departure from traditional Bollywood routines and set a new standard for dance in Indian films.

Shiamak’s signature “Shiamak Style” is characterized by its seamless fusion of Western precision and Indian expressiveness, making it both innovative and widely appealing. His groundbreaking contributions to dance have earned him national awards and global recognition, firmly establishing him as a pioneer among the top Bollywood dance choreographers.

8: Nakul Dev Mahajan

Nakul Dev Mahajan
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Date of Birth: September 15, 1975, Agra, India

Best Choreography:

  • So You Think You Can Dance
  • The Office (Season 3, Episode 6, Diwali)
  • Fuller House

Accolades:

  • Young Alumnus Award
  • World Choreography Award

Nakul Dev Mahajan is celebrated for his dynamic choreography style, which seamlessly blends classical Indian dance with hip-hop, Latin, and jazz, bringing Bollywood dance to an international audience.

He gained widespread recognition for his work on So You Think You Can Dance, where he introduced Bollywood’s vibrant energy and intricate movements to a global stage. His contributions also include choreographing for Disney Junior’s Mira, Royal Detective, and an engaging flash mob sequence on Fuller House.

Beyond television, Nakul’s Bollywood dance instructional sessions—most notably at the White House alongside Michelle Obama—have played a significant role in promoting Bollywood dance worldwide.

His dance productions, including the acclaimed One Man Bollywood Show, continue to inspire both budding dancers and seasoned performers across diverse platforms, solidifying his place as a global ambassador for Bollywood dance.

9: Longinus Fernandes

Longinus Fernandes
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Date of Birth: October 20, Bangalore, India

Best Choreography:

  • Jai Ho and O… Saya from Slumdog Millionaire
  • Pappu Can’t Dance Saala from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

Accolades:

  • Film Fare Best Choreography Award
  • Fred Astaire Award

Longinus Fernandes, affectionately known as Longi, is a celebrated Indian choreographer whose career spans several decades. He gained international recognition for choreographing the iconic dance sequences in Slumdog Millionaire (2008), particularly the globally acclaimed songs “Jai Ho” and “O… Saya.”

His talent transcends Bollywood, with notable contributions to international projects such as Eat Pray Love (2010) and Roar (2014). In addition to his work in films, Longinus has showcased his versatility on reality TV shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Throughout his illustrious career, Longinus has been celebrated for his distinct choreography style, characterized by a seamless blend of traditional Indian dance forms with modern techniques. His impressive portfolio includes choreography for beloved films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), Guzaarish (2010), and Barfi! (2012).

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10: Kruti Mahesh

Kruti Mahesh
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Date of Birth: October 1, 1984, Matunga, Mumbai

Best Choreography:

  • Dholida from Gangubai Kathiawadi
  • Ghoomar from Padmaavat

Accolades:

  • National Film Award for Best Choreography
  • IIFA Award for Best Choreography
  • Zee Cine Awards

Kruti Mahesh is a renowned Indian choreographer who has made a lasting impact on Bollywood dance. Born in Mumbai, she began dancing at the age of five and later pursued a Master’s degree in Forensic Science before fully dedicating herself to dance.

Her entry into the dance world was marked by her participation in Dance India Dance, where she gained recognition under the mentorship of Terence Lewis. Kruti’s big break came when she assisted Remo D’Souza, choreographing for iconic films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Bajirao Mastani.

Over the years, Kruti has continued to innovate Bollywood dance, contributing to the choreography of popular tracks in films such as Race 3, Street Dancer 3D, and Shyam Singha Roy. Known for seamlessly integrating traditional and contemporary styles, her choreography ensures that every performance connects deeply with audiences, making her one of the best Bollywood dance choreographers.

FAQs

Who is the most famous Bollywood dance choreographer?

The most famous Bollywood dance choreographers include:

  • Saroj Khan
  • Vaibhavi Merchant
  • Farah Khan
  • Geeta Kapur
  • Shakti Mohan
  • Terence Lewis
  • Shiamak Davar
  • Nakul Dev Mahajan
  • Longinus Fernandes
  • Kruti Mahesh

Who are some Bollywood choreographers who have won National Film Awards?

Bollywood choreographers like Saroj Khan, Raju Khan, Ganesh Acharya, Remo D’Souza, Raju Sundaram, and Sathish Krishnan have won the National Film Awards for Best Choreography for their iconic work.

Who is the youngest Bollywood choreographer?

Saurabh Prajapati, born on 24 March 1999, is an Indian choreographer, dancer, and artistic director known for his creative contributions to the performing arts.

Which Bollywood choreographer is also a reality show judge?

Shakti Mohan, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis have both appeared as judges on popular dance reality shows.

Which Bollywood choreographer has worked with the most actors?

Remo D’Souza and Saroj Khan, iconic Bollywood choreographers, shaped the careers of actors like Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi, Hrithik Roshan, and Varun Dhawan with their unique dance styles and impactful routines.