10 Best Indian Dancers Who Transformed the Dance Scene

Bollywood dance, an integral part of Indian cinema, is synonymous with charm and energy. Its vibrant songs, dynamic choreography, and electrifying performances create a distinct allure.

Over the years, many dancers have captured hearts with their remarkable moves and magnetic presence. From Prabhu Deva’s unmatched footwork to Hrithik Roshan’s effortless grace, Bollywood is home to an incredible array of dance icons.

Does Bollywood dancing captivate you? This comprehensive guide with a list of the top 10 Indian dancers will mesmerize you. So, get ready to tap along with your favorite icons and celebrate the magic of Bollywood dance!

List of Best Indian Dancers

1: Prabhu Deva

Date of Birth: April 3, 1973, Mysore, Karnataka, India

Best works:

• “Muqabla” from Kadhala
• “Urvasi Urvasi” from Kadhalan
• “Vennilave Vennilave” from Minsara Kanavu

Accolades:

• National Film Awards
• Nandi Awards
• Filmfare Award
• Padma Shri
• Kalaimamani Award

Prabhu Deva’s remarkable dance journey began under the guidance of his father, Mugur Sundar, a renowned South Indian choreographer. Trained in Bharatanatyam by Dharmaraj and Udupi Lakshminarayanan, he later mastered Western dance forms, blending classical elegance with contemporary flair.

He made his choreography debut with Vetri Vizha (1989) and quickly gained recognition for his innovative and precise style, which became iconic in songs like “Muqabla” from Kadhalan.

Prabhu Deva’s performances reflect his unparalleled versatility, seamlessly traversing classical, folk, and freestyle genres. His groundbreaking work set new standards for Indian cinema, redefining choreography with his originality and technical brilliance.

2: Hrithik Roshan

Date of Birth: January 10, 1974, Bombay, Maharashtra, India

Best Works:

• “Dhoom Again” from Dhoom 2
• “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from War
• “Bang Bang” from Bang Bang
• “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” from Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai

Hrithik Roshan is often hailed as a “Greek God of Hindi Cinema”. His dancing entails contemporary styles with elements of hip-hop, jazz, and Latin dance. Known for his sharp precision and fluid movements, his performances consistently set new benchmarks in Bollywood.

Roshan’s passion for dance began in childhood, inspired by his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. He honed his craft by training in classical dance and modern techniques, which formed the foundation of his versatile style.

His breakout dance performance in “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” from Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) showcased his smooth hip-hop moves, earning him widespread acclaim. In Dhoom 2 (2006), he combined intricate footwork with action choreography, creating iconic routines that thrilled audiences and solidified his place among the top Indian dancers.

3: Madhuri Dixit

Date of Birth: May 15, 1967, Mumbai, India

Best Works:

• “Ek Do Teen” from Tezaab
• “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” from Beta
• “Didi Tera Devar Deewana” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!

Accolades:

• Padma Shri
• Padma Bhushan

Madhuri Dixit is a celebrated icon in Indian dance, known for merging classical finesse with Bollywood’s vibrant choreography. Beginning Kathak training at the age of three, she mastered the form over eight years, earning a scholarship by nine. Her classical roots became the foundation for her cinematic performances, elevating Bollywood dance to new heights.

Her iconic routines in “Ek Do Teen” (Tezaab, 1988) and “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” (Beta, 1992) showcased her adaptability and precision, while Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) highlighted her expressive artistry. With her blend of technical brilliance and emotive storytelling, Madhuri redefined dance in Indian cinema and continues to inspire generations of performers. Madhuri Dixit, the finest Indian dancer, has made marks with her works bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary styles.

4: Allu Arjun

Date of Birth: April 8, 1982, Madras (Chennai), India

Best works:

• “Aa Ante Amalapuram” from Arya
• “Ithu Kaadhal Kaatchi” from Bunny
• “Cinema Chupista Maava” from Race Gurram
• “Srivalli” from Pushpa: The Rise

Allu Arjun’s dance style is a captivating blend of speed, energy, and precision. Known for his sharp footwork and effortless synchronization, he excels across hip-hop, folk, and traditional forms, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

Memorable performances in films like Arya, Desamuduru, and Pushpa highlight his ability to tell stories through dance, combining intense energy with emotional depth. Nicknamed the “Stylish Star,” Allu Arjun’s iconic routines are marked by flawless execution and a unique flair that has redefined contemporary dance in Indian cinema.

Admired for his innovation and charisma, Allu Arjun remains a trailblazer, inspiring dancers and captivating audiences with every performance.

5: Tiger Shroff

Date of Birth: March 2, 1990, Mumbai, India

Best Works:

• “Sab Tera” from Baaghi
• “O Saathi” from Baaghi 2
• “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from War
• “Bezubaan Phir Se” from Munna Michael

Accolades:

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
• BIG Star Entertainment Awards

Tiger Shroff has made marks among the top Indian dancers with his exceptional dance skills, which have played a pivotal role in shaping his career in Bollywood. His dance style is a dynamic fusion of contemporary dance, hip-hop, martial arts, breakdancing, and acrobatics, reflecting both technical prowess and artistic expression.

Shroff’s performances often highlight his remarkable flexibility, strength, and ability to execute complex choreography with precision and grace. His standout performance in Munna Michael (2017) demonstrated his ability to blend his dance expertise with energetic moves, showcasing a combination of fluidity and sharpness.

Furthermore, his disciplined training in martial arts—particularly Taekwondo and Wushu—adds a unique strength to his movements, enhancing both his dance and action sequences. This combination of agility, strength, and skill has established Tiger Shroff as one of the most versatile and admired dancers in the Bollywood industry​.

6: Govinda

Date of Birth: December 21, 1963, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Best works:

• “Main Tera Dushman” from Coolie No. 1
• “Meri Pant Bhi Sexy” from Hero No. 1
• “Do You Want To Partner?” from Partner

Govinda is widely celebrated for his exceptional dance skills, which became an iconic feature of his comedic roles in Bollywood. His dance style is known for its energetic, spontaneous moves and impeccable timing, making him a standout performer in the industry.

Govinda’s signature ability to blend traditional Bollywood choreography with humorous and quirky gestures has made his dance sequences unforgettable.

Notable songs like “Main Toh Raste Se Ja Raha Tha” and “Husnn Hai Suhaana” from Coolie No. 1, as well as “U P Wala Thumka” from Hero No. 1, exemplify his flair for combining rhythm, comedy, and charisma. His performances continue to be a benchmark for Bollywood dance, combining humor with vibrant expressions.

7: Helen

Date of Birth: November 21, 1938, Rangoon, Burma

Best Works:

• “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo” from Howrah Bridge
• “Aaj Ki Raat” from Yahudi
• “Pyaar Ka Tohfa” from Caravan
• “Naino Mein Badra Chhaye” from Woh Kaun Thi

Helen’s entry into Bollywood began in 1958, and she quickly became one of the most iconic dancers of her time. Known for her unique blend of energetic and graceful performances, she became famous for her cabaret and nautch routines. Her distinctive style included lively expressions, bold choreography, and vibrant costumes, often accessorized with colorful wigs, which made her a standout figure in the film industry.

Helen’s talent for blending traditional dance with contemporary styles helped her establish a unique position in Bollywood. Her memorable performances in songs like Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo from Howrah Bridge (1958) and the iconic Piya Tu Ab To Aaja from Caravan (1971) not only showcased her dance skills but also made these songs unforgettable.

Being one of the evergreen Indian dancers, Helen’s charm, combined with her versatility and ability to captivate audiences with every move, made her a true Bollywood dance icon.

8: Nora Fatehi

Date of Birth: February 6, 1992, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Best works:

• “Dilbar” from Satyameva Jayate
• “Pepeta” with Rayvanny
• “O Saki Saki” from Batla House

Accolades:

• Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award

Nora Fatehi is widely recognized for her exceptional dancing skills, particularly in Bollywood’s high-energy item numbers. Her dance style blends traditional Arabic influences with contemporary Bollywood choreography, creating a captivating fusion. Notably, her performances in “Dilbar” and “O Saki Saki” are iconic, where she showcased her belly dancing roots mixed with modern, sultry movements. These performances helped elevate her to stardom, earning her accolades for both technique and presence​.

Fatehi’s versatility extends beyond her Bollywood dance numbers; she has also made waves internationally, collaborating with global artists. Her music video for “Pepeta” further demonstrates her ability to merge diverse styles with precision and flair​.

Furthermore, her dance moves in films like Street Dancer 3D and music videos like Pachtaoge continue to display her remarkable adaptability, blending emotion with her dance moves to engage audiences across the world​.

9: Shahid Kapoor

Date of Birth: February 25, 1981, New Delhi, India

Best Works:

• “Shaam Shaandaar” from Shaandaar
• “Bismil” from Haider
• “Gandi Baat” from R… Rajkumar
• “Dhating Naach” from Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
• “Pump It Up” from Chance Pe Dance

Shahid Kapoor, renowned for his exceptional dancing skills, is one of the finest performers in Bollywood. Before his lead debut in Ishq Vishk (2003), Kapoor trained rigorously as a dancer at Shiamak Davar’s academy. In the 1990s, he began his career as a background dancer in various films and appeared in music videos and commercials, honing his craft.

Kapoor’s dance talent came to the forefront in films like Jab We Met (2007), where he also earned praise for his portrayal of a troubled businessman. Beyond acting, he expanded his presence by hosting award ceremonies and serving as a talent judge on the popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded (2015). Over the years, Shahid Kapoor has solidified his position as a true icon in Bollywood, recognized not only for his acting prowess but also for his extraordinary dancing ability.

10: Shraddha Kapoor

Date of Birth: March 3, 1987, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Best works:

• “Sun Saathiya” from ABCD 2
• “Cham Cham Cham” from Baaghi
• “Sab Tera” from Baaghi

Shraddha Kapoor is recognized for her versatile and captivating dance performances in Bollywood, particularly in films like ABCD 2 and Baaghi. Her dance style combines contemporary and Bollywood fusion, allowing her to showcase fluidity and precision in her movements. Shraddha’s ability to blend classical and modern techniques has made her one of the leading actresses in Bollywood’s dance scene.

Her dance numbers like “Sun Saathiya” from ABCD 2, “Cham Cham” from Baaghi, and “Sab Tera” from Baaghi 3 are notable for their grace and technical execution. Working with renowned choreographers like Remo D’Souza, Shraddha is one of the iconic Indian dancers who continues to contribute significantly to dance in mainstream Bollywood cinema, captivating audiences with her skilful performances​