Bollywood films are incomplete with a song-and-dance sequence which would make the audience whistle in delight. From party numbers to item songs, from wedding songs to romantic numbers – it is the choreographer who shoulders the responsibility of making a song look beautiful on the big screen. So it comes as no wonder to see many choreographers turn into directors in the film industry. Here are some choreographers-turned-directors in Bollywood.
Guru Dutt: Not many know that Guru Dutt first started his Bollywood career as an assistant director and as a choreographer for a few films which include Dev Anand’s debut film Hum Ek Hain. He went on to direct classics like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Mr And Mrs 55.
Chinni Prakash: Chinni hit a jackpot as a choreographer with the song Jumma Chumma and went on to choreograph in films like Khiladi, Mohra, Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Rakshak. He donned the hat of a director with the film Ghoonghat, which unfortunately tanked at the Box Office.
Ahmed Khan: One of the popular choreographers of Bollywood, Ahmed Khan has made actors dance to his tunes in movies like Rangeela, Taal, Ghajini, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani and Kick. He has directed two movies so far – Lakeer and Fool N Final.
Farah Khan: Here’s a woman who has been both a successful choreographer and a film director. Having choreographed movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Dil Chahta Hai and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, she has directed superhit films like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year.
Prabhu Deva: No one can forget Prabhu’s quirky moves in Pukar, Lakshya and No Entry. He turned director with Salman Khan-starrer Wanted and went on to direct Rowdy Rathore, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, R…Rajkumar and Singh is Bling.
Remo D’Souza: Remo D’Souza choreographed in films like Kaante, Rock On, Student of the Year and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He brought the genre of dance movies to India with films like ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and ABCD 2.
Bosco Martis: Now, choreographer Bosco Martis (of Bosco-Caesar fame, choreographer duo for movies like Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, etc.) is turning director with a musical – Circus. Initially, Kangana Ranaut was going to be a part of it, but she backed out of the project.
