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People in lighter way may call it dancing around trees, but the fact remains that
it is song and dance routines that have taken Bollywood films to the level where
they are next only to Hollywood films.
It is mostly due to the dances and catchy tunes of songs, which make the Indian
films a craze in many diverse parts of the world. Raj Kapoor in Shri 420 and Mithun
Chakravorthy in Disco dancer sent the �iron walled� Russia into uncontrolled tizzy
due to its Songs and dances only. Who can forget sultry Helen dancing to �O Haseena
zulfonwaali� in the unforgettable �Teesri Manzil� or Rishi Kapoor peforming �Om
Shanti om� to adoring fans in �Karz�?
It�s not hard to realise that one of the most important components for any film
to achieve tremendous success has traditionally been music and dance.
That Bollywood is full of talented and versatile choreographers is a well accepted
fact, as over the years we have seen them apt to catch the latest global trends
(read the west) and incorporate them in their films, often with spectacular effects
and great success. Popular songs showcased actor�s Cha-Cha talents, or the Twist
that was admirably performed in the memorable "Aao Twist Karein" in Bhooth Bangla
by a young Mahmood.
Saroj Khan, famous for her �Dhak Dhak�, has become a household name in the country,
as has the next generation that includes the likes of Farah Khan, Shiamak Davar
and Prabhu Deva.
In recent years, we have witnessed several new choreographers who�re often highly
trained, and the dance routines in their movies have infused the songs with great
verve and energy, so much so, that Hollywood movies at times have followed suit.
Case in point being the hugely successful "Chaiyya Chaiyya" in Mani Ratnam�s Dil
Se", that was played in "Moulin Rouge" and "Inside Man".
The industry has over the years spawned legions of professional dancers, who come
from all over the country to try their luck and earn some quick money. It�s not
uncommon for foreigners to be seen on the sets of several films as part of the entourage,
shooting for songs as choreographers play the hard taskmaster.
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