I’m really excited to bring you Pure So You Think You Can Dance’s first interview of a So You Think You Can Dance choreographer. This interview was an email interview with Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood choreographer: Nakul Dev Mahajan. He’s the man responsible for first bringing Bollywood to the So You Think You Can Dance stage last season.
Since this was an email interview Nakul is able to duck some of the harder questions, but I think fans of So You Think You Can Dance will enjoy learning more about Nakul and Bollywood. My questions are in bold.
How did Nakul Dev Mahajan end up on So You Think You Can Dance?
The producers invited me to choreograph Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) to add a new style of dancing and introduce America to Bollywood. Fortunately for me, they were following my professional dance career!
What were you doing before you joined So You Think You Can Dance?
I have collaborated for the past two SYTYCD seasons, in addition to choreographing various other TV programs, including The Office, Passions and MTV’s Next. I am also the founder of America’s first Bollywood dance studio in the nation: NDM Bollywood Dance Productions & Studios, teaching more than 5,000 students to-date! I am also the acting director/principle dancer of the NDM Dance Troupe, which has been honored with more than 50 awards and performed for more than a 100 productions.
Do you feel any pressure trying to represent Bollywood on such a visible US dance show? How do people in India feel about your choreography?
Pressure is natural in every job but for me it’s accompanied by a sense of responsibility and pride. My work on So You Think You Can Dance and other projects that have ‘aired’ in India have been complemented and well received by the viewers.
Now that you’ve seen the performance by Caitlin and Jason, do you think you tried to put too many difficult steps into their choreography for the first week?
I felt that Jason and Caitlin did a fantastic job, given that show rules allowed them only 5.5 hours to learn the entire piece. The routine was a little complex for week 1, but what a way to start the season!
One of my readers asked, “I’m no expert in Bharat Natyam, but what’s your reaction to all the harsh criticism about your choreography last week?”
Bharat Natyam is a classical form of Indian dance that traces years back and requires intensive training. I wanted Jason and Caitlin to be challenged, and since this art form is one of the elements of Bollywood, I decided to include it in their piece. I haven’t heard any harsh criticism, but rather constructive feedback.
Who deserves credit for Caitlin’s handstand moment? How’d you come up with that? It was incredible how her feet mimicked the Bollywood forms and will certainly be one of the most memorable moments of this season for me.
Caitlin is a gymnast. The minute I found out, I knew she would be able to do a handstand. I’ve always wanted to fuse an acrobatic move with Bollywood and this was the perfect opportunity to showcase it.
What should someone new to Bollywood watch for when trying to judge the quality of the performance? What’s the difference between a novice and professional Bollywood dancer?
Like any other style of dancing, there is a sense of synchronization and energy in Bollywood dancing. Bollywood is the fusion of different dance styles, both eastern and western. What makes one a good Bollywood dancer is the ability to adapt to the different styles while making it look easy. A professional dancer would be one who is well versed in all styles, where as a novice might not be familiar with as many genres.
Which dancer on So You Think You Can Dance has been your favorite to work with? and why?
In week eight of last season’s (Season Four) So You Think You Can Dance I had the opportunity to work with the Top 10 dancers, both for the opening number and the tour. This season I’ve only worked with Jason and Caitlin, so far. They are all wonderful and respectful dancers and each one is special in their own way.
Where can fans of your choreography and Bollywood find more of your work?
Our website, www.ndmdance.com, offers a gallery of past performances as well as updates on upcoming projects and events.
What do you think will be the future of Bollywood in the US?
This is just the beginning – Bollywood is here to stay! Slumdog Millionaire globalized Bollywood dancing and strengthened interest in this genre of movie making and dancing. But there is more to be seen and many more aspects that of this art form that have yet to be revealed to US audiences.
Do you think we’ll ever get to see a So You Think You Can Dance India?
India already has their own versions of various American shows. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn of a future So You Think You Can Dance India.
Can we expect to see more Bollywood on So You Think You Can Dance? Possibly a group routine?
You will have to tune in this season to find out…
Was the kiss between Caitlin and Jason planned, real, suppose to be hidden? They don’t usually kiss in Bollywood.
In modern Bollywood movies kissing has been shown. However, it’s still taboo which is what my piece was all about. I’d like to keep the ending kiss open for interpretation and not reveal my intentions.
I want to thank Nakul for taking the time to answer some questions and share some of his thoughts with fans of So You Think You Can Dance. My next interview looks like it’s going to be with Nappytabs.
by The Frames. Feel free to take a look back at all the SYTYCD 2009 music.
