Source: Mid Day
Date: Apr 29, 2018
By: Sonia Lulla
On International Dance Day, mid-day asks Bollywood's coveted choreographers to revisit a special sequence designed by them
Jaane Kiske Khwaab - Guzaarish
This one was both, special and difficult to construct for two reasons. To begin with, Hrithik had only recently undergone a knee surgery to treat an ACL tear. Back then, I was doing a lot of choreography that involved movements that went into and off the floor. So, physically, it was difficult for him to perform them. Also, he comes from a specific language [of dance], while, back then, I was executing an entirely different language of movement. So, I was under a lot of pressure. Although he is a beautiful dancer, I wasn't sure I could choreograph for him. But, he was welcoming. He encouraged me to try different things despite his injury. While I had designed the dance on two of my team members, I adapted it to play to his strengths. Hrithik has a long body, which is also soft and supple. So, I amended movements that were rounded in nature to look longer instead. Because, he could execute them beautifully.In the choreography you see him use props, and move over beams. While VFX was used later to add the moon and lighting, he had to actually execute the choreography with the props, and while walking on the beams. It wasn't tough for him because he naturally understands movement. But, even dancers quit when they have an ACL tear. I couldn't believe he was doing it.Also, if you see the dance, you'll notice an element of silence and stillness. For him to come into that space, we needed him to have certain control over his breath. Before class, we made him meditate every day for 30 minutes. I'd take him through a process called Prana Paint, which involves painting the floor with movement to engage your body and reach that level of stillness. With Prana Paint, you essentially paint the air with your breath. It's a process that helps the viewer feel the performer's energy.