Vaibhavi Merchant Thanks Karan Johar After Winning National Award: ‘Man Who Made It Possible'

News18

14 hours ago

Vaibhavi Merchant was honoured for her work in Dhindhora Baje Re, a song from Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh's rom-com Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Vaibhavi Merchant, the choreographer behind Bollywood hits like Kajra Re, Crazy Kiya Re, Aaja Nachle and Kamli, just added another feather to her cap. She won her second National Film Award for Best Choreography in the 71st edition of the prestigious ceremony. She was honoured for her work in Dhindhora Baje Re, a song from Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh's rom-com Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Following her win, the notable choreographer shared a note on her Instagram account on Sunday, August 3, expressing her gratitude for being bestowed with another National Film Award. She won her first one in 2000 for the song Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
'Today is an extremely special day. As an artist, there is no greater honour than being recognised by the government – when they value and celebrate your art. To receive the National Award for Dhindora Baje Re, 25 years after Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje, I am truly overwhelmed and beyond words," she wrote at the beginning of her post.
Vaibhavi Merchant Thanked Karan Johar For Making Her A Part Of RRKPK
In her note, Vaibhavi thanked the Chairperson of the jury, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, the other respected members, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for 'considering her worthy of this recognition." Then, she went on to express her gratitude to RRKPK's director, Karan Johar, for giving her the chance to choreograph the song. She said, 'My heartfelt gratitude to the man who made it all possible, Karan Johar, for bringing Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to life and giving me the chance to be part of something so meaningful."
Furthermore, she extended her heartfelt gratitude to the cast of the film, including Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Tota Roy Chowdhury, the crew, which included ADs, background dancers, choreo assistants, technicians, and spot boys, and obviously her own team. Last but not least, the choreographer also expressed how her family had been a pillar of support for her during her journey. She continued, 'To my family-and especially my mum-you've been my loudest cheerleader and quietest strength. I owe this to you."
Vaibhavi Merchant Praises Ranveer Singh And Tota Roy Chowdhury For Their Dance
In the same post, the popular choreographer explained why Dhindhora Baje Re was extremely special for her. She mentioned, 'Dhindora Baje Re is very close to my heart. It's a tribute to Durga Maa, and everything she stands for-strength, grace, and divine energy."
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A post shared by Vaibhavi Merchant (@vaibhavi.merchant)
Vaibhavi added, 'To win something earned through honesty and hard work– that's the kind of recognition I truly value. And this National Award feels exactly like that. I'm still letting it sink in, but my heart is full. This song was a special experience in many ways. There was a purity in the process of revisiting classical roots, of telling a story through movement, of blending tradition with cinema in a way that resonated."
Towards the end of her post, Vaibhavi also praised Ranveer and Tota Roy for their dance skills, despite not being trained classical dancers. She said, 'To see Ranveer and Tota Roy Chowdhury, who aren't classical dancers, immerse themselves so beautifully into the performance-that's the magic of trust, dedication, and love for the art."
'This award isn't just for me-it's for the art form itself," mentioned the National Award-winning choreographer, as she ended her post.
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