Vaibhavi Merchant wins National Award, says Dhindora Baje Re was always special
Merchant shared what the award means to her. She said, "It's infused a lot of life back into my work. I'll be honest, as an artist, I still look at every new project as my first one. I still get those goosebumps and the nervous energy. I still choreograph all my pieces with butterflies in my stomach."She added, "For me, entering that rehearsal hall is sacrosanct; it's my temple, the world I was born into. It's also the world that brought me up. Dance is something I have known ever since I was a child. Also, because I've been trained in Bharatnatyam, any piece that celebrates semi-classical or Indian forms, and is encouraged in the Hindi film industry, becomes special for me." The choreographer added that people are often surprised by how she can pull off a classical and a contemporary song like 'Besharam Rang' in the same year. She shared that she "now feels there's an instinctive switch in her brain, which helps her take on different genres at the same time."Merchant discussed in detail the song that brought this honour. She mentioned that 'Dhindora Baje Re' was an extremely important part in the narrative, and kind of lifts the film."It almost felt like a pre-climactic scene, a sequence. For me, it was very clear that I wanted this to become the biggest number in the film. It comes at a very crucial point. Tota Roy Choudhury and Ranveer Singh also have a dance sequence from 'Dola Re Dola' just before that. I remember it was another high to get them to do Kathak, and because I am a huge Saroj Khan ji fan, it was rather very fulfilling," she stated.The 49-year-old also spoke about her experience of working with Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. She said, "I also got to work with both my proteges, since I worked with Alia Bhatt and Ranveer in their first films. So for me to get both these artists to come and do the song was truly remarkable and special. It was my gift, my love for Karan. It's so much fun shooting with him, I would leave everything to be on Karan Johar's set any day."The choreographer added that every member of the film was a delight to work with. And while people keep talking about how the song was 'iconic', broke 'gender roles', Merchant shared that she doesn't work with such preconceived thoughts.advertisement"All this happens later. It reaches legacy status much later when another generation that's waiting recognises it. Like I would watch a Saroj Khan or people prior to that generation and learn from them. So hopefully, we will also see those days someday," she added with a smile.Along with the Best Choreography award, 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani' also bagged the award for Best Popular film for wholesome entertainment.- Ends
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