I have performed in shows such as Star Screen Awards, Da-Bang Tour, IIFA and many many more. As a dancer, one gets a lot of opportunities, like performing alongside stars such as SRK and Salmaan, then you come on the TV, you get to travel a lot.
1.Tell us more about your background and journey.
I belong to Jabalpur, MP and came to Mumbai 10 years ago. My father owns a business back home and my mother is a housewife and these days a passionate baker. I have two siblings and I’m the youngest and the most spoilt. My journey till today has been a roller coaster ride with mostly ups and a few downs. Nonetheless, I have come a long way, learnt a lot. A lot and am thankful to God for where I am today.
2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue dancing and how did you start?
To be very honest, I am a natural dancer since childhood. During my school function in class 11, I had to dance on stage on a Bollywood number. The moment I performed, I just knew that I have to pursue dance for the rest of my life! I then completed my studies and came to Mumbai. I got mentored by Pankaj sir and Priya Maam. They used to run gym classes and Bollywood classes. I learnt a lot from them. Post that I worked as an instructor at RSDC. My journey has been very very long from an instructor to a dancer, to an assistant choreographer to a YouTuber, to now an independent choreographer.
3. Who is your favourite dancer and why?
I think the reason I wanted to dance was because of Hritik Roshan in Ek Pal ka Jeena. That song turned my world around so I have to say, Hritik Roshan. More than a dancer, I have favourite choreographers. I look up to and admire the work of Masterji Ganesh Aacharya, Bosco Sir and Caesar Sir. They are too good and creative.
4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a dancer and choreographer?
I was a background dancer for 3 years and I have performed in shows such as Star Screen Awards, Da-Bang Tour, IIFA and many many more. As a dancer, one gets a lot of opportunities, like performing alongside stars such as SRK and Salmaan, then you come on the TV, you get to travel a lot. There is so so much travelling. I have travelled so many places abroad as a dancer. You get to make lifelong friends. My best friends are from during my dancing times. So all in all there are quite a few perks. However, a dancer works hard. They need to know all the styles, so many routines, 12 hours of non-stop rehearsals, I hope and pray that all dancers are happy in doing what they are doing.
As a choreographer, one gets to interact directly with the visionaries and create something artistic. As a choreographer, one gets to learn so much. I have a full working knowledge of all the types of equipment used on a set and this is because I am a choreographer. However, I feel that choreographers such as myself lack opportunities in the industry. I’m not stating reasons or blaming anyone. Just a general opinion as a choreographer. Just that there are so many choreographers here and their talent is not being used to the full potential.
5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely based on talent?
I would say that one can train themselves. Talent is everything. I say this because I haven’t received any formal lessons in dance myself. I am a natural dancer. Yes of course my mentors brushed me up and taught me a lot but I never joined any training to learn dance or any dance form.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?
The only advice I would give to all the young boys and girls out there who dream of becoming a choreographer or a dancer is BUCK UP! there is a hell of a lot of hard work. There is a lot of struggle. There are sleepless nights. Learn from wherever you can. Show no ego. Make contacts. But most of all WORK HARD, for your personal growth. Dance is something which you have to keep learning. There is always a scope to be better.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
I’m not a reader. However, I’ll tell you my favourite movie. I love love love Bahubali. I can watch Bahubali at any point at any time without getting bored. The movie is fiction but it is so beautifully and perfectly directly by Rajamouli Sir, it feels real. I’m a big fan of his vision and direction and hope to work with him one day. My other favourites include 3 Idiots, KGF for their direction and story and just everything. I love Hum Sath Sath Hain because of the emotions. I love the Fast and Furious Franchise as well as Marvel.
- Akshay Jain (Choreographer)
- Interviewed By Daisy Sharma
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