Famous Indian Choreographers

Terence Lewis is a prominent Indian dancer, singer, and choreographer known for his work in various facets of the entertainment industry. He has showcased his talent as a judge on popular reality dance shows such as Dance India Dance and Nach Baliye. Through his "Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company," based in Mumbai, he conducts workshops both in India and internationally. Lewis has also made significant contributions to Bollywood by choreographing for films like Lagaan, Jhankaar Beats, and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Additionally, he has been involved in musicals, stage shows, ads, music videos, and dance competitions, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field. Lewis's presence has been felt across different platforms, including his participation as a contestant on Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 and his role as a judge on India's Best Dancer.

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a renowned Indian dancer, composer, singer, and exponent of the Lucknow "Kalka-Bindadin" Gharana of Kathak dance. He practiced Hindustani classical music and was a skilled vocalist as well. He worked at the Kathak Kendra in New Delhi and later founded his own dance school, Kalashram. Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to the promotion and preservation of Kathak dance and received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award in 1986 for his outstanding contributions to the field.

Remo D'Souza is a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, known for his work as a choreographer, film director, and producer based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has choreographed over 100 films and is considered one of the most successful and renowned choreographers in Bollywood. D'Souza has been a significant influence and role model for many aspiring choreographers in India. He has also showcased his talent as a judge on the popular dance reality show Dance Plus for seven consecutive seasons.

Vaibhavi Merchant is a renowned Indian dance choreographer primarily working in Bollywood films. She achieved critical acclaim for her work and won the National Film Award for Best Choreography in 1999 for the song Dholi Taaro Dhol Baaje from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. With a successful career spanning several years, Vaibhavi is known for her innovative and captivating choreography that has left a lasting impact on the Indian film industry. Her talent and creativity continue to shine through her work in various Bollywood projects.

Sonal Mansingh is an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and Guru specializing in Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancing styles. She holds prestigious titles like Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan for her exceptional contributions to the field of dance. Mansingh's career highlights include her nomination to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India, showcasing her versatility and influence beyond the realm of performing arts. With a wealth of experience and accolades, she continues to inspire and educate through her artistry and mentorship.

Saroj Khan was a pioneering Indian dance choreographer known for popularizing the dance form mujra in Hindi cinema. As the first woman choreographer in Bollywood, she had a prolific career spanning over forty years, during which she choreographed over 3000 songs. Her contributions to the industry were immense, and she left a lasting impact on the world of Indian film dance. Khan's sudden passing in 2020 was a great loss to the Bollywood community.

Sonu Satheesh Kumar, known by her screen name Sonu, is an Indian actress and classical dancer prominent in Malayalam and Tamil television serials. Rising to fame with the TV show Vaalkkannadi, she is recognized for her roles in Sthreedhanam and Anbe Vaa. Trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, she has showcased her talents in various dance shows and festivals. Holding a Master's in Kuchipudi and a diploma in Bharatanatyam, she also conducts dance workshops. With a strong background in dance and television hosting, Sonu continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry.

Uday Shankar was an influential Indian dancer and choreographer known for creating a unique fusion style of dance that combined European theatrical techniques with Indian classical, folk, and tribal dance elements. He gained popularity in India, Europe, and the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. He was a pioneer of modern dance in India and received prestigious awards for his contributions to the art form, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and the Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India.

Mayadhar Raut is a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical dance, specifically Odissi. He is highly regarded as a talented dancer, choreographer, and Guru, having made significant contributions to the art form over the years. Raut's professional career is marked by numerous performances, both nationally and internationally, showcasing his mastery of Odissi dance. As a Guru, he has trained and inspired countless students, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of dancers. His work continues to leave a lasting impact on the world of classical dance.

Jason Tham is a versatile Indian artist known for his expertise in dancing, choreography, and acting. He gained recognition as a contestant on the reality dance competition show Just Dance in India. Tham further showcased his talent by portraying the character Karma on the dance-based show Dil Dosti Dance on Channel V. With his dynamic skills and captivating performances, Jason Tham has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of dance and acting.

Ram Gopal was an influential Indian dancer and choreographer known for blending classical Indian dance with balletic choreography. He toured extensively as a soloist, showcasing Indian classical dance in the West alongside Uday Shankar in the 1930s. Referred to as "the Nijinsky of India" by Polish critic Tadeusz Zelenski, he was most recognized for choreographing productions such as Legend of the Taj Mahal, Dance of the Setting Sun, and Dances of India. His collaboration with British ballerina Dame Alicia Markova on "Radha-Krishna" in 1960 was also noteworthy.