Shake it,daddy

Is the picturisation of this song as grand as your other songs?
We shot at a unique location,at Mumbai’s Opera House,and that gives the song a unique visual appeal. Bachchan turned stylist and chose a red velvet jacket for the song; he looks really cute as a genie. As for my troupe,I’ve designed their costumes,which go with the era the film represents but aren’t as opulent. The song is very catchy and funky; something that you’ll begin to hum instantly.

How is Bachchan to choreograph?
Contrary to what people may assume,he isn’t difficult to choreograph. What helps is that he is thoroughly professional and never throws any tantrums. There is,of course,always a healthy exchange of ideas but he gives me the freedom to explore and experiment. It’s also important to understand that a as a choreographer,I am to ensure that the actor is comfortable doing the steps. One can’t make him dance like Hrithik Roshan.

Why do you do selective work in the film industry instead of taking it up full-time?
I can’t – it’s too boring. I like to work when I have the freedom to ideate and execute a song to perfection but most directors won’t be able to give me that freedom. Besides,I would like to work only if an assignment challenges my abilities. Most movies tend to get repetitive and so do their songs,which isn’t my game.

What makes you choose or reject a film or a song?
The director: I’d never work with a Karan Johar whose work is typical and repetitive or a Sajid Khan whose films I can’t enjoy. People have to experiment and have to be willing to go the whole hog when working with me. For the same reason,I would love to work with Ashutosh Gowarikar,Vishal Bhardwaj,Farhan and Zoya Akhtar. And I am biased towards Yash Raj Films because they gave me my first break.

Which Bollywood actor and actress do you enjoy choreographing the most?
All the biggies— the Bachchans,Madhuri Dixit,Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik— are extremely profession and very easy to work with. It’s the starry-eyed wannabes who throw tantrums. But Hrithik has the technique and Madhuri has the soul which makes them both so much fun to work with.

What other projects will you be doing next?
Preparations for Summer Funk are in full swing. Then I have the IIFA awards,which happen in Macau this month. But I am most looking forward to the IPL grand finale in South Africa,which I am choreographing as well as performing for.