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As I turned my head to his footsteps, he didn’t just walk into the room, but glided by… there was a beat in his every step, and I could so feel the aura of music around him. I knew I was on to interview the passionate choreographer Longinus Fernandes, of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, and Slumdog Millionaire fame; who can make any girl, whirl around to his moves. As soon as we got over with the necessary courtesies of greeting each other, we began with the talk…
So how did the journey to stardom begin?
Actually the journey began long before. It’s been about 25 years in the industry now. This industry gives you so much and takes nothing from you. My journey began in 1987, when I won an Indian Dance Championship. Then the trend continued in 1991, 1993 and so on, till I did a film called “Dil ka Doctor” in 1993 which turned out to be a nightmare. My career dripped instead because many nurses felt offended with the portrayal of the character in the movie. Then I worked with Farha Khan in 1995, and then later Bombay Boys happened, which was the ticket to success.
How did “Jaane tu ya Jaane Na happen”?
I worked for Sanjay Leela Bhansali in “Sawaariya”. Ranbir Kapoor’s opening song sequence when the curtain falls was choreographed by me. Aamir Khan then saw my work and proposed me to choreograph “Kabhi kabhi aditi” and “Pappu can’t dance”. I was sure that what would click for this should be something that binds everyone. So I choreographed it in a way that everyone from 12-82 could dance on those steps. It was great fun. The song was a rage.
Danny Boyle is a big director. How did you come across him?
Actually a friend of mine Amar Butala, who I had worked with in “Kudiyon Ka Zamaana”, recommended me to Danny. All Danny said was that he liked what I'd done with Adnan Sami's Lift Kara De video, and wanted to strike a similar chord with the local masses.
Your name apparently was not mentioned in the credits of the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”, but Danny announced your name at the Oscars. Do you think it was enough?
It was really a very warm gesture from him. He’s a great man and holds value for his words. At the premiere, he asked me how the movie was- I replied, excellent, though I felt miserable with my efforts not being acknowledged. Someone later informed him about my name missing from the credits. He immediately gave me a call saying “Longi, worry not. I’ll make up for it in abundance.” And he truly did. There couldn’t have been a better and bigger a platform to get acknowledged for your work. It made me feel proud.
Don’t you think that it’s only after the exposure to English audience, that our Indian films get their due recognition? Rahman had done far better work before. But why just this film, all his films deserve an Oscar.
You are right in that regard. It has become very essential to provide a bigger platform to showcase the talent. What I did for Slumdog is no exception, as I’ve been doing all theses moves all my life and no one knew who Longi was. But the moment it came into limelight, it became a rage. The move of flying scarves’ from pockets became synonymous to street dancing.
Your favorite style of dancing?
Freestyle is the best. It connects you to the common masses, and that’s where the heart is...
Any upcoming projects?
Eat, Love and Pray with Julia Roberts. That’s a Hollywood Project. Then Radio, Aao wish Karen, etc are lined up.
Longi, your message for the youth…
Live and Let Live! Channelize your energies and find your direction in life. It’s not important what you do, but how you do it! Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently!!!
And this was me, PRAGATI GUPTA, with Longi for you, straight from the heart. He was an amazing person to be with. And, I left no opportunity to shake a leg with this rocker. So we got down to doing a little Salsa… Hope you guys enjoyed dancing to his tunes too.
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Source :
Indiainfo
