"I hope people have enjoyed watching me."
Indian award shows are as memorable for their dance performances just as much as they are for honouring the output of cinema.
It is an exciting visual for fans when their favourite stars take to the stage and dance with fervour.
Seeing them perform on the big screen is one thing, but seeing them entertain millions live is another.
Many actors have impressed mightily when performing at these shows.
However, which ones stand out from the crowd?
DESIblitz pays tribute to these energetic performers as we present a list of the 10 best dance performances in Indian award shows.
Hrithik Roshan, Filmfare, 2001
The 2001 Filmfare Awards were a victory for Hrithik Roshan.
The previous year, the actor had debuted onscreen with a bang in Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai (2000).
At the ceremony, the film won a total of nine awards, with Hrithik also bagging the gong for ‘Best Actor’.
Fans were already well aware of Hrithik’s infectious dancing from his film, but he presented that live onstage at the ceremony.
Hrithik proves that he is a confident, skilled performer and that is evident from the cheers erupting from the audience.
As the star performs his signature steps from the songs of Kaho…Naa Pyaar Hai, he enjoys himself and entertains his viewers.
His charisma was a sign of what was to come.
Hrithik’s mother Pinkie Roshan later admits that she had “tears of happiness” while watching her son perform.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, IIFA, 2006
When it comes to Indian award shows, the 2006 IIFA ceremony stands out for a very special reason.
During the show, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan performed one of her most famous songs.
The number is ‘Kajra Re‘ from Bunty Aur Babli (2005).
Aishwarya dazzles in a sliver saree, with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan joining her in the performance.
The routine includes the gratifying choreography from the song.
At one point, Abhishek mingles with the audience and shows off his moves to his co-star Rani Mukerji and the veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra.
A close-up of Abhishek’s sister Shweta Bachchan-Nanda also visible as she applauds her family onstage.
There is no denying that the dance routine in ‘Kajra Re’ brightened up the show in a visceral manner.
Aamir Khan, Superstars Ka Jalwa, 2010
It is a known fact that Aamir Khan does not attend Indian award shows.
When asked about this, he said: “When I first came into the industry, I attended these award shows very happily.
“I felt good that the industry was getting together for a night to celebrate each other’s work.
“But then, after a few years, I thought that wasn’t what was happening. So, I stopped going in 1993.”
Despite this, Aamir made an exception for the 2010 Superstars Ka Jalwa ceremony.
He performs his songs from 3 Idiots (2009) with gusto along with his co-stars.
At first, he dances to ‘Zoobi Doobi‘ alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Later, he transitions to ‘Aal Izz Well’ with R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.
Seeing Aamir Khan back onstage at an awards show elicited cheer and applause from everyone, making it an unforgettable experience.
Shah Rukh Khan, TOIFA, 2013
If there’s one star who is truly adept at holding the attention of his audience, it is Shah Rukh Khan.
The superstar is frequently seen dancing at award ceremonies.
One of his most memorable performances was at the 2013 TOIFA Awards in Canada.
He dances to several of his songs including ‘Criminal‘ and ‘Main Hoon Don’.
SRK eclipses the stage, even outshining the blasts of fire that rise up from the stage floor.
A YouTube comment from a fan reads: “I have never seen this type of crowd reaction.
“SRK, you are the biggest superstar in the whole world – no doubt.”
Before the performance, SRK humbly introduces his backup dancers.
All the performers give the audience a mind-blowing experience of dance and entertainment.
Madhuri Dixit, IIFA, 2014
In the glistening realm of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit stands as a beacon of dance galore.
She is applauded for her expertise in the art, which is evident from her judging of many dance reality shows.
When Madhuri graced the stage at the 2014 IIFA ceremony, the audience was spellbound.
In a combination of traditional sarees and modern clothing, Madhuri commands the stage as her oyster.
She truly seems to be in her element.
Madhuri dances to her classic songs from the 1990s to her more contemporary numbers.
She is an audience’s delight and a treat to watch.
A fan enthuses: “She is the only actress in Bollywood who is actually able to dance and perform well for a live audience!
“Kudos to Madhuri ma’am!”
Salman Khan, Filmfare, 2016
The 2016 Filmfare Awards will remain effervescent in the history of Indian award shows.
This is due to the indomitable spirit of Salman Khan.
Introduced onstage by his contemporary Shah Rukh Khan, Salman hits the platform like a torpedo.
He intertwines dance with comedy.
For example, while performing ‘Didi Tera Devar Deewana‘, several women engulf him, making the audience split their sides with laughter.
He also mock plays a giant drum during the title song of Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015).
Salman’s charisma, style, and charm make this dance performance attain a longevity rarely seen.
For that, the 2016 Filmfare ceremony will be embedded in Bollywood history.
Sara Ali Khan, Umang, 2020
One of Indian cinema’s fresher faces, Sara Ali Khan is a promising performer onscreen.
She has won over the audience with her mature and bold performances.
However, in 2020, she also won the hearts of people with her performance at the Umang Awards.
Wearing a sexy outfit, Sara performs with energy and enthusiasm.
She proves that she is a confident dancer and that is not just in her films.
Talking about the performance, Sara says:
“I have come here to dance, to entertain, and to show my trailer. I’ve had fun and thank you for the opportunity.
“I hope people have enjoyed watching me.”
The fun Sara had during the show is obvious in her splendid performance.
Hrithik Roshan, Filmfare, 2021
Returning to the exemplary dancer that is Hrithik Roshan, we come to the 2021 Filmfare Awards.
This particular performance was in honour of Hrithik completing two decades in the film industry.
The maturity in this performance as compared to the aforementioned one is visible.
Although supremely confident in 2001, Hrithik was still arguably finding his feet.
20 years later, however, he takes to the stage as a footballer takes to the field.
Performing his old songs as well as the newer ones, the Fighter star holds his ground.
One thing is for certain: Hrithik Roshan hasn’t lost his sway over the audience.
They still continue to be mesmerised by his natural dancing talent.
Ranbir Kapoor, Filmfare, 2024
The 2024 Filmfare Awards were a milestone in the journey of Ranbir Kapoor.
He won his fourth award for ‘Best Actor’. This was for his blockbuster Animal (2023).
Animal ravaged the box office upon release.
It therefore seemed only right that Ranbir would honour the film at the ceremony.
Ranbir performs elegantly with his Animal co-star Triptii Dimri.
He then goes into an energetic mode as he grooves to ‘Jamal Kudu‘.
During the dance, he runs to his wife Alia Bhatt sitting in the audience.
The couple share a heartwarming dance to the song together, with Alia sporting a massive grin on her face.
Ranbir Kapoor is a wonderful actor and a great dancer.
Judging by this performance, it is not hard to see why.
Janhvi Kapoor, Filmfare, 2024
Continuing with the 2024 Filmfare Awards, we arrive at the sparkling Janhvi Kapoor.
What is noteworthy about this dance performance is that Jahnvi doesn’t perform her songs.
She dances to older, melodious Bollywood classics.
An example of this is ‘Bangley Ke Peechey‘ from Samadhi (1972).
After this, she dives into the energetic ‘Pardesia‘ from Mr Natwarlal (1979).
Janhvi soars and glides across the stage during the routine.
She is the daughter of the beloved late actress Sridevi.
Jahnvi proves that she has imbibed her mother’s charm and vivacity.
Over the years, the reputation of Indian award shows may have frayed in terms of its authenticity regarding appropriate recognition.
However, what remains constant is the captivating dance performances.
These actors pour their hearts into what you see onstage, lifting the roof off many of the venues.
As the stars descend on these ceremonies to celebrate their industry, dance is an essential component of these bashes.
Through these dance routines, people can show off their charismatic sides with energy and confidence.
So, when you come across these Indian award shows, be sure to dance along with your favourite stars!
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