Farah Khan's signature step in this song became a craze
Farah Khan is one name in Bollywood which boasts of talent.
Whether it is choreographing popular dance numbers, stepping into the forefront as a director with films or taking the hot-seat as a celebrity judge, Farah fulfils each responsibility with ease and efficiency.
In fact, one simply cannot get enough of her hilarious one-liners and sincerity when appearing in films and TV shows.
The 51-year-old has been the mentor and support system for several choreographers like Geeta Kapoor and Feroz Khan. In particular, Geeta shares a special bond with Farah and even calls her a mother:
“She has looked after me and is everything to me. Farah says I’m her first born. And, I can do anything for her – if she wants me to assist her even now, I’ll leave everything else and will take it up as an honour.”
It has been more than 24-years since the beginning of Farah’s filmy journey. DESIblitz reflects on 10 most-loved choreographed songs by Farah Khan!
1. Pehla Nasha ~ Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
“It was my first song and I was taking over from a very big choreographer Saroj Khan and I was the fourth assistant there. One person who really helped me a lot that time was Aamir Khan,” says Farah.
Being her first song, Farah encompasses the spirit of young romance. With Aamir Khan and Ayesha Jhulka daydreaming and dancing in the valleys, the song is a cute adaptation on first love.
The song also celebrates its 25th birthday in 2017!
2. Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane ~ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
This legendary song from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge revolves around the genres of Lindy-Hop with Rock ‘n’ Roll and has a strong Shammi Kapoor feel.
An interesting fact about this song is when Shahrukh Khan drops Kajol at the end of the song, director Aditya Chopra did not tell Kajol what was going to happen. So when she was dropped, her reaction was actually genuine!
No wonder why the song is so natural!
3. Chaiyya Chaiyya ~ Dil Se (1998)
“Jin ke sar ho, Ishq ki chaaon.” When Sapna Awasthi sings these first lines, you know there’s gonna be magic in this classic AR Rahman track.
The song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ is truly iconic as we had not seen actors dancing on top of a moving train before. It certainly is not easy to choreograph energetic dance moves on a movie platform, it truly is path-breaking! In fact, Farah also received the Filmfare for ‘Best Choreography’ award for her innovative choreography.
Malaika Arora and SRK look incredibly authentic in the video. Malaika has even recalled: “The ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ song was shot exactly as you see it on the screen: no camera tricks, no back projection, no post-production special effects!”
4. Ek Pal Ka Jeena ~ Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai (KNPH) (2000)
This song remains to be an anthem of Hrithik Roshan’s success. In 2000, Hrithik debuted with KNPH and the success rose him to superstardom.
Farah Khan’s signature step in this song became a craze. The right hand is positioned straight out, whilst the left-hand slowly thrusts towards the right. It is such a simple move but so catchy and unique. The way the track has been choreographed and executed is just fantastic.
For this, Farah once again won the Filmfare award for ‘Best Choreography’.
5. Idhar Chala ~ Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta were such a cute couple in Koi Mil Gaya. But their performance in ‘Idhar Chala’ is truly breathtaking.
What works with this song is the fact that it combines several dance genres and has elements of tap-dancing and Broadway jazz. Plus, the way Farah makes use of props such as table and chair into the choreography is impressive.
This song has proven that a simple choreography can be the most effective. As such, it’s no surprise as to why she won the National Award for ‘Best Choreography’!
6. Chale Jaise Hawayein ~ Main Hoon Na (2004)
Main Hoon Na marked Farah Khan’s debut as a film director and this song, ‘Chale Jaise Hawayein’ became sensational in the 2000s.
From choreographing Bollywood biggies like SRK and Hrithik Roshan, Farah ensures that the (then) newbies: Amrita Rao and Zayed Khan would give their utmost best for this ‘carefree’ song.
Set in the Darjeeling college, enjoy watching Sanjana (Amrita Rao) and Lucky (Zayed Khan).
Watch the full playlist of Farah Khan’s Best Dance Choreographies here:
Pehla Nasha ~ Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)04:17
Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane ~ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Chaiyya Chaiyya ~ Dil Se (1998)
Ek Pal Ka Jeena ~ Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai (KNPH) (1999)
Idhar Chala ~ Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Chale Jaise Hawayein ~ Main Hoon Na (2004)
Dhoom Taana ~ Om Shanti Om (2007)
Munni Badnaam Hui ~ Dabanng (2010)
Sheila Ki Jawani ~ Tees Maar Khan (2010)
Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai ~ Sultan (2016)
7. Dhoom Taana ~ Om Shanti Om (2007)
Whilst ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’, ‘Idhar Chala’ and ‘Chalein Jaise Hawayein’ were simple, sweet and elegant, ‘Dhoom Taana’ is extravagant. It’s the perfect tribute to Hindi cinema. Om Shanti Om was Farah’s second directorial venture and she set the screen on fire!
Once again, Farah Khan incorporates several dance forms like Rock ‘n’ Roll, Indian classical and Arabian dance. Her hook step is simple but encompasses the true essence of Bollywood.
Furthermore, the costumes are vibrant and the set is exuberant, which makes it visually appealing.
Also, seeing Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone merrily groove is an absolute delight!
8. Munni Badnaam Hui ~ Dabanng (2010)
Planet Bollywood writes: “Expect it to explode with Malaika’s entrance on the big screen and chances are, after watching that you may enjoy it…” Well, after watching this song on celluloid, there were loud seetis in the cinema hall!
As well as choreographing dance numbers and romantic songs, no one can beat Farah when it comes to the popular item songs.
‘Munni badnaam hui’ is a full-on commercial number which is perfect for a night out or at a party. Sonu Sood, Malaika Arora and Salman Khan are totally dhamaal in this peppy track!
9. Sheila Ki Jawani ~ Tees Maar Khan (2010)
Katrina Kaif has described this her performance in this song as “one of the raunchiest” she has ever done. ‘Sheila ki jawani’ is Farah’s most sizzling and sensational number yet!
The signature step is so straightforward, that it has become another iconic move. As such, Anupama Chopra also praises: “Farah continues to be the consummate choreographer – So, ‘Sheila ki jawani’ has a superb, infectious energy.”
Whilst the song is raunchy, Farah ensures that the moves are subtlely seductive. After ‘Munni badnaam hui’, this is another modern item song which became immensely popular in Bollywood.
10. Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai ~ Sultan (2016)
Farah Khan’s signature step here is the right-hand fisted, held-up and the hip-shaking. Whilst the steps are quite easy, they are also very memorable.
Yo Se, the fun dance-off between Sultan Ali Khan (Salman Khan) and Aarfa (Anushka Sharma). When we talk of jugalbandi, ‘Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai’ tops the list.
Applauding the peppiness of the song, BollywoodLife mentions: “Don’t be surprised if you will be hearing this track at pubs, parties, family functions and even at the pandals during Ganeshotsav and Dahi handi.”
Overall, Farah Khan is one of the finest choreographers in Hindi cinema. With her achievements in Bollywood and international projects like Monsoon Wedding and Bombay Dreams, she has excelled each time.
Whilst these were our top 10 tracks, we must also acknowledge other phenomenal songs like ‘Dhol bajne laga’ (Virasat: 1997), ‘Saajanji ghar aaye’ (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: 1998), ‘Woh ladki hai kahaan’ (Dil Chahta Hai: 2001), ‘You are my soniya’ (Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham: 2001), ‘Mahi ve’ (Kal Ho Naa Ho: 2003), ‘Ghagra’ (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: 2013), ‘Lovely’ (Happy New Year: 2014) and ‘Gerua’ (Dilwale: 2015).
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