"I believe dance has enriched me"
In an era where feminism and female empowerment are under the spotlight, Bollywood dance sequences excel in portraying strong and talented women.
These performances captivate the audience and compliment the songs with grace and finesse.
The actresses in these sequences define elegance and poise.
Whether they are in a saree or a bikini, these dance routines engage and inspire viewers.
DESIblitz invites you to join us on a thrilling journey that will introduce you to some of the most majestic Bollywood dance sequences as we celebrate the power of strong women.
Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri – Naya Daur (1957)
This chartbuster showcases an energetic Rajni (Vyjayanthimala) dance with ease in front of Shankar (Dilip Kumar).
Throughout the number, Vyjayanthimala proves what an effortless performer she is.
‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’ was a huge hit in its time. It contributed massively to the success of Naya Daur.
In his autobiography, Dilip Sahab comments on the popularity of the song:
“[The audience] showed their happiness and appreciation in overt displays like showering coins on the screen while the popular song sequences were being shown.”
These recollections would not have been possible without the great act of Vyjayanthimala in ‘Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri’.
Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya – Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Mughal-E-Azam is one of Bollywood’s most enduring classics and is firmly ingrained in the annals of Indian cinema.
The film features the beautiful Madhubala as Anarkali. She is forbidden from loving Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar).
This painful separation is the basis of ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’.
Dressed in rich clothing, Madhubala twirls and glides across the floor in a gorgeous display of choreography and control.
This number remains one of the most expensive Bollywood dance sequences but the high cost is justified by Madhubala’s graceful performance.
In the 60s, Madhubala was terminally ill with a heart condition but was determined to finish Mughal-E-Azam to a high standard.
That determination is never more evident than in the routine of this timeless song.
Piya Tose Naina Laage Re – Guide (1965)
In various costumes yet the same talent, Rosie Marco/Miss Nalini (Waheeda Rehman) brings exuberance to SD Burman’s masterpiece ‘Piya Tose Naina Laage Re’.
The song encapsulates Rosie’s journey towards becoming a famous dancer.
The audience joins the character in a thrilling montage as the dance routine gathers momentum to create an incandescent experience.
Vijay Anand exceptionally directs Guide. He presents Waheeda in the best ways.
Waheeda remarks on the importance of this presentation:
“I think a director has to be a little in love with his leading actress so he will project her as the most beautiful woman in the world.”
‘Piya Tose Naina Laage Re’ is a testament to Waheeda’s resolve as the song took 15 days to complete.
For Guide, Waheeda won the 1967 Filmfare Award for ‘Best Actress’. This song helped make that possible.
Hothon Pe Aisi Baat – Jewel Thief (1967)
Shalini ‘Shalu’ Singh (Vyjayanthimala) is the heart of Vijay Anand’s Jewel Thief.
Although Vinay/Prince Amar (Dev Anand) also performs in the sequence, Vyjayanthimala is the highlight.
The song involves a lot of professional timing in that the actress runs across considerable distances in short spaces of time.
She also rotates and spins around the room in a jaw-dropping manner.
While paying tribute to Dev Sahab, Vyjayanthimala reveals the energy the song required:
“There was that song, ‘Hothon Pe Aisi Baat’, which required inhuman amounts of stamina and energy from me.”
The Devdas actress undeniably shines in the song, which is an anthem for classic Bollywood lovers.
Chalte Chalte – Pakeezah (1972)
Scintillating and serene, ‘Chalte Chalte’ blends dignity and longing in a show of elegance like no other.
The poetic legend Meena Kumari performs in a sublime way as Nargis/Sahibjaan.
Clad in a red saree, there is little for the actress to do apart from walk, strut and sway.
Despite this, however, the song is one of the most effective Bollywood dance sequences.
The melodious beats accompany the routine like a bird to the sky. Incidentally, Pakeezah was Meena’s final film as she died a month after its release.
In the book Bollywood’s Top 20 Superstars of Indian Cinema (2012), Pavan K Varma speaks about the triumph of the film for Meena:
“No heroine could have asked for a more triumphant culmination to her career.”
In ‘Chalte Chalte’, this triumph is emboldened significantly. Meena brings wonderment to this dance sequence.
Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate – Bobby (1973)
Raj Kapoor’s Bobby is a trendsetter in Bollywood. Several classic songs adorn the film.
One of these – ‘Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate’ – presents a gregarious Bobby Braganza (Dimple Kapadia) mustering infectious energy as she grooves to Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s rhythms.
Dimple swoons, marches and oscillates in this number which uniquely melds rock with soul.
In a review of the film on IMDB, Peter Young praises Dimple’s sex appeal:
“[Dimple] was natural, compelling, beautiful and acted with total aplomb.
“Her Western outfits and sex appeal are still very memorable.”
The film Mujhse Dosti Karoge (2002) pays tribute to ‘Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate’ by reinventing it within its ‘Medley‘ track, creating longevity for the song.
Dimple’s dancing played a role in that like nothing else.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan – Sholay (1975)
Many Hindi film connoisseurs love and admire Sholay for its interesting premise and strong story.
The choreography is also an essential aspect of the blockbuster.
Basanti (Hema Malini) takes centre stage in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ – a number she must perform for the gratification of the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan).
The routine involves complicated tap-dancing and agile movement.
At one point, Basanti must dance bare feet on shards of broken glass.
Hema’s commitment to the craft of dancing shines through during the performance.
The veteran star talks about how dance improves her originality:
“I believe dance has enriched me. It makes me stand apart.
“As a dancer, I can be on stage for a lifetime.”
These beliefs are what enabled Hema to give viewers one of the most enriching Bollywood dance sequences in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’.
Salaam-E-Ishq – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
In this lilting song, Rekha dazzles as Zohra Bai.
In a fluorescent pink salwar kameez, the star performs expertly as she croons to the sweet voice of Lata Mangeshkar.
Rigorous footwork, meticulous hand gesticulations and lying on the floor sensually all infuse the sequence with magic and softness.
Although Rekha is the second lead actress in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, she somewhat overshadows her co-star Raakhee Gulzar with this effervescent act.
The film was the highest-grossing Bollywood movie of 1978.
Although ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’ is shared by Sikandar (Amitabh Bachchan), it is Rekha who steals the limelight and rightfully so.
Prakash Mehra’s classic would never have attained that status without Rekha’s strong talent in this song.
Dafli Waale – Sargam (1979)
Fans of Sargam remember ‘Dafli Waale’ for the graceful dancing of Hema Pradhan (Jaya Prada).
She is given a boost by Raju (Rishi Kapoor) who plays a dafli as she moves.
The picturisation of the song also includes close-up shots and freeze-frames to highlight the beauty of the choreography.
In the 70s, ‘Dafli Waale’ became Jaya Prada’s signature number. For many years, fans have been associating her with this song.
Ace filmmaker Karan Johar delves into his childhood fascination with the chartbuster:
“My father kept asking me to dance to ‘Dafli Waale’, but I wasn’t doing the Rishi Kapoor step. I was doing the Jaya Prada step.
“I love and am obsessed with that song.
“When I recently did a reality show and Jaya Prada came on set, we did ‘Dafli Waale’ together and I hugged her tight.”
Jaya Prada’s expertise in the song also motivated Karan to incorporate the number into his film Student of the Year (2012).
Karan is only one of many to have been inspired by the sequence in ‘Dafli Waale’.
Inn Aankhon Ki Masti – Umraao Jaan (1981)
Umraao Jaan ranks among Rekha’s most-loved films. She inhabits the world of courtesan Amiran/Umraao Jaan.
With wonderful music by Mohammad Zahur Khayyam, Umraao Jaan is full of melodious music.
One of the songs is ‘Inn Aankhon Ki Masti’, and it presents Rekha at her very best.
Similar to the aforementioned ‘Salaam-E-Ishq’, Rekha shows her fabulous grasp at foot routines and hand movements.
However, she also underlines Kathak steps in this number.
In her 2016 biography, Yasser Usman quotes Rekha, as she divulges her memories of learning the dance form:
“[Director] Muzaffar Ali had invited many nawabs of the bygone era. These nawabs were exclusively called to monitor my Kathak steps.
“Many a time, they guided me and came up with valuable suggestions, thus making my dance stand out.”
There is no doubting the fact that when it comes to the mastery of Bollywood dance sequences, few artists shine quite as brightly as Rekha.
Kaate Nahi Kat Te – Mr India (1987)
Vivacious and brash, Sridevi is a sight to behold as Seema Sohni in ‘Kaate Nahi Kat Te’.
In a song performed in the luscious rain, the superstar contorts her body in a disarming display of continuity and effortless flow.
The English Vinglish actress seduces and teases in the performance.
A fan on YouTube underscores this seduction and says:
“Sridevi is the best in seductive songs. Performing without any vulgarity. I love her. She is terrific.”
Throughout the 80s, Sridevi was the reigning queen of Bollywood.
She was famous for her tremendous onscreen presence, acting prowess and impeccable dancing.
‘Kaate Nahi Kat Te’ leaves this without any shadow of a doubt.
Ek Do Teen (Female) – Tezaab (1988)
Madhuri Dixit stuns as Mohini Dhanyekar in this evergreen anthem.
Mohini begins by greeting her audience and then seamlessly breaks out in a vibrant show of liveliness.
In 1988, ‘Ek Do Teen’ was the most popular number.
As Anupama Chopra reveals, the film critic would only take taxis if the driver had the cassette of ‘Ek Do Teen’.
It was this song that gave rise to Madhuri not only as a talented actress but also as a dancer of establishment.
Madhuri confirms on X that she undertook 10-15 days of rehearsal for the song. She elaborates on her other memories:
“The hookstep became so popular at that time.
“I was shocked to know that people used to demand the song to be replayed in the theatres before the movie could continue and fling money on the screens.”
The zestful nature of the song places it firmly up there among the best Bollywood dance sequences.
Tamma Tamma – Thaanedaar (1990)
Continuing with the legendary artist that is Madhuri Dixit, ‘Tamma Tamma’ showcases her dancing chops like never before.
In completely original choreography, ‘Tamma Tamma’ suggests the importance of unison and concentration when it comes to dancing on celluloid.
The song shows Chanda (Madhuri Dixit) and Brijesh ‘Birju’ Chandar (Sanjay Dutt) blend with rhythm and use objects including hats and chairs to craft a splendid viewing experience.
Upon looking at the sequence, one can easily see the painstaking effort that was required to dance.
In an interview with Simi Garewal, Madhuri admits the taxing process of ‘Tamma Tamma’:
“That song, I think, must be one of the most rigorous songs that I have done.
“There was the chair movement in the song. We did the whole sequence in one shot.
“Sometimes I made a mistake, sometimes the dancers, sometimes Sanjay made a mistake.
“Even if one of us makes a mistake, we have to do it again. We did 40 retakes.”
Madhuri also says her knees were bleeding by the end of the shoot. Her determination deserves applause.
Le Gayi – Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997)
Yash Chopra’s Dil Toh Pagal Hai might star Madhuri Dixit as the main attraction, but Karisma Kapoor impresses equally as Nisha.
In a film that pays homage to dance, Karisma performs ‘Le Gayi’ with ground-breaking flair.
In the 90s, Karisma was one of the few actresses who had a natural aptitude for dance, thus making her the obvious choice for the role.
Shamak Davar’s choreography also won him a National Award.
Surprisingly, Karisma had originally declined the film as she was unsure about dancing in competition with Madhuri. She explains:
“Initially, I too said no to it as it was a dance film and competition dance with Madhuri Dixit.
“I said, ‘This isn’t happening’. Then finally, Yash [Chopra] Ji and Aditya [Chopra] narrated the story to me.
“My mother told me, ‘You must take up the challenge. You are a big fan of Madhuri Dixit – you must do it. You work hard and you will shine’.”
Karisma’s hard work paid off as her performance, rich with dance, earned her a Filmfare Award and National Award in 1998.
You Are My Soniya – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Amidst the melancholy and familial drama of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, the outgoing character of Pooja ‘Poo’ Raichand (Kareena Kapoor Khan) stands out.
‘You Are My Soniya’ showcases a sexy Kareena as she oozes charm and beauty in this memorable track.
With her co-star Hrithik Roshan, who plays Rohan Raichand – it is easy to be overshadowed, as Hrithik is positively a dancer for the ages.
However, Kareena truly holds her own as she sways and undulates through the routine, using her dainty figure to her advantage.
The actress is able to entice viewers by being unafraid to show her flesh in some racy sequences.
The enigmatic chemistry between Hrithik and Kareena is also brought to life.
Kareena is unquestionably famous for this routine. She has done many excellent dances in her career.
However, ‘You Are My Soniya’ is perhaps the most famous.
Dola Re Dola – Devdas (2002)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings Parvati ‘Paro’ Chaudhary (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and Chandramukhi (Madhuri Dixit) together in a canvas of grandeur.
‘Dola Re Dola’ won the veteran choreographer Saroj Khan a National Award.
Shreya Ghoshal also makes her Bollywood singing debut with this song.
A falling sequence in the song required both actresses to do so in unison and in time with the beats. This is accomplished remarkably well.
Furthermore, even bleeding ears could not prevent Aishwarya from completing the song with professionalism.
However, Aishwarya was not the only artist to suffer health issues during ‘Dola Re Dola’.
Bhansali recounts how an ailing Saroj Khan choreographed the song:
“The way she used space in the song, I doubt any other choreographer would have been able to do that.”
“At the time we were shooting, Saroj Ji was extremely unwell.
“She was in a lot of pain, but she would lie down on the floor and give instructions. She shot for 15 days.”
And the result is in front of the viewers to appreciate and enjoy.
Chikni Chameli – Agneepath (2012)
Katrina Kaif makes a guest appearance for this number that is a fan favourite.
She dances powerfully in front of Kancha Cheena (Sanjay Dutt) and Vijay Deenanath Chauhan (Hrithik Roshan).
The routine includes a variety of hip movement, footwork and belly dancing.
The physical demand caused a strain on Katrina as the star admits she had blisters on her feet while shooting the song.
Katrina says the preparation was “easy” for her:
“Physical prep is easy for me as that’s all about discipline and execution.”
The song contains iconography of gawking men surrounding Katrina. Despite this, she denies feeling a sense of objectification in the number:
“I can tell you – I never felt objectified in ‘Chikni Chameli’.
“I enjoyed that song, I enjoyed the dance and I enjoyed what I was doing.”
This enjoyment is evident in how Katrina dances in the song. It is an example of a strong woman giving her all to a demanding routine.
Ram Chaahe Leela – Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013)
Carrying on with the theme of item numbers, Priyanka Chopra Jonas wows in ‘Ram Chaahe Leela’.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali composes and directs the song.
Dressed in pure white clothing, Priyanka is a scene-stealer in every frame.
Sexy floor writhing fills the song as the star twirls and bends like something from a circus act.
Within three days of its release, ‘Ram Chaahe Leela’ crossed over one million hits.
Priyanka reacts to the magnificent response to the song:
“The response has been stupendous. I feel a sense of relief and pride.
“I was challenged to push the boundaries with my performance.”
Choreographer Vishnu Dheva adds: “[Priyanka] picked up the steps really quickly.
“I remember when she had to turn in circles on her knees, such was her professionalism that though the skin on her knees had peeled off, she continued to complete the steps.”
Ghar More Pardesiya – Kalank (2019)
‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ plays over Roop Sami (Alia Bhatt) eager to learn dancing from Bahaar Begum (Madhuri Dixit).
Alia is marvellous – she takes to the choreography like a bumblebee to pollen.
It is also refreshing to see her blossom onscreen in front of Madhuri – who in her time was a dancing icon.
A fan commented on the ability of the song to engage viewers:
“This song never gets old.
“No matter how much I listen to it, I never get bored.”
Alia herself expressed difficulty in performing the routine:
“The spins were the toughest part; the weight of the lehenga made it difficult to spin fast.
“I was worried about how I had fared, but once I finished the take, Remo sir [D’Souza, choreographer] gave me an okay.
“That was reassuring.”
While Kalank may not have fared brilliantly at the box office, ‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ achieves love and acceptance.
This is largely due to Alia’s eminent dancing.
Besharam Rang – Pathaan (2023)
‘Besharam Rang’ from the mega-blockbuster Pathaan attracted controversy for the bikini avatar of Dr. Rubina ‘Rubai’ Mohsin (Deepika Padukone).
Despite this, the dance sequence is nothing short of extraordinary.
The erotic, swift steps convey boldness and confidence in Deepika’s onscreen character.
The Padmaavat star uses her assets to flaunt charm but her flawless command over the challenging routine impresses the viewers.
Deepika divulges into the challenging shoot of ‘Besharam Rang’, saying:
“For ‘Besharam Rang’, I had to work a lot harder.
“That’s sort of in a way my solo song. The location we were shooting at was really difficult.
“Even though the song looks really summery, bright and beautiful, it was actually freezing and extremely windy.”
Cold weather conditions and minimal clothing can spell disaster for a song shoot, but Deepika’s competence, combined with the popularity of the song is indicative of her talent.
For ‘Besharam Rang’, singer Shilpa Rao won the 2024 Filmfare award for ‘Best Female Playback Singer’.
Across decades, strong women have been headlining Bollywood songs.
They perform with gusto, treating their fans to elegance, sexiness and dignity.
Whether clad in wedding attire or stripped to swimwear, these strong actresses know just how to tick all the right boxes.
A lot of these artists dealt with health problems, injuries and sickness during the production of these routines, but that didn’t stop them from delivering their best.
They thus show their dedication and willingness to the art of entertainment, which deserves to be saluted.
So, every time you come across one of these Bollywood dance sequences, be sure to follow the footsteps of these women and shake a leg too!
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