Upclose with Vaibhavi Merchant
Vaibhavi Merchant, one of India’s most famous and successful choreographers, talks to Kirti Nandwani about her new theater production “The Merchants of Bollywood,” which is based on her own life.
HK Magazine: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a choreographer?
Vaibhavi Merchant: I was 17 and it was my grandmother who suggested I join films since I was inclined to dancing and had trained since the age of six. I choreographed a piece in school and never realized this would be my profession some day.
HK: Where did you train?
VM: I’ve trained in both Bharat Natyam and Kathak. I also trained in jazz and a few Indian folk dances.
HK: Who do you look up to for inspiration?
VM: I look up to the work of dancers and choreographers from all around the world. I am fascinated with my grandfather’s work too. I also like Bob Fosse’s work.
HK: You’ve choreographed for Bollywood movies. What’s it like teaching popular actors?
VM: Teaching them is a lot of fun but sometimes I have to be strict because I want them to do their best and they understand and respect that.
HK: How is choreographing for a movie dance number different from a theater musical?
VM: For theater the staging format is a lot different from films. Dimensions change—theater is all in one go. In films you go piece by piece. Theater needs a lot of rehearsals and discipline; for films there is always another chance if you goof up. Both are challenging though, and satisfying.
HK: “The Merchants of Bollywood” is based on your own story. What’s it like seeing your story live on stage?
VM: I felt nostalgic when I sat and watched the show for the first time and every time I see it I remember to be thankful to have been born to this family, with their deep respect for the arts.