In Bollywood, it is common for choreographers and technicians to receive less acknowledgment than lead actors or directors. The spotlight tends to be predominantly on the stars and their performances, which can overshadow the vital contributions of those working behind the scenes.
Conversely, in South Indian cinema, especially within Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, there is typically a greater emphasis on the technical elements of filmmaking. Choreographers, cinematographers, and technicians often garner more respect and recognition for their contributions, with some even achieving star status themselves. This cultural distinction may arise from a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, as South Indian films often depend on strong technical execution to effectively convey their narratives.
Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Acharya has reignited the discussion surrounding the differences between Bollywood and South Indian cinema, emphasizing that regional films tend to show greater respect for their technicians compared to Hindi films. During an appearance on the podcast hosted by Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa, Ganesh recounted how Allu Arjun reached out to him following the success of “Pushpa” to express gratitude for his contributions to the film’s achievement. He noted that such acknowledgment is rare from Bollywood actors.
Ganesh remarked, “In the South, there is a significant respect for their technicians. They typically go for makeup once and then proceed to lunch, without the presence of a manager or makeup artist in between.” He criticized Bollywood for often overlooking the hard work of technicians, stating that directors and producers frequently alter choreography at the last moment to appease the stars’ egos. “I have witnessed many directors and producers making grand promises behind the stars’ backs, but when in front of them, they become silent. They modify the choreography at the last minute to satisfy the stars, disregarding the effort a choreographer invests in creating a dance sequence.”
While Ganesh mentioned that he has not personally experienced such disrespect in Hindi cinema, he has heard numerous accounts from others who have. “It saddens me to hear these stories from those who endure such treatment,” he expressed. He further elaborated on the contrast between the two industries, stating, “In Bollywood, the focus is solely on praising the stars, with little recognition given to the contributions of directors, choreographers, or technicians. This is not the case in the South.”
The award-winning choreographer highlighted the egos prevalent among Bollywood stars and reminisced about Allu Arjun’s call to acknowledge his work on “Pushpa.” “After I choreographed the songs for ‘Pushpa,’ Allu Arjun personally called me a few days later to give me credit. He said, ‘Master ji, this happened because of you.’ No actor in Bollywood has ever acknowledged my contributions in such a manner. Allu Arjun praised me extensively, stating, ‘People are appreciating me because of you,’ and he even invited me to Hyderabad.” He did not stop there; he also extended an invitation for me to attend the success party of Pushpa in Hyderabad. This was not a typical celebration filled with drinking and dancing. Instead, a stage was set up to honor the technicians involved in the film, including a lighting technician who received an award for his contributions to Pushpa. Ultimately, Ganesh emphasized that he is not disparaging the entire Hindi film industry but rather pointing out that certain individuals have created a detrimental environment for technicians.
It is unfortunate that the efforts of choreographers and technicians in Bollywood frequently go unrecognized in the same manner. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to acknowledge their contributions appropriately. Social media and increased fan awareness are beginning to shine a light on the work of these often-overlooked individuals.
Also Read: Aamir Khan: A Glimpse into His Personal Life and Relationships
