Vaibhavi Merchant, who has created some of the best and most memorable dance sequences in all of Indian film, has added another feather to her cap. The noted choreographer was honored with the National Award for ‘Dhindora Baje Re’ from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The overwhelmed Merchant revealed her excitement, gratitude, and the honor she feels that this particular dance won the National Award for Best Choreography.
Thanking the Hon’ble Chairperson of the jury, Mr. Ashutosh Gowariker, ‘who took the time and effort to write every artist’s citation with such thought and care’, and the other respected jury members, and the Ministry of I&B, for considering her worthy of this recognition, Merchant went on to say:
“Today is an extremely special day.
As an artist, there is no greater honour than being recognised by the government, when they value and celebrate your art. To receive the National Award for ‘Dhindora Baje Re’, 25 years after ‘Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje’ (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), I am truly overwhelmed and beyond words.”
She also added gratitude to the director and the cast. She said, “My heartfelt gratitude to the man who made it all possible, Karan Johar, for bringing Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to life and giving me the chance to be part of something so meaningful.
“To the incredible cast of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Jaya Bachchan ji, Shabana Azmi ji, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Anjali Anand, and Aamir Bashir-thank you for your energy, your grace, and the heart you brought to this story.”
Including a special shout to the iconic Dharmendra, “A special note for Dharmendra ji and his admirers: He is an iconic and cherished part of the film, though not featured in this particular song.”
Continuing her thanks, she said, “To the entire team-the ADs, background dancers, choreo assistants, technicians, and even the spot boys- this is as much your win as it is mine. To my amazing team, thank you for always having my back and standing by me through every step. To my family-and especially my mum-you’ve been my loudest cheerleader and quietest strength. I owe this to you.”
The choreographer opened up about creating the Kathak dance, “‘Dhindora Baje Re’ is very close to my heart. It’s a tribute to Durga Maa, and everything she stands for-strength, grace, and divine energy. This song was a special experience in many ways. There was a purity in the process of revisiting classical roots, of telling a story through movement, of blending tradition with cinema in a way that resonated.”
Adding, “‘Dhindora Baje Re’ became more than just a song-it became a celebration of tradition. Around the same time, I had the opportunity to create a male kathak jugalbandi with ‘Dola Re Dola’, which also sparked conversations about representation in classical dance. When trained male dancers told me how moved they were, I knew we were on the right path.”
She also praised the dancers of the piece, Ranveer Singh and Tota Roy Chowdhury, “To see Ranveer and Tota Roy Chowdhury, who aren’t classical dancers, immerse themselves so beautifully into the performance-that’s the magic of trust, dedication, and love for the art.”
The National Award honor is still sinking in, “To win something earned through honesty and hard work-that’s the kind of recognition I truly value. And this National Award feels exactly like that. I’m still letting it sink in, but my heart is full.”
In closing, the choreographer said, “When you treat our rich artistic heritage with care and understanding, something powerful happens. And for that to be embraced on a big commercial platform, and now honoured at this level, it reaffirms the magic of our culture.
“This award isn’t just for me-it’s for the art form itself. -Vaibhavi”
