We have seen his fabulous choreography both in Hollywood films like Slumdog Millionaire and Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Bollywood films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Saawariya, Guzzarish and many more. Most recently Longinus Fernandes is the man behind the incredibly cool moves in ‘Bolo Har Har Har’ from the movie Shivaay! Directed and starring Ajay Devgn, Shivaay is set to hit the big screen on October 28th.
First, check out his amazing choreography!
I got the chance to do an interview with Longinus about his creation of the dance for the song. Check out what he had to say about the piece, working with Mr. Ajay Devgn, and more!
So how did you become a part of the song for Shivaay?
The song, ‘Bolo Har Har Har’, from the film Shivaay came to me from the Video Director Chandan Arora.
What was the brief that Ajay Devgn gave you for the song?
The brief that I got from Mr. Ajay Devgn was to keep the choreography power packed, energetic as well as modern and not to forget its aesthetics.
What did you think of the song when you first heard it?
When I first heard the song my mind was blown; mainly because I have never heard something like this before and I am sure, like me, millions of people all over the world would feel the same.
What went into the concept and the idea for the song’s choreography?
For the concept and the idea of choreographing the song there was a lot of brainstorming sessions and healthy discussions that were never ending at times with all the requisite members on board. Mr. Ajay Devgn led us all the way.
Was it difficult to choreograph this song because it is more of a chant with some trance sections intermingled within the track?
Honestly speaking, more than difficult, it was challenging to choreograph a song like this. Coming to think about the way it has been rendered is simply unbelievable. Hats off to all the singers and above all the music director Mithoon for his innovative creation. I enjoyed myself to the fullest.
Where was the song shot?
The song was shot on one of the biggest floors in India. We shot for four days. An extravagant set larger than life was designed by Sabu Cyril (one of the best we have in Bollywood). As a choreographer there was nothing more one could ask for.
Was it important to you to keep it both Indian but also with the modern (both dance style and time) choreography?
By all means the choreography had to be a mix of both Indian as well as modern to blend with the song mainly because the music is ahead of its time and mark my words this song will linger in peoples’ ears for years to come.
How do you go about choreographing a song like this? Do you work in a studio alone at first, then perhaps teach your assistants or a group and then teach it to the dancers? Or do you have an idea in mind and then as your work with the dancers of the video create the piece around that?
Usually I work along with my assistants for a couple of days and then call in dancers to get things going. But on this song I was geared up from the word go because of the Video Director Chandan Arora, as he was present for every rehearsal without fail.
What did you tell the dancers about the essence of this song, of the choreography and of the movie?
The only thing I told the dancers was to feel the song from within – enjoy it to the core. Trust me the music is such that once you start you just can’t stop. The instrumentation of the song is so powerful and so is the essence; that was the brief given to me by Mr. Ajay Devgn that I mentioned earlier – Energy and Power All The Way. An honest confession; after seeing the trailer of Shivaay I was more than inspired by Mr. Ajay Devgn that I decided to go all out and I am thankful to Chandan Arora for encouraging me to do so.
What was it like to work with Ajay Devgn on the song?
It was wonderful indeed working with Mr. Ajay Devgn mainly because he is cool, calm and composed.
You had the singers in the video as well. Did that add to the energy on set? And how was it to work with them?
All the singers (Sukhwinder Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Megha and Badshah) were loaded with energy and raring to go. The best thing about all of them was that they made their presence felt. Believe me working with them all; I had a ball and now it’s pretty evident that the writing is on the wall.
How does ‘Bolo Har Har Har’ fit into the world of Shivaay?
‘Bolo Har Har Har’ fits in perfectly in the world of Shivaay. Anything seen as evil must be destroyed. In today’s world many things go unnoticed with the naked eye but cannot escape the third eye. Having said that this Diwali one must watch Shivaay.
What was the most challenging thing about creating this dance?
The most challenging thing about creating this dance was to do justice to the song and for that I am thankful to all the dancers and my associates Eden Pereira and Melvin Louis.
What do you love most about this choreography and video?
What I like most about this choreography is that it is unlike what one sees in every other song. And what I love most about this video is Mr. Ajay Devgn. It is his persona that has made the video look like the way it is.
What do you look for in a dancer for your choreography?
The one and only thing I look for in a dancer is Passion.
How involved where you in the edit of the song and putting it all together?
The Video Director Chandan Arora is also a renowned editor as well. He was very keen that I be present during the entire editing. I was more than happy being a part of the entire process.
What was it like when you saw the final product when all the edits, special effects and music come together to create the full video?
I was enthralled from within and overwhelmed with joy after seeing the final product, as I could not have imagined anything better. I will always be thankful to Chandan Arora for bringing me on board and Mr. Ajay Devgn for entrusting his faith in me.
The song is getting tremendous reviews, how does that feel?
It always feels great being appreciated for ones good work. Let me tell you it’s a collective effort coming in from all ends. The unmatched look of the video is due to Mannu Anand (DOP of The Video) and Chandan Arora (Video Director) and above all the visionary Mr. Ajay Devgn.
Your thoughts on the movie?
Well well well… My thoughts about the movie are that everybody needs to watch it. It’s gonna be one hell of a cracker this Diwali.
I would like to thank Longinus for another great and insightful interview! Be sure to watch Shivaay on October 28th!
