Wherever I am today, it really is as a result of Salman Khan
Choreographer Shabina Khan, who has worked with Salman Khan in films like 'Jai Ho', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', and 'Tubelight', is currently enjoying the accolades coming her way for her work in 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai' song, 'Dil De Diya'. The song that features Salman, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Randeep Hooda, has garnered a whole lot of attention because of its music and choreography. Actually, Jacqueline and Salman's quirky dance moves already are all the rage online. Within an exclusive interview with ETimes, Shabina shares how she went about choreographing for the song, Randeep's moonwalk, and her long association with Salman.
Q: 'Dil De Diya' is a hit and even the choreography has been appreciated
Shabina: It feels great to see the sort of response I am getting for the song. We've put a lot of effort into this song. In these testing times, whenever we are surrounded by so much negativity, the song has were able to bring a smile to people's faces. Speaking about the song, I am really pleased with the response it's been getting.
During 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' too, fans have been appreciative of might work, but this time around, the happiness has doubled. In the behind-the-scenes video of the song, you may have seen Jacqueline getting injured on the sets while dancing. Even my team got injured through the process. We wanted to come up with something different and unique, which was challenging. Prabhudheva is a taskmaster and in addition my guru. So, I had to give him the very best that I could.
Both Salman and Prabhudheva gave inputs and suggested changes, if they were required. If they give an 'ok', 90 % of might work gets done because every time they agree, the song actually is popular. Randeep Hooda's moonwalk was also suggested by them. You will find a story in the song and they wanted Randeep's character to dance for the reason that manner.
Fans have been sending me messages on social media. They are telling me that the dance steps are so excellent that they would like to try it, regardless if it's difficult. A few of them have even requested me to come online and teach them the steps from the song. I have been planning the same with my team and will do something positive about it soon.
Q: You been employed by with Salman earlier. What sort of steps does he like?
Shabina: Salman has managed to create his unique dancing style. There is nothing that he cannot do. We always remember that the dance moves we give him are in a way that his fans can simply relate to and copy. Each and every time he dances, be it in 'Dabangg' or 'PRDP', his hook steps go viral. Even he gives his inputs while we aim for a song, which are simply perfect.
He doesn't even rehearse for the song, he occurs the sets, we show him the moves, and he nails it such as a boss! I I have been dealing with him since I was 8-9 years old; I started working as an assistant to Ganesh Hegde for his film 'Khamoshi'. It has contributed immensely to my career. I would call him the best dancer! Woh jo kar le, vo step ho jaati hai aur vo hit hai (Whatever he does, becomes a step and is an immediate hit with the masses). My kids and nephews copy his steps.
Q: How has your journey with him been so far?
Shabina: I first saw him on a movie set, when I was in school. I come from an extremely conservative family and we weren't even allowed to watch films. I am the only one from my family who is employed in the film industry. I started dealing with Salman in 'Khamoshi' and later, continued dealing with him. I feel I have a natural connection with him.
I have done a whole lot of songs but after doing 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', I got recognition. Before that, I did a whole lot of songs like 'Aashiq Bananya Aapne' and others. I even got nominated for many awards, I was also called the very best young choreographer, but 'PRDP' was a milestone film for me personally. After that, I ensured to deliver the best and do better. Because if I am in a position to do a good job, only then will be call me for his next project. Today, wherever I am in my own career, it is due to him.
Q: Like Salman Khan, you additionally have a charitable foundation
Shabina: Last year (when the country went under a lockdown), there is no such foundation. I was just trying to help persons voluntarily. We tried to supply essential help people, like providing rooftops, in order that they can protect themselves through the rains, and distributed ration kits. So, this past year I got an possibility to help the needy, which year, we decided to take it ahead.
Now, I have a foundation named Shabina Khan Foundation. Even this time around, we have distributed monthly essentials, helped underprivileged women with their pregnancies. It's such a sad state; families are struggling for food, how can they afford hospital expenses? I wanted to help maximum people which explains why I decided to get started on this foundation.
Because the country is facing other issues like oxygen and bed scarcity, I thought of taking care of providing food and essentials in every possible home that requires it. Inshallah, we'll make an effort to grow the building blocks further. I receive multiple requests for help, so my team would go to every family to verify it. Due to the pandemic, we advise persons to connect via social media and we've given out our telephone numbers aswell. I have even distributed masks and sanitizers to people.
Q: What's next for you personally?
Shabina: Next, I have two songs in Salman Khan and Aayush Sharma's 'Antim'. I will not have the ability to talk much about any of it now. I likewise have other projects nonetheless they are all stuck as a result of pandemic.
