Vijayshree Chaudhary, an alumni of Kathak Kendra in Delhi and the foremost disciple of Pt. Birju Maharaj, is a Kathak exponent, choreographer, and trainer.
She has recently started a branch of her Kathak Studio in our neighbourhood at Breach Candy
She has choreographed the internationally famous songs ‘Sakal Ban’ and ‘Azaadi’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly praised web series ‘Heeramandi’.
Vijayshree’s Kathak Studio was founded with the goal of preserving the ancient Guru Shishya Parampara while also achieving brilliance and virtuosity in Kathak, a rich classical Indian dance form.
Vijayshree Chaudhary has been associated with the Miss India Pageant for 5 years and is also involved in the “I am She” pageant with Sushmita Sen. She has choreographed numerous advertisements. She has also choreographed the talent rounds for Miss India Universe, Miss India World, Miss India International, and Miss India Tourism during the last five years. She has travelled the world, mesmerising audiences in Canada, Singapore, Germany, Italy, Thailand, the UAE, Bahrain, Russia, and Indonesia.
For more information on her Kathak Studio, please contact 99679 43352. The Studio is situated at Nanak Nivas, Behind Cumball Hill Post Ofice, Warden Road, Breach Candy, Mumbai 400026.
We thank Vijayshree Chaudhary for giving us an interview.
Can you share with us your experience working as a choreographer on the web series Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali?
The experience was incredible. While I was really looking forward to this experience, there was also an imminent pressure because my guru had worked with him earlier and created 2 of the most iconic numbers in the history of hindi cinema, ‘Kahe Ched Ched’ and ‘Mohe Rang Do Laal’. It’s difficult to meet those standards but Sanjay Sir was supportive, would correct me very affectionately, this gave my creativity a direction. Sanjay Sir had called me for a padhant in one of the songs which is filmed on Richa Chadha, we bonded there and he called me on ‘Sakal Ban’. His assistant approached me asked me to come on set. When you work with a genius such as him, there is immense learning. He is extremely particular about the minutest of details.
Can you discuss any challenges you faced while choreographing the songs for Heeramandi, and how did you overcome them?
Getting the synchronisation of over 70 dancers was a huge challenge, it required 3 days of shoot that too without rehearsal! So imagine everything happened on set and while it was challenging it was a major feat for the entire team.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his grand and visually stunning dance sequences. How did you ensure that your choreography aligned with his signature style while also bringing your own creativity to the table?
I am in awe of his work, he has an unparalleled understanding of what he does, of music and dance and the grandeur of cinema. So all I did was offer myself completely to bring his vision to life. And with the blessings of my Guru I have tried my best to do justice to it.
Can you share any memorable moments or anecdotes from the set while working on Heeramandi?
Haha! Can’t think of anecdotes really because the whole experience was just work, work and work! Honestly I believe that is what makes it incredibly memorable, that’s the speciality of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali that he helps you bring out best in you by letting of everything other than work.
As a choreographer, what sets Heeramandi apart from other projects you’ve worked on, and what makes it special to you?
I have done choreography for Miss india pageants, ads, live performances but this is my first hindi film project as a choreographer and that too with Sanjay Leela Bhansali so that is what is extremely special. I feel blessed that my very first work was with a legend.
How was it to choreograph known actresses?
Oh it was wonderful working with them all. Manisha ji despite being such a senior actor would come early on set and rehearse, she would take me aside and understand the nuances of the steps! It’s wonderful to work with such professional and dedicated actors. Richa is an incredible actor, but not many know that she is also a trained dancer. I remember one specific close up where all she had to do was raise her eyes, she discussed it with me beforehand and when the shot happened, Sanjay Sir exclaimed “kya bat hai”!! It made my heart swell with pride. Sanjeeda and Aditi are also trained dancers so it was very collaborative to work with them.
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