Choreographer-director Remo D'Souza explains why he picked Salman Khan for his upcoming dance film
Remo D'Souza and Salman Khan
Among all his celebrated moments, choreographer-filmmaker Remo D'Souza says his decision to make 'ABCD: Any Body Can Dance' (2013), India's first dance film synonymous with the American dance-drama, 'Step Up', is the one he cherishes most.
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"Whenever people talk of the genre, my name will come up first," says Remo, who has kicked off his next dance film, albeit with an unlikely hero.
"Salman (Khan) is a good dancer, and has the drive to become better," he defends his leading man. "I could have taken a trained dancer, but this movie required a non-dancer, or at least someone who isn't known for his dance skills. Salman is spot on for the part. He is aware that he can't do something simple and get away with it. People feel 'Salman belt hila deta hai and a step is made.' But this will be different," says Remo.
The emotional father-daughter story will roll early next year, and Remo feels the project will give dance films the same importance that 'Dangal' (2016) gave to sports films. He acknowledges that 'ABCD' was criticised for lacking a definitive plot, but says the superstar notices intricate details and provides important suggestions.
"With Salman on board, we can be a bit relieved. He notices and pinpoints the smallest things and tweaks them to better the story. The first time I narrated the script to him, he was overwhelmed. He liked it so much that the story stayed with him. It's a beautiful script and we have worked hard on it."
Sallu's equation with child artiste Harshaali Malhotra in filmmaker Kabir Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (2015) received appreciation from moviegoers, and D'Souza says that in his film too, casting for Salman's 13-year-old daughter will depend on the artiste's camaraderie with him. "We know exactly what we are looking for. Our auditions will start in a month. Her camaraderie with Salman, more than dancing skills, will get her the part."
The choreographer-director, who is in the midst of promoting his dance-reality show, 'Dance Plus 3', says there's no place for mediocrity in dance anymore. "We have scaled new heights in this field. Indians are educated about dance forms thanks to reality shows."
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