Viraj Pandya.
Working on a film featuring some of the most celebrated names in the Hindi film industry is always a rewarding experience. Choreographer Viraj Pandya has added another exciting milestone to his career with the upcoming film Suryaa, starring Sunny Deol and Ravi Kishan. Viraj has assisted renowned director-choreographer Rajeev Surti with the film's choreography, which includes special dance sequences featuring the two celebrated actors. For Viraj, the project has been an enriching experience, offering him an opportunity to learn from Rajeev Surti and further hone his skills while understanding the finer nuances of film choreography.
Set against the backdrop of an era reminiscent of 1990s Hindi cinema, Suryaa brought with it a rather different approach to choreography. Unlike conventional dance sequences, Viraj had to work on creating rhythmic moments and movements while the actors were seated inside a car. From exchanging a glass to incorporating everyday gestures into the rhythm of the music, the idea was to make even the smallest moments visually engaging and in sync with the beats. He also points out that freestyle choreography in films comes with its own set of creative limitations, as every movement has to remain true to the character and the situation. For instance, a dance sequence featuring Sunny Deol sir portraying a drunk man missing his wife had to strike just the right balance, ensuring that the movements complemented the character's emotions without appearing either exaggerated or understated. This made the process an interesting choreographic challenge, requiring creativity while staying true to the demands of the scene.
Talking about his experience on the film, Viraj Pandya says, "Working on Suryaa gave me a feeling of experiencing the kind of filmmaking I had heard so much about while growing up. The entire atmosphere had a certain 90s charm, and it was a very different experience for me. One of the most interesting challenges was creating choreography while the actors were seated inside a car. We had to think about what could be done within that space and how even simple moments could become part of the rhythm. There were moments where something as simple as passing a glass to each other had to fall in sync with the music. Working with Sunny Deol sir and Ravi Kishan sir was another memorable experience. I was particularly impressed by Sunny sir's understanding of rhythm. He would first listen to the song, understand its lyrics, the way they were being sung and the story behind them before performing. It was fascinating to see how deeply he understands music and his character. There were also moments when I was sitting inside the car, explaining certain movements while Sunny sir himself was watching from the monitor. Having such accomplished actors observe and appreciate the work was a very special feeling for me."
Viraj also shares a long-standing professional association with Rajeev Surti, having worked with the renowned choreographer on several projects over the years. Speaking about his experience of assisting him, Viraj adds, "Rajeev sir has been a constant part of my journey, and I have been fortunate to work with him on several projects. One thing I have always admired about him is that he never settles for something ordinary. He constantly pushes us to think differently and create something that audiences haven't seen before, even if it is the smallest movement or moment. He pays great attention to how every action connects with the music and believes that even when there isn't a conventional dance step, the movement should have its own rhythm. I have learnt so much from observing his thought process and the way he approaches choreography. He always encourages me to think about what more can be done, and that has helped me grow creatively. Suryaa was another wonderful learning experience, and I am grateful to him for the opportunities and guidance he has given me over the years."
From beginning his journey as a dancer in 2009-10 to representing India on an international platform and winning the prestigious World of Dance Championship in Los Angeles in 2015 as part of the Indian dance crew Desi Hoppers, Viraj Pandya has come a long way. He also represented India at the Asian Battleground Championship in Malaysia and has been associated with several film projects, including Dabangg 3, Mumbai Saga, The Miranda Brothers, Dadi ki Shaadi. Over the years, he has explored different facets of the entertainment industry, from stage performances and television to film choreography and dance education. With more than 300 stage performances to his credit and years of experience training aspiring dancers, Viraj continues to evolve as a performer and choreographer. His journey reflects his dedication to the art of dance and his determination to make a mark in the Indian entertainment industry.
