10 May,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha Dama
Himanshu Dulani
Karan Aujla's P-POP CULTURE tour, which ended in Mumbai on April 12, did not look like a rehearsed pop show. Aujla commanded the mic with the lyricism and has carved a niche with his signature genre of dance that seems to be his ability to move in a hypnotic rhythm and with every step, swing, and groove that seems to be exclusive to the words of the song.
That blueprint - of how Aujla moves and grooves - belongs to Himanshu Dulani.
Originally from Gwalior and now a staple in Mumbai's dance circuit, Dulani is the man who has decoded the choreography for an artiste whose primary strength is presence. "Every artiste has a unique melody and rhythm," Dulani tells us, "I make sure to align dancers who naturally match that energy."
Dulani's journey is a testament to the lean years between 2018 and 2019. Back then he was creating moves even if only three people showed up to his class.
Today, he looks at global icons like Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, and BTS to study how performers own the stage.
He believes the secret to breaking into this league is staying real. And, that is exactly what resonated with Aujla's team when they saw him organically vibing to a track. "I truly believe that you need to enjoy your performance because if you don't, how can you expect the audience to?" Working with an artiste like Aujla requires a storyteller's heart. Dulani doesn't approach the setlist with a one-size-fits-all hip-hop routine. Instead, he listens to the soul and story behind the music. "It's very easy with Aujla because his lyrics tell a story," he explains, "I understand what he's trying to convey and then build choreography that feels distinct. It has to look natural on him."
In the rehearsal room, Dulani reckons the rapport is built on a chill and fun dynamic. Aujla, known for his calm exterior, trusts Dulani's instinct implicitly. This trust allows Dulani to navigate the hardest part of arena shows: timing and positioning. "Formation changes, especially with the artiste, take significant time to execute. What looks effortless to the audience is actually the result of obsessive refinement," he says.
In an era where concerts live longer through phone storage, does Dulani create for the camera too? He compares his moves to look like a nutritional chart. "I look for three things: virality, fun, and value. It's like a well-balanced meal - you need protein, fiber, and carbs. Your content should have all three," he explains. Recently, his choreography for I'mma Do My Thing took over social media, even before Gabru became the anthem of the season. "It wasn't just dancers; my mom and sister were doing the trend," he laughs, "When you see thousands of fans replicating a small movement, that's when you know it has landed."
As Indian live performance culture moves toward a more grand, Punjabi-rooted aesthetic, Dulani is ready to push the boundaries. "If I had no constraints? I'd go all out on the entrance, the firecrackers, the scale. We are moving toward a culture that is deeply connected to its roots, and we're showcasing that pride to the world."
Dulani has been collaborating with Karan Aujla for over two years, beginning with digital content and music videos before transitioning into the lead choreographer role for Aujla's massive global tours
Karan Aujla: Gabru, I'mma Do My Thing, Winning Stepper, and Softly.
Talwiinder: Duniya, Your Loss. The Breakthrough: While Dulani has been a viral choreographer for years, his work on the It Was All A Dream World Tour (2024-2025) cemented his status as musithe industry's go-to for swag-heavy Punjabi acts.
