Years back, when choreographer Saurabh Prajapati, who recently choreographed the magical Shonk Se, stepped foot in Mumbai to fulfil his dreams of entering the industry, there was no one for him to turn to for support. However, it was his talent that got him the space he deserved and is now touted to be one of the youngest choreographer-director in the industry.
While his parents have always supported him, they were hesitant in sending him to Mumbai, and that was the first hurdle that he had to cross in achieving his dream. “I am dancing since I was 7-8 years old. I am from Uttar Pradesh and no one in my entire family comes from a dancing background or belongs to the film industry. There was no one to guide me or to mentor me. I used to learn dance by watching videos online and dance shows on TV. I always wanted to come to Mumbai so that I could take professional training in dance. It took me years to convince my parents. I started participating in local dance competitions and would travel to nearby cities for the same,” says Saurabh, who has choreographed award shows, Femina Miss India, Miss Diva as advertisements for IPL and Dominoes. He is known for choreographing and directing the numbers Tenu Meri Umar Lag Jaave featuring Terence Lewis and Fidaai featuring Elli AvRam and Salman Yusuf Khan.
He adds, “When I started winning all the competitions, that’s when my parents realised that I have potential. I requested them to send me to Mumbai, but they were hesitant as I was young, and we had no relatives in Mumbai. Finally, when I was in the 10th standard, they agreed to send me to Mumbai so that I could get some professional training. My parents are the reason where I am today, it’s all because of their support and love.”
However, once he reached Mumbai, it was his talent that took him through. “This journey was not easy because there was no godfather and no support in the industry. It’s just faith, belief, passion and hard work. After this, I gave an audition for a diploma course in dance from Terence Lewis professional training institute. I still remember, I was under-age but still Terence sir and Mahrukh ma’am (Mahrukh Dumasia) gave me the chance to be part of that course because they found that although I was young, I had potential. When I was 14-15 years old, I did my graduation in dance from Terence Lewis company, after that I took professional training from international teachers’ all over the world because I always wanted to be a professional and educated dancer, a person who knows his art in and out from practical to theory to everything,” he says.
He adds, “So, when I turned 16 years old, I finished my graduation in dance and that’s when I started working as an assistant choreographer in reality shows, award shows. I started doing independent projects as a choreographer when I was 18 years old.”
Talking about his philosophy in life, Saurabh says, “If you believe in yourself and if you are honest to your art nothing can stop you. I believe fame is a devil, art is an angel. Fame will come and go on its own. But art will stay with you forever. Be honest with your art.”
