Choreography is one the most important but overlooked area
of filmmaking - at least in Kannada filmdom. If you call a
film as teamwork, every one has to put in their best to make
the movie a success from actors to direction to story, from
music to cinematography to choreography. We have many talented
choreographers here but they are behind the screen assets!
While cinematography and music direction are recognized, why
not choreographers is the basic question of Madan-Harini couple
who are with film industries from past 15 years and worked
for more than 160 films. Kannada films like Singaravva, America
America, Hoomale, Neela etc are the winners of many awards
and accolades and Madan Harini couple have choreographed for
those films.
Both Madan and Harini came to Bangalore barehanded from their
native Puttur (Dakshina Kannada) in search of a job and found
their way in film industry. Both of them have learnt Indian
Classical Dance from Guru Rajarathnam Pillai. Love bloomed
during their dance classes landed in their marriage. It was
Aryambha Pattabhi who offered the couple the very first assignment
for film Nadaswaroopi. Madan wanted to become an actor but
became a choreographer!
Competition is building up in all areas and film industry
is no exception. A lot of youngsters are entering this field
bringing new waves to touch the young crowd. And obviously
has affected the existing people. "We are least bothered about
this move" says the dance masters. "We haven't chased any
producers to grab the opportunity but never neglected the
work came our way" Madan says. He is very proud about his
wife Harini, who is only lady choreographer in Kannada filmdom.
Now 80 girls are working in his dance troupe and that is possible
only because of Harini he acknowledges. "These dancers are
more comfortable with her. Otherwise it is tough" Madan says.
He recalled the way they struggled to gather 100 dancers for
a dance shooting of 'Nooru Janmku Nooraru Janmaku' song of
America America a few years ago. Both Madan and Harini went
to the doorstep of each dancer to take permission from their
elders and managed to gather them on shooting floor! Things
have changed now. "We have a troupe of 200 boys and 80 girls
working with us now" adds Harini.
Both Madan and Harini welcome the new comers and appreciate
their works. But the arrogant attitude of some hurts them.
They dislike the stipulating mentality of a few choreographers
who wants to appear on the screen at least once in a film!
Started with classical dance this couple molded themselves
with the current trend not to be left out in the league. Their
11 year old daughter choreographed for dance in film 'Lovlavike'.
Still they feel she is too young to enter the industry and
want her to concentrate on her studies first. Madan-Harini
having more than 160 films in their credit likes their direction
for 'Ellidde Illi Thanaka…' from Preethi Prema Pranaya (of
Kavitha Lankesh) the most. This song and the dance have received
good appreciation from everyone. This simple, shy natured
couple is happy with what they are doing today but feels bad
about choreography not being recognized for awards. As a ray
of hope, Filmfare has started a category for choreography
from this year. But was limited only to Telugu films. Lets
hope to see this expanded to other regional films too. Even
our State Government should realize the need for this category.
Lets hope to see Madan-Harini in the winners list in the near
future.
