Indian movies wont be Indian without their dancing, symbolized by a whole genre that marries pelvic thrusts to eye movements. Nritya is Sadhana and is not as easy to learn and execute as it seems. However, for a practised dancer or on whom Gods have showered the gift, Nritya reaches the heights which can not be matched by anything else in this world. It is like being at heaven for both who dance and those who have the pleasure of watching it. However, choreography is distinct art from dance. it does include dance in its forte but does not limit itself to it. Even a fashion show can be well choreographed. However, I do believe that dance regime is important for any good choreography, which has its essence in balance and enjoyment.
My favorite songs in hindi movies (from what I have seen and can recall......) are following:
1) Tanhayee from Dil Chahta Hai: Now this is definitely technically snazy and fits in the mood of the film perfectly without loosing out on the sense of accomplishment to the choreographer. Far often because a thing has to follow a systems approach, the individual talent is wasted. This song would have been difficult to conceive as well and Amir Khan is helter skelter in his emotions. A true example of distinction between dance and choreography.
2) Pehla Nasha from JJWS: Another technical zippy, where the experiment has shown some absolute stunning results. Both the songs are done by Farah Khan and are perfect examples of what a good choreographer can do with a song which has absolutely nothing to offer in terms of novelty.
3) Ke Sara Sara from Pukar - Here, dance matches choreography, set design and an impossible dance rhythm given by AR Rehman. Madhuri shows why she is the best and how no Deva or Devi with gymnastics can hide what dance is in first place, flow and rhythm. The way the duo dance with the rhythm one can only marvel and also marvel at overall choreography. Again Farah Khan.
4) Ek Pal Ka Jeena - Dont get me wrong, this is not Farah Khan special although this song is. Inspired easily from MTV style, again shows how a good choreography helps flow ths story forward. The time when the song comes in the movie is special and distinct and hence the importance of handling the song well. Excellent blend of Amisha’s expressions and Hrithiks dance. Hrithik has not danced better than this since.
5) Aa Jaanejaan: Helen ji’s best number acc. to me after Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo. This one had all the masala to go vulgar from the word go and on top of it had a habshi going wild. The way choreographer handled it is masterly and so is the ability of Helen ji to strike an almost impossibly seductive and yet graceful image.
6) Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si: Now no one who has seen this song can ever forget the song which spawned the numerous off shoots of barsaat cheed chaad songs. This remains the best song of flirting, teasing and sweet innocence. Madhu Bala looks heavenly like always.
7) Mohe Panghat Pe from Mughal-e-Azam: Difficult to choose it over Pyar Kiya to but this one is more complete song in term of picturzation and challenge to choreographer. Madhu Bala is not a perfect dancer and on top of it the sequence of each shot is large and is set in a mahal. Further, the song is classical in nature and hence choreographer had all the wrong things to start with. The result in superb, most of which is copied en masse in Devdas of Bhansali.
8) Honthon Pe Aisi Baat - Well this is an achievement of dancer and the choreographer who could plan the shot in such a way. The camera angles, dance shots and whole sequence is excellent and again goes with story at all levels. What goes without careful observation is the attempt at providing an overall perspective and that meant movements for some 500 dancers. voa! The final part is superb.
9) Chhaiya Chhaiya - Try and dance on train and then think of shooting a whole song on top of it and you know why this one has to be in this list.
10) Finally, Ek Ladki ko Dekha and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam round off two songs picturzed by Bhansali. Strong on emotions and flow, songs are originally done and powerful visual images to wonderful audio.