Nakul Dev Mahajan
Nakul Dev Mahajan (born 15 September 1975) is an Indian-American Bollywood dancer and choreographer best known for his choreography on So You Think You Can Dance. He is the founder and artistic director of NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios, a Bollywood dance company based in Artesia, California.[2] Mahajan has served as a talent show judge for reality television productions.[3][4][5] His dance choreography is prominent in the Disney Junior animated series Mira, Royal Detective.[6]
Nakul Dev Mahajan | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 15, 1975 |
| Occupation(s) | Dancer, choreographer |
| Years active | 2003 - present |
| Career | |
| Current group | NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios[1] |
| Dances | Bollywood dance |
| Website | www |
Early life and background edit
Born in Agra, India, in a Punjabi family,[7] Mahajan and his family immigrated to the United States in the 1960s.[8] Mahajan began formal dance training at age 17,[8] and graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Dance in 2002.[9]
Career edit
The work of Nakul Dev Mahajan has been influenced by classical indian dances and Western dance styles (hip-hop, Latin and jazz).[10] As a result of his efforts to teach and promote the Bollywood dance style, Mahajan has been called Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood Choreographer[11] and an Ambassador of Bollywood Dance.[12]
Mahajan appeared as a guest star (dancer) in season 3, episode 6 (Diwali) of The Office (TV sitcom),[13] led a Bollywood Dance instructional session prior to the 81st Academy Awards (2009),[14] and choreographed a flash mob style Bollywood scene for an episode of Fuller House (TV series) (2016).[15][16] Sonia Singh and Mahajan co-authored the script for One Man Bollywood Show, a 2009 stage production performed by Mahajan.[8]
In 2011, Mahajan was the recipient of the University of California, Riverside Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.[17][18] Mahajan was selected to the "Wall of the World" panel of judges for CBS' The World's Best (reality talent competition).[3][4]
In 2015, the World Choreography Award (Digital Media Format) was awarded for Check Yourself, a collaboration between Mahajan, Chucky Klapow, Paula Abdul, and Renee Ritchie.[19][20]
Dance Studios edit
In 2003, Mahajan founded NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios, the first Bollywood dance school in the U.S.; the school has since served over 3000 students.[21][22]
In 2015, 430 students and 20 members of the school's dance troupe performed Bollywood Travels (the annual student recital) for a total of 2700 audience members.[23] Mahajan serves as a guest instructor in the faculty of the Broadway Dance Center.[24]
Television edit
So You Think You Can Dance (U.S., 2008-2019) edit
Nakul Dev Mahajan's choreography introduced the Bollywood Dance style to the stage of So You Think You Can Dance (reality TV show) in Season 4.[25] Katee Shean and Joshua Allen's performance of Mahajan's routine for Season 4 was in YouTube's "Most Viewed" list for one week,[26] and was included in BuzzFeed's 2014 25 Best 'So You Think You Can Dance' Routines of all Time listing.[27] In subsequent seasons of the show, Bollywood performances were included regularly (see summary table, below).
Choreography for So You Think You Can Dance (U.S.) edit
| Season | Week | Dancers | Style | Song | Result | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | Katee Shean Joshua Allen | Bollywood | "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om | Safe | [28] | |
| 6 | Top 10 | Bollywood | "JBJ" from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | [25][28] | |||
| 9 | Katee Shean Joshua Allen | Bollywood | "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om | Judge's Pick (Nigel Lythgoe) | [28] | ||
| 5 | 1 | Caitlin Kinney Jason Glover | Bollywood | "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire | Safe | [25][29] | |
| 6 | Top 5 Female Dancers | Bollywood | "Dholna" from Pyaar Ke Geet | [citation needed] | |||
| 9 | Caitlin Kinney Jason Glover | Bollywood | "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire | Judge's Pick (Christopher Lil' C Toler) | [25][29] | ||
| 6 (2009) | 2 | Mollee Gray Nathan Trasoras | Bollywood | "Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah" from Jodhaa Akbar | Safe | [30][31] | |
| 4 | Guest dancers, Nakul Dev Mahajan and NDM Bollywood Dance Productions | Bollywood | "Desi Girl" from Dostana | N/A | [31] | ||
| 7 | Russell Ferguson Ashleigh Di Lello (injured, replaced by Rachel ___) | Bollywood | "Spirit of Rangeela" from Rangeela | Safe | [31][32] | ||
| 8 | Mollee Gray Nathan Trasoras | Bollywood | "Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah" from Jodhaa Akbar | Judge's Pick (Tyce Diorio) | [31] | ||
| 7 (2010) | 2 | Kathryn McCormick Jose Ruiz | Bollywood | Marjaani Marjaani Kasama from Billu | Safe | [33] | |
| 4 | AdéChiké Torbert Marla ____ (substitution for Alex Wong) | Bollywood | Mourya Re from Don: The Chase Begins Again | Alex Wong injured (withdrew) | [33] | ||
| 7 | Billy Bell Robert Roldan | Bollywood | Ganesh from Bombay Dreams | Judge's Pick (Stacey Tookey); Bell Eliminated | [33] | ||
| 9 | Kent Boyd Lauren Gottlieb | Bollywood | Om Mangalam from Kambakkht Ishq | [33] | |||
| 8 (2011) | 2 | Iveta Lukosiute Nick Young | Bollywood | Baawre from Luck by Chance | Eliminated | [34] | |
| 4 | Group dance | Bollywood | Kata Kata from Raavan | [34] | |||
| 6 | Clarice Ordaz Robert Roldan | Bollywood | Aila Re Aila from Khatta Meetha | Eliminated | [34] | ||
| 9 (2012) | 2 | Witney Carson Chehon Wespi-Tschopp | Bollywood | "Tandav Music" from Aatish Kapadi | Eliminated | ||
| 5 | Kathryn McCormick Will Thomas | Bollywood | Ooh La La from The Dirty Picture | Safe | |||
| 10 (2013) | 2 | Malece Miller Jade Zuberi | Bollywood | Radha from Student of the Year | Zuberi withdrew | [35] | |
| 6 | Group dance | Bollywood | Pandeyjee Seeti from Dabangg 2 | ||||
| 9 | Amy Yakima Alex Wong | Bollywood | Munni Badnaam Hui Darling from Dabangg 2 | [36] | |||
| 11 (2014) | 4 | Valerie Rockey Ricky Ubeda | Bollywood | Dilliwaali Girlfriend from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | Safe | [37] | |
| 6 | Bridget Whitman Brandon Bryant | Bollywood/Disco | Disco Khisko (remix) from Dil Bole Hadippa! | [38] | |||
| 9 | Jessica Richens Zack Everhart, Jr. | Bollywood | Ghaghra from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani | [39] | |||
| 12 (2015) | 2 | Lily Frias Burim Jusufi Gaby Diaz Edson Juarez | Bollywood | Dhol Baaje from Ek Paheli Leela | Jusufi Eliminated Juarez Bottom 6 | [40] | |
| 6 | Jaja Vankova Alex Wong | Bollywood | Naacho Re from Jai Ho soundtrack | Safe | |||
| 13 (2016) | 2 | Contestants & All-stars | Bollywood | Let's Nacho from Kapoor & Sons | [41] | ||
| 7 | J.T. and Marko | Bollywood | Malhari from Bajirao Mastani | [42] | |||
| 14 (2017) | 2 | Inyoung "Dassy" Lee DuShuant "Fik-Shun" Stegall | Bollywood | Radha Nachegi from Tevar | [43] | ||
| 6 | Kaylee Millis Kiki Nyemchek | Bollywood | Gallan Goodiyan from Dil Dhadakne Do | Millis eliminated | [44] | ||
| 15 (2018) | 2 | Magda Fialek Darius Hickman | Bollywood | Badri Ki Dulhania from Badrinath Ki Dulhania | [45][46] | ||
| 16 (2019) | 14 | Sophie Pittman Bailey Muñoz | Bollywood | Butterfly from Jab Harry Met Sejal | [47] |
So You Think You Can Dance (Canada, 2008) edit
Mahajan choreographed the group dance performance of Nagada, Nagada from Jab We Met in So You Think You Can Dance Canada (season 1).
Superstars of Dance edit
Mahajan coached team India at the Superstars of Dance on the NBC Network and choreographed six remaining crews at the 2009 ABDCrews (season 4).[48][49][50]
Dance India Dance edit
Mahajan was selected as a judge for the 2015 edition of Dance India Dance North America (filmed in Mumbai).[5][51]
Dance Moms edit
For the Season 6, Episode 5 edition of the reality TV show Dance Moms, Mahajan coached the Abby Lee Dance Company Team, when Abby Lee Miller unexpectedly failed to attend practice sessions and competition.[52]
The World's Best edit
Selected to the Wall of the World, a panel of global entertainment experts for The World's Best, a reality talent competition produced by CBS, Mahajan served as a judge.[3][4]
Cancer edit
Diagnosis edit
A 2012 diagnosis of Stage 2 testicular cancer and subsequent chemotherapy treatment interrupted Mahajan's career.[12][22]
Check Yourself edit
In 2014, Mahajan choreographed a section of Paula Abdul's performance in Check Yourself, a breast cancer PSA (public service announcement) production by Avon Products.[53][54] Abdul, Mahajan, Chucky Klapow, and Renee Ritchie received a 2015 World Choreography Award for this work, in the category Digital Format.[19][20]
White House Diwali Celebration edit
Following a tradition started by George W. Bush in 2003, an annual Diwali celebration takes place at the White House.[55] For the 2013 edition of the White House Diwali celebration, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a Bollywood dance workshop instructed and choreographed by Mahajan.[55][56][57] A photo of Michelle Obama dancing a Bollywood routine alongside Mahajan was cited as one of the top White House photos of 2013.[58][59]
Miss America 2014 Pageant edit
Mahajan choreographed the Bollywood-Indian classical dance fusion routine performed by Nina Davuluri (2014 Miss America and the first Miss America of Indian descent) at the Miss America 2014 Talent competition;[60] the routine was set to the song Dhoom Taana, from the film Om Shanti Om.[22] Davuluri's performance of this routine marked the first time a Bollywood dance routine had been performed on the Miss America stage.[22]
Mahajan was named to The American Bazaar's Top 10 Indian American Entertainers of 2013.[61]
Film edit
As associate choreographer, Mahajan choreographed the Bollywood scenes in the 2019 film High Strung Free Dance (a sequel to High Strung).[62][63]
Animation edit
Mira, Royal Detective edit
In 2019, Mahajan embraced the opportunity to work as the Choreographer and Indian Dance Consultant for the production of Mira, Royal Detective.[64] Described as "an animated mystery-adventure series for preschoolers, inspired by the cultures and customs of India" ,[65] the Disney Junior series features original song and dance in each episode.[6] Tasked with showcasing the diversity of Indian culture through choreography, Mahajan created original dance sequences for the cast of animated human and animal characters, ensuring representation of northern and southern Indian styles of dance, as well as Bollywood productions.[65][66]
Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures edit
In two episodes of Disney Television Animation's computer-animated children's television series Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, the characters embark on adventures that showcase Indian culture on a Bollywood film set and a trip to New Delhi. The Bollywood and Indian Dance choreography for these episodes was performed by Mahajan.[2][67]
Awards edit
- 2011 University of California, Riverside Outstanding Young Alumnus Award[17]
- 2015 India Empire Awards: Excellence in Performing Arts[68]
- 2015 World Choreography Award (Category: Digital Format), with Paula Abdul, Chucky Klapow, Renee Ritchie[19][20]
References edit
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- ^ a b "Nakul Dev Mahajan's Choreography Airs on Disney, Receives Satrang's 'Visionary Award'". California, USA: India West. 31 Oct 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- ^ a b c Rathorne, Reena (14 March 2019). "Indian Musical Prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram Wins CBS' 'The World's Best', Takes Home $1M Prize". India West. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
- ^ a b c Delbel, Julia (3 February 2019). "Meet 'The World's Best' Wall of the World Experts!". Talent Recap. Talent Recap. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ a b "'Hollywood's Favorite Bollywood Choreographer' Nakul Dev Mahajan to judge DID North America 2015". Zee TV. Mumbai, India. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ^ a b Deitchman, Beth (16 March 2020). "It's No Mystery Why Disney Fans Will Love Mira, Royal Detective". D23. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- ^ Jaskiran Kapoor (17 November 2013). "Dance Like a Man - Indian Express". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
- ^ a b c Nataraj, Nirmala (12 January 2009). "One Man, One Vision". India Currents. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
- ^ . UC Riverside Alumni Association. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
- ^ Abramowitz, Rachel. "Cutting a red carpet: Indian dance teacher Nakul Dev Mahajan teaches some moves before the show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 Jun 2010.
- ^ Parimal, Rohit M. . Buzzine. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ a b Randeria-Leonard, Shyamal (16 December 2014). "Ambassador of Bollywood Dance". India Currents - The Complete Indian American Magazine. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ^ "The Office Diwali Season 3 Episode 6 Cast and Crew". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. 2 November 2006. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ Abramowitz, Rachel (2009). "Cutting a red carpet: Indian dance teacher Nakul Dev Mahajan teaches some moves before the show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
- ^ "Nakul Dev Mahajan Choreographs Bollywood Piece on 'Fuller House'". India-West. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
- ^ Khosla, Proma (2016). "Ranking Bollywood numbers on American TV, from fine to godawful". Mashable. Mashable. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
- ^ a b "2011 Chancellor's Dinner Benefits Merit Scholarships, Recognizes Excellence". University of California, Riverside. Regents of the University of California. 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
- ^ Nakul Dev Mahajan, Cydney Watson (31 October 2011). Arts/Culture: UCR Outstanding Young Alumnus Nakul Dev Mahajan (’02). Regents of the University of California. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
- ^ a b c "World Choreography Awards". World Choreography Awards. World Choreography Awards. 16 November 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
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- ^ Jones, Jen. . Dance Spirit Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 May 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
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- ^ a b c d "SEASON 6". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
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- ^ a b c "Season 8". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
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- ^ (Digital Video). Avon Products. 30 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ a b Anand, Kanul (22 October 2014). "This is how the white house celebrates Diwali". India Times. Washington, DC, USA. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ Yount, Stacey (10 November 2013). "WHEN NAKUL DEV MAHAJAN AND BOLLYWOOD WENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR DIWALI!". Bollyspice.com. Washington, DC, USA. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
- ^ "Remarks by the First Lady at Diwali Celebration". whitehouse.gov. 5 November 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2016 – via National Archives.
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- ^ "Top 10 Indian American entertainers of 2013". www.americanbazaaronline.com. The American Bazaar. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ^ Miller, Valerie-Jean (15 October 2019). "BWW Review: HIGH STRUNG FREE DANCE AMPS UP DANCE FILM POPULARITY AND DELIVERS DYNAMIC CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCING at ArcLight Cinema Hollywood". Broadway World. Wisdom Digital Media. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ "Meet the stars of 'High Strung Free Dance'". Dance Informa (American Edition). 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ Mike Celestino, Nakul Dev Mahajan (10 March 2020). Video: Disney Junior’s "Mira, Royal Detective" Animated Series Holds Premiere at Walt Disney Studios (video). Laughing Place, Inc. Event occurs at 9:27. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
- ^ a b Yount, Stacey (15 Mar 2020). "Choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan Takes Us Inside the Dance of Mira, Royal Detective". Bollyspice. Bollyspice.com. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
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- ^ "INDIA EMPIRE AWARDS BEVERLY HILLS, LOS ANGELES". India Empire Magazine. 2015. Retrieved 25 Feb 2016.
External links edit
- NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios
- Nakul Dev Mahajan at IMDb