In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where visual grandeur often speaks louder than words, choreography plays a pivotal role in crafting cinematic magic. One such recent example is “Dhindhora Baje Re” from Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, a song that not only became a chartbuster but also earned major recognition in the film industry. Celebrated choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, who choreographed the song, recently expressed her gratitude towards Karan Johar, stating, “He made it all possible.”
Let’s take a detailed look at what this moment means for Vaibhavi Merchant, the impact of the song, and how Karan Johar’s vision shaped one of the most iconic dance numbers of 2023-24.
🔹 A Moment of Recognition
Vaibhavi Merchant is no stranger to accolades. Having choreographed some of the most memorable Bollywood songs over the years, her name is synonymous with grace, discipline, and visual spectacle. However, her recent win for “Dhindhora Baje Re” was special.
After receiving the award, Merchant said in an emotional post, “Karan’s vision was so clear. The grand sets, the vibrant costumes, and the emotional core of the song — everything was planned in detail. I just had to bring it to life. He made it all possible.”
Her words are not just a compliment; they highlight how strong direction and choreography can create timeless moments on screen.
🔹 The Grand Scale of ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’
The song was shot on a massive scale, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt amidst colorful backdrops, energetic dancers, and traditional Rajasthani elements. From synchronizing thousands of background performers to designing steps that matched the dramatic beats of the music, the entire sequence was a choreography masterclass.
Vaibhavi Merchant managed to fuse classical Indian dance elements with mainstream Bollywood movements, creating a spectacle that resonated with fans and critics alike.
🔹 Karan Johar’s Visual Imagination
Karan Johar has always been a filmmaker who believes in “larger-than-life” cinema. Whether it’s the Swiss Alps in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or the wedding extravaganza in Student of the Year, his films are a visual treat.
For Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Johar wanted to revive the old-school charm of Bollywood song sequences but with modern flair. “Dhindhora Baje Re” was his tribute to that legacy — a perfect mix of tradition, emotion, and celebration.
Vaibhavi revealed in an interview, “Karan had a clear storyboard for the song. He knew when the camera should move, what the dancers should wear, how the lighting should change with each verse. It made my job easier and more focused.”
🔹 Behind the Scenes Effort
The execution of such a high-energy dance number required intense planning. Vaibhavi Merchant worked closely with set designers, costume stylists, camera teams, and of course, the lead actors.
Both Ranveer and Alia trained for days to get every step right. Reports suggest that the rehearsal schedule lasted over two weeks, and the final shoot took place over five days.
“Ranveer’s energy was infectious, and Alia brought grace to every move,” said Vaibhavi. “The chemistry between them made the choreography shine.”
🔹 A Win for Indian Dance Culture
“Dhindhora Baje Re” is more than just a song. It’s a celebration of Indian dance traditions. The beats, the attire, the footwork — all pay homage to Indian classical and folk dance forms.
Vaibhavi Merchant’s choreography preserved that authenticity while making it accessible to modern audiences. Her win highlights the importance of recognizing choreographers who bridge cultural roots with pop culture appeal.
🔹 Industry Applause
Many Bollywood celebrities and film critics praised both the song and the choreography. From Instagram reels to award stage mentions, the song became a cultural moment.
Industry peers including Remo D’Souza and Bosco Martis praised Vaibhavi’s execution. Alia Bhatt also took to social media to congratulate her, calling her “an unstoppable powerhouse of dance.”
🔹 The Future of Bollywood Dance
Vaibhavi’s win, and her acknowledgment of Karan Johar’s support, underline the collaborative nature of filmmaking. A powerful dance number is not just about steps — it’s about vision, emotion, camera work, costumes, and rhythm.
As Bollywood moves forward in an age of global reach and digital consumption, the importance of high-impact song visuals continues to grow. With streaming platforms bringing Indian films to international audiences, songs like “Dhindhora Baje Re” are setting benchmarks for quality and cultural representation.
🔹 Conclusion
Vaibhavi Merchant’s statement, “He made it all possible,” is more than just a tribute to a director. It’s a reminder that magic happens when creativity meets clarity of vision. Karan Johar gave her the canvas, and she painted a masterpiece with her choreography.
“Dhindhora Baje Re” will be remembered not only as a dance number but as a celebration of everything Bollywood stands for — grandeur, emotion, tradition, and unity in artistic expression.
As fans continue to groove to the beats of the song, it’s safe to say that Vaibhavi and Karan have delivered a cultural moment that will live on for years to come..