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| Edited By: Dhaval Roy |Source: DNA |Updated: Jul 12, 2019, 06:05 AM IST
It was on July 31, 2016, that Melvin Louis realised he was on to something big with his dance videos. The dancer-choreographer and influencer uploaded his Kala Chashma clip on his social media, and saw a big-time increase in views and traffic to his channel. Melvin recalls, “I thought it would stop after a few hours but it did not. It started trending and, by the third day, my mailbox was filled with emails from around the world. It was quite overwhelming as it was unexpected.” Before he knew it, hundreds of videos with dancers aping his moves on the same track were uploaded. “Soon, people started approaching me for selfies. That’s when I knew my videos had become popular,” says he. Today, he is still motivating people to shake a leg in any way they can. “It’s good for their mind, the body as well as soul, and the perfect way to de-stress,” he emphasises. More from the nimble-footed guy...
No. It was not the plan. Sometimes it did cross my mind when I was young but due to limited opportunities and scope, I didn’t wish to pursue it full-time. I guess, destiny had other plans and it kept drifting me towards it. I don’t feel I’m at work when I dance. I feel passionate and take every day and song as a hobby.
It was very tough — very, very, very tough! I haven’t left any stone unturned to build my audiences. It’s so competitive and sometimes all your efforts tend to go unnoticed. I used to be drained trying hard with each project. But I took it all in my stride and tried to be positive to get a breakthrough.
I have suffered a lot — emotionally as well as financially and faced unforeseen circumstances trying to be steady. Initially, critics thought that my videos going viral could be a fluke; but with time, I have ensured they do well consistently.
Melvin Louis and Sana Khan
The idea has always been to empower dancers and not just be popular. I enjoy the attention but that’s not what drives me. I shoot videos on a phone cam or easily-available Handycam in a studio to make dancers believe that they can create great stuff with a humble set-up without waiting for a ‘platform’.
Even though I have the budget, easy access to better equipment and locations, I stick to indoors so that more people go to studios to engage, learn and explore dance.
With everyone that loves to dance. For me, it’s not about how great a dancer you are; it’s more about how genuine you are trying to get it right. I have fun doing the same thing over and over again until we all get it right or the time runs out.
The habit of being expressive and appreciative of each other makes it work for us.
No. We were approached for it but I don’t think it’s materialising.
Of course! The music plays and we both get started (smiles).
I definitely will. And I wish to do all of it. I did receive offers in the past year but I didn’t take up because of date clashes or the projects got postponed. I just haven’t been able to prioritise Bollywood because of that. I love movie songs but we will have to wait a little bit more for me to showcase my talent there. But I’m on my way.’
I love and live dance. It has helped me reach out to millions and also meet so many other talented people from around the world. I feel more responsible and try to work harder than before. I don’t think I have worked as much before as I have in the past six months, I haven’t taken time off or rested, forget about taking a vacation (laughs). But I’m not complaining at all. I feel good that I’m busy all the time. I have more to offer and I’ll continue to. Dance has pushed me to bring outside what’s inside of me. It has taught me to accept more challenges and work harder.
