In Jaipur for a mega dance event, Marzi Pestonji talks about choreographing film stars, working with kids on TV shows and all he likes about the Pink City
Perfect dance moves and a fumbling Hindi accent could best describe Indian dancer and choreographer, Marzi Pestonji. Although his less-than-perfect language creates many humorous moments on the sets of his show, the Dance India Dance judge still does not shy away from trying to speak as fluently as he can. “I am still learning the language (Hindi) and I am sure that I will do it in another 20-30 years. Then, I can start with Urdu (laughs),” shared ‘Master Marzi,’ who was in the Pink City on Saturday for Summer Funk 2018.
Master Marzi has been a member of Shiamak Davar’s dance troupe for over 20 years. He feels that the best part about working with Shiamak is that he has an experience of working with iconic personalities like Amitabh Bachchan. “I’ve worked with all the Khans, Kapoors and Kumars. And, it is very easy to train most of the Bollywood stars including Shahid, Ranveer, Ranbir, Priyanka, Katrina,” he said.
While the obsession of remaking old Bollywood songs continues and choreographers add new dimensions to evergreen songs, we wondered which one would he like to choreograph. “From the old songs, I’d love to do Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si. It’s an iconic song and there can be an amazing pop lock version of it. I think Priyanka Chopra will be great for it. If not her, Alia Bhatt and Sonakshi Sinha will also be great for the song,” he replied spontaneously.
The dancer also believes that it is easier choreographing Bollywood songs as compared to dances for reality shows. “A dance reality show is a competition, so choreographing a Bollywood song is definitely the easier choice. You have to give your best in dance shows. Bollywood actors can’t do backflips and all but reality kids do it. Reality is more difficult because it’s more challenging. However, Bollywood dancing is really fun because the actors bring with them their own energy. When Ranveer is dancing, his mad energy is brilliant. If Priyanka is dancing, her professionalism is different,” expressed Marzi. “Dance has also become a profession today and it’s serious business now. Earlier, dance was considered frivolous. Today, you can make a career out of dance and that has made all the difference. All dancers are successful in their own way,” he added.
Master Marzi has visited Jaipur quite a few times and his experience has been wonderful; he finds the people really warm and welcoming. He also loves the food here, especially the Peshawari Biryani that he eats at ITC Rajputana. This time, he was here to be a part of Summer Funk 2018 by Jayshree Periwal Group of Schools and Shiamak Davar International (India) Pvt Ltd. “A total of 1200 students from one school were dancing and that’s like a landmark. Showcasing the talent of little kids in front of the world and their parents is a great thing and with two shows back to back is an achievement in itself,” he shared.
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