6 of the greatest Bollywood Dance-offs!
By Jaya Karan On May 1st, 2016
Bollywood has had some epic dance duets, with ‘Pinga’ (Bajirao Mastani) and ‘Dola Re’ (Devdas) better known from recent times. However despite the extravagant sets, great choreography and amazing dancers, neither routine shows any rivalry between the leading ladies. This is a bit unrealistic, since they’re competing for the same lover everywhere else in the movie (it is Bollywood after all). Here are some memorable dance-offs from Indian Cinema, which show far more chemistry and fierceness between the actresses:
This dance originally featured in the Tamil movie Vanjikottai Valiban and was a massive hit, before being remade in Hindi. Padmini and Vyjayanthamala, both Bharatanatyam dancers, are magnificent in this challenging routine. The on-screen rivalry between the actresses is obvious from their facial expressions and body language, but their real-life professional rivalry at the time adds even more masala!
2. Muqabla Hum Se Na Karo (Prince, 1969)
This time its Vyjayanthamala vs Helen and what a match! This delightful sequence shows the contrasting strengths and versatility of both dancers. Vijayanthamala is impressive as always with her Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Kathakali inspired dance, but Helen totally holds her own with a fusion of dance styles (including flamenco!).
3. Dance of Envy (Dil To Pagal Hai, 1997)
You’ve probably already heard of this one, but this dance-off is so iconic that it had to be included. The choreography is a mix of jazz and contemporary from the 90’s and even though it’s a little out-dated, it still has people arguing over who’s the better dancer – Madhuri or Karishma?
4. Main Haseena Gazab Ki (Khoon Bari Maang, 1988)
Gaudy outfits, terrible choreography and an awful song – this dance-off between Rekha and Sonu Walia is so bad that it’s hilarious. A ‘must see’ for all the wrong reasons!
5. Itni Kisi Ki Majaal Kahan (Maajal, 1987)
No one does “if looks could kill” better than Sridevi. Check out those eyes at 1:22! This goddess of Bollywood goes up against Jayaprada to compete over Jeetendra. Sridevi is absolutely fierce, although who knew Jayaprada could also have so much swagger!
6. Parvathy Manohari (Thooval Kottaram 1996) Malayalam
Another classically inspired routine, this item features Sukanya and Manju Warrier (pink costume) in a Malayalam film. Manju Warrier is a trained Kuchipudi dancer and she shines in this dance competition. Manju is rightly chosen as the ‘winner’ at the end of the scene.
