International Dance Day 2023: Since my parents thought that I needed to do something beyond studies, they put me into dancing, says Vrushali Chavan

Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Dance, ace choreographer-cum-actress Vrushali Chavan (popularly called as ‘the queen of expressions’) began her career with years of training in classical dance and other dance forms like Bollywood, kathak, Ballroom, Hip-Hop etc... After having participated in a host of dance reality shows like ‘Dance India Dance’ ‘Dance India Dance Li’l Masters’, Dance Ke Superstars’ etc..., she went onto choreograph many songs. She is now all set to enthrall the audiences by showing her acting prowess on the silver screen.

OTTplay caught up with the multi-talented Vrushali Chavan for an exclusive interview on the occasion of ‘International Dance Day 2023’.

Also Read: International Dance Day 2023: “I didn't win even a single prize in dancing till the time I got selected in ‘Dance India Dance”: Raghav Juyal 

Hi Vrushali! What does the term ‘dance’ mean to you?
Dance means heartbeat to me. Just like a person dies without a heartbeat... I will die, if I don't dance. (laughs).

When did you first realize that you wanted to dance/ you wanted to be a dancer?
I never had this realization until the time I chose this as a profession. As a child, I started to dance, all thanks to my parents. Since they thought that I needed to do something beyond studies, they put me into dancing, and, once I started dancing, there was no looking back. Dancing was not even second nature. It was my first nature to me.

Can you recall your first non-stage performance and your first performance on stage?
My first non-stage performance was for my parents of course... in the house. And my first on-stage performance was when I was barely six years old. My mother had dressed me up as a ‘koli’. It was for a programme in my area. I even won a prize for that!

Also Read: International Dance Day: Remo Dsouza all set to grace 'Grand Premiere' of 'India's Best Dancer' (Season 3) 

How did your parents react when you told them that you wanted to be a dancer?
My parents were very cool by nature. They never implied any pressure on me. They just wanted me to do what I wanted to do.

You are an inspiration to many. Who is your inspiration?
Vyjayantimala, Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit, Hema Malini... the list is endless.

If not a dancer, then, what would you have been?
Definitely an actress! 

Your most toughest dance till date done by you?
The ‘lavni’ which I did for the finale act in ‘Dance India Dance’. It was in Balewadi in Pune. It was such a huge stadium. It was a sheer 8 minutes of non-stop dancing! It was so very uplifting.

How long do you take to master any dance form?
There is no timeline to master any form of dance. It’s a never-ending and continuous process. Having an able teacher does put you on a fast track!

What are the various dance forms that you know? What is your favorite dance form and why?
Even though I love all the forms of dance, my favorite dance form is ... I simply like the bhangra... it's very celebratory. Besides that, I love lavni, Bollywood and Bharatanatyam as well.

What's your advice to the readers and the future dancers?
Dance can be taught and dance can be learnt. There has to be an innate essence of dance inside you. Thats is not something that could be taught. Either you have it in you or you cultivate it. And, of course, with the right guruji, you will go places with your craft. 

What are your future plans/ projects?
There are a couple of music videos, a movie and also maybe a musical is cooking in the pipeline. A lot of exciting stuff is happening.