'The Songs Have Already Become A Craze'

'When it was confirmed that I would do the song, Manishaji walked up to me and asked, "Please Vijayshree, tell me how are you planning to do the song. Give me a rough idea so that I am mentally prepared"."

By choreographing two captivating songs in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazaar, renowned classical dancer Vijayshree Chaudhary has showcased her talent on the screen for the first time.

When she first met Bhansali on the sets of Devdas with her guru Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj, she had no idea she would go on to collaborate with the master storyteller some 22 years later.

As the eight-episode series continues to garner rave reviews, “Bhansali Sir is such a talented artist that I fall short of words when someone asks me to describe my experience of working with him.”

Heeramandi has two songs choreographed by you, and is receiving glowing reviews. How does it make you feel?I am elated.

The songs have already become a craze among the audience and now that the series has also received love, it makes me extremely happy. The first song that Bhansali Productions released was Sakal Ban.

I created the entire Kathak choreography along with a Kathak bandish for the song.

How was it working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali?

He is such a talented artist that I fall short of words when someone asks me to describe my experience of working with him.

Working with him felt like a dream. It took me a couple of days to believe that, okay, I am working with him, or that he is asking me to do this work.

Did you learn anything from him?

Yes. See, I come from a classical background, so we always consider ourselves as students. I am always open to learning anything new that comes my way.

This was my first work with him, my first big work in the industry. I consider myself to be extremely lucky that I got to work with him. It’s all because of my guru’s blessings.