Boogie Woogie India

A “Tribute” is an act, a statement or a gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect or admiration for someone that is highly respected and loved and who else would understand a tribute better then this site? This site stands as a biggest tribute for Javed, Naved and Ravi speaking of their goodness and humility day after day week after week but not all can understand that. In this world where people find it difficult to trust, we stand courageously as the die hard fans and are very proud of our thinking.

On June 25th we heard the shocking news of Michael Jackson’s death. We were as utterly shocked as the rest of the world. Very soon many to zillions tributes started flowing in for the great maestro Michael Jackson but on the same day we wrote if a true tribute is paid to Michael Jackson then it has to come from Boogie Woogie home. No one can pay a tribute that Boogie Woogie can or is capable of and our words came true. If you are wondering why we felt that then here it is for you:

A tribute is a tribute only when it comes from a heart. I don’t know about other writers but I can never pen down anything if I do not feel from my heart. Not that its not possible, anything is possible in this world and so for the sake of ones work, someone can always write to present a tribute but then the there is a whole lot of difference between a tribute that is presented that comes for the sake of work or money versus the one that is presented with lots of feelings and emotions attached. Boogie Woogie’s tribute to Michael Jackson was one that was true, respectable, honest and came with lots of gratitude and information.

We all know that Javed, Naved and Ravi are a HUGE fan of Michael Jackson don’t we? Yes they are! They grew up admiring this hero and learning from him. They respected him not just for his music or his performances but for the man that he was. Honestly if you ask me if I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson then I would say not as much as I am a huge fan of Javed, Naved and Ravi. For me its easy to write pages on them but honestly I cannot do the same on MJ and that’s because I grew up only listening to his music and never got a chance to learn the man that he was. The attachment was clearly missing in me but then Boogie Woogie’s tribute taught me many things about Michael Jackson and the result is I admire him lot more today then I did yesterday. The way Boogie Woogie presented their tribute and informed about each and every piece of video that they played talking about its history and the concept was simply beautiful. They brought to light many finer things about Michael Jackson that maybe a big portion of Indian population was not aware of. In simple words it was great to see the heroes of this site talk about their heroes.

Boogie Woogie gave a chance to many Michael Jackson fans to pay tribute to him on their stage. There were 10 superb dancers who got the privilege of showing their tribute in their own style. They were:

1. Roja - danced on Mangta hai tu hi tu. Jaaved: Talked about the concept of face merging, morphing and moon walk that was initiated and presented by MJ for the first time.
2. Charinjeet Kalse - danced on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “look what they’ve done to the world”. Judges talked about album Motown, costume and the moonwalk and its importance.
3. Piyush Bhagat - 11yrs old - danced on song “They don’t care about us”. Naved spoke about the message behind the song about bureaucracy and the government. Ravi talked about how Michael Jackson is the biggest celebrity to do the most charity in the world. Also judges encouraged little Piyush to do good work by doing some charity starting at small level.
4. Abhishek Dixit - danced on song “Mohabbat karle”. A unique and beautiful tribute with one hand. Judges felt he is a big inspiration to this world and gave him a standing ovation. Confidence level of Abhishek was amazing.
5. Pompy Mundal - danced on song “dream”. Judges spoke about Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and how they performed together.
6. Viren Raj Baraik - danced looking just like MJ. Superb dancing. Judges spoke about 30 million dollar that was spent on publicity and about the golden outfit. They also spoke about the album promotion and Naved concluded by an awesome sher.
7. Abhas Mukherjee - the kid champion is all grown up and paid a lovely tribute. Judges talked about Michael Jackson’s siblings and about his mother and the way she use to sing lullaby. Michael Jackson listening to his mother sing lullaby decided that he wanted to be a singer. They also spoke about his first album “on the wall” that had come out in 1975.
8. Ajay Shivran - gave a totally professional tribute - beautiful. Danced on song “who’s bad” and also spoke about the great loss.
9. Paresh Sheridan - danced on song “jhoomo re jhoomo”. Judges spoke about album “smooth criminal” and the concept.
10. Kiran Waghchawde - gave a heart touching tribute. It was amazingly beautiful. Danced on song from album “Thriller”. Judges spoke about the number of copies that were sold and are still being sold.

Judges spoke wide and clear that Michael Jackson was their HERO and a tribute is the best they could do. A beautiful message by the judges concluded the Saturday night episode:

“The King is dead and he lives on forever!”

“To find out your real opinion of someone, judge the impression you have made on others by judging their actions! Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, sometimes by their actions and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”

Recently when I heard Ravi and Naved speak on their show how, many participants of Boogie Woogie turned out to be stars and superstars; I wondered what the meaning of the word “superstar” is in actuality. Upon researching, I got the definition: “A superstar is a person who enjoys wide recognition, is esteemed for exceptional talent, and is eagerly sought after for his or her services.” Now my habit is to dissect the word to get to its true meaning to make sure I am not cooking up half knowledge articles. So who aren’t aware of Boogie Woogie’s recognition? Everyone is! It is the first ever reality dance show of India and is looked upon with great respect and all people who know Boogie Woogie do know the Boogie Woogie guys – Ravi, Naved and Javed! But knowing them as just dance show judges would be wrong. There is lot more they carry forward and very humbly! There are millions of people who regard them highly and they sought and admire them. The true superstars are not those who have many fans following their screen image but those who also make an impact in someone’s life.

Last time, I had mentioned about heroism during Naved’s birthday and this time it is my honor to present and write about few unsung heroes who greatly admire and are tremendous big fan of Ravi Behl. I thought there is no other better way to give a tribute to the man then one on his birthday by bringing his fans that follow him and admire all of his work. These fans are not just regular fans but those who are doing fabulous work in society.

They say, when we smile, the reaction to a smile is always a smile back. When we see goodness around us; we automatically are attracted in doing something good. What we see, we try to imitate and that is why our elders emphasized on creating good examples because people follow and do observe closely. Now this brings to my next point – I believe anytime when someone is inspired by someone, the age factor plays a big role. They say the future is in hands of our younger generation and if the younger generation gets inspired in doing well then the future of our country is the brightest! And so I bring you one such young group who are huge fans of Ravi Behl and have been trying to be like him. You know “like mentor, like actions” and so they have adopted his behaviorism and also work towards fulfilling the dreams of the underprivileged in the society.

The group is called “Helping Hands Welfare Society”. This group of unsung heroes is based in Kanpur and consists of students and working professionals. As the name suggests, the aim of this group is to help the needy by boosting their morals and help them achieve their dreams. There are 5-6 young guys who are running the organization and it is my pleasure to introduce them to you. They are:

1) Ajay Srivastava

2) Sachin Arora – MCA Student

3) Amit Kumar Verma – Student

4) Jyoti Prakash – Teacher

5) Arvind Kumar – Private Serviceman

6) Prateek – MBA Student

Helping Hands Welfare Society has been recognized by the local government and many of the local businesses along with government officials not only encourage them but also support them. The main objective of this group is to encourage the underprivileged, financially very poor and the handicapped by supporting them and by bringing their talent in front of the world. The expenses that are involved in supporting are very much taken care out of their own pocket money plus by sponsorships. They also have organized many successful events and have conducted “Who is the Best” competitions 1 and 2 in singing, dancing and modeling at City level. One of their talented candidates had also participated in Nachle Ve Saroj who is Sriya Banerjee. They don’t believe in demarcation of any sort and treat one and all just the same way irrespective of any background. Helping Hands Welfare Society is the first organization in Kanpur to conduct competitions for Handicapped kids and adults. They also have conducted events for Senior Citizens by encouraging them to walk the ramp modeling and filling their day with some laughter and sunshine. When absurd things like leaving parents or grand parents in shelter homes are taking a toll, this is one group who feels firmly that they should be respected and regarded the highest with love and care. They make sure to take time out from their own busy schedules to do the needful for them. The group of guys does not belong to that category that does good only outside and are different at home, they are as caring and respectful with their own family members and friends as they are outside.

They say the road is never long if your intentions are good. And so Helping Hands Welfare Society in no time found many Samaritans offering help and sponsorship to make their events successful. There are many well established business houses that have been sponsoring proudly their events such as J K Singhania Trust who sponsored their Rajpat Bhavan event and plus other business houses supported as well.

We also hear so much bad about political leaders doing wrong for the nation and filling their own pockets but one name that shines like a bright star is MLA Mr. Ajay Kapoor who not only has appreciated the groups work but has also been encouraging the young guys to walk the right path. Bravo Mr. Kapoor!! If all our leaders are like you, no one can stop this nation from becoming a world Power!

When I came across Sachin Arora – key member of Helping Hands Welfare Society, the manners that he spoke with were amazing. He is one soft spoken guy who has his head over his shoulders and walks the path of the righteous with utmost modesty and humility. His father Mr. Arora plays a big role in encouraging and supporting him as well. What a brilliant job Mr. Arora has done in raising this fine young man – Proud of your family Mr. Arora – Keep it up!

Though the group has attained respect and has been successful in the local events but yet their dream is unfulfilled - the dream to meet their mentor in person – Ravi Behl! They desire to bring the talent that they found in the underprivileged communities to Boogie Woogie stage along with their handicapped performers who they feel are awesome dancers. For them the utmost pilgrimage for an artist ends at Boogie Woogie stage and so with this desire they had approached Boogie Woogie India Blog but we were so fascinated that we decided to observe them instead as it sounded like a dream and so we had to hold on to this story to publish on the right day – a day that is as special as our special judge/ mentor – Ravi.

Will their dream be fulfilled and will they be able to meet their mentor? I sure pray so!

Helping Hands Welfare Society is for real and is doing an awesome work. You can always be part of it too. They say four hands is always better then two so do feel free to reach out to Sachin Arora at: Tel: 09935868888,09935567777,09411811212 or even at his email ID: kanpurideal2009@gmail.com, kanpurideal2007@rdiffmail.com, p.pyarasachin@rediffmail.com

Apart from Boogie Woogie, there are many Indian reality shows that zillions of people watch but none has ever inspired anyone to do something for others or walk the right path. None of the other shows has ever made as many careers or seen tremendous dance schools, academy’s leave alone social service. The one show that inspires, teaches, motivates not only in self improvement projects but also in social service is Boogie Woogie. And Boogie Woogie is nothing if there was no Ravi, Naved and Javed!!

Academic chairs are many, but wise and noble teachers are few; lecture-rooms are numerous and large, but the number of young people who genuinely thirst after truth and justice is small. The way Ravi, Naved and Javed seek after truth and teach the good stuff, inspiring many people in doing good cannot be called mere superstars but in our eyes, they are Super Duper Bumper Stars!!

Happy Birthday Ravi!! You have no idea what you have sowed in the society that it is reaping all beautiful flowers and that too without your knowledge. If our younger generation all wants to be you, then this copying would be the most beautiful change that country will see. And why not, every family aspires good and so there should be a Ravi, Naved and Javed in every family. As Gautama Buddha quoted; “The stages of the Noble Path are: Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Behavior, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.” And this is what you project in your show that the output comes out to be like “Helping Hands Welfare Society”.

Boogie Woogie India Blog wishes you from deep down their heart “A Very Happy and Joyous Birthday Ravi”, we hope and pray that God showers his choicest blessings on you and also fill your life with LOVE, joys, cheers, happiness, plenty of wealth, great fabulous health, same awesome partnership to last lifetime with Naved and zillions and zillions of laughter!! Amen!

You guys truly deserve a Noble Prize!! A Prize for bringing beautiful change in India! God Bless You!! and Remember……….

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!

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“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” ~ Arthur Ashe

The above quote goes perfect for the person who is being celebrated today – yes, our own Naved Jaffery.

When I was a kid, I heard many stories of heroism, and also of perfect angels. As I started to grow, it became my desire to see one in my real life. But then I had started to wonder if they really existed. At this point of time I was told one could find heroes in movies and I started to watch movies in search of real heroes. But then when I came out from the movie theatre I realized it was only a movie, something that was scripted, and something that the actor got paid for acting. I said to myself, that is not the real hero that I am searching for and hence my search continued. My next stop was at an adventure place as I heard there are many daredevils who jump off buildings and other stuff. I thought maybe they are the true heroes. As I went inside and watch them do their stuff, I realized it was only a sport and nothing else. It was a hobby, a craze, an adventure sport and had nothing to do with real heroism. And hence I continued with my search. Then I thought to myself that it would be easy to find a hero if I come across one with heavy muscles. So in midst of my search, I started searching gyms and playgrounds rigorously and came across plenty to dozen and yet again realized they were not true heroes. There was lot that was missing. To me it looked like they were only eating and exercising right to build their own body and had nothing to do with heroism. I said to myself, heroism has to be something else, it can’t be found this easily and so I went to a baba and asked him for the answers. To my surprise he told me, “True heroes aren’t daredevils who jump off buildings. They are not even muscled athletes who play sports for astronomical salaries. But they are people who take time from their lives to help others, never caring whether they reap benefit or glory from their actions. They are people who really care, who live by standards and guide and help the needy. They are the ones who never show their power. Their actions speak a million words in silence”. I then asked the baba, where I can find one as I am eager to see one such hero. He told me, when we come across a true hero, we will feel them right in our heart.”

This description was good enough and now my enthusiasm increased more. But as I searched, the results went all in vain. And then I started to continue my studies abroad, my search was halted with life’s diversions. But in few years I came across a very dear friend of mine called “Ajay Babji” in a super market. I and Ajay were volunteers at an organization. Ajay was visiting his family for a short period as his brother was getting married in US. Since we met after a long time, I wanted to find out what Ajay was doing back home. To my surprise he told me, he runs a non profit organization in remote villages in Andhra Pradesh that were for the betterment of the poor and the needy. He was not only helping them get education but also was trying his best to see that their dreams were achieved to at least a decent level. I was thoroughly surprised and felt very proud of him. When I was telling him how proud I was, he interrupted me and said the real credit goes to Naved Jafri and he believes Naved was the reason for the turning point in his life. I did not know who Naved Jafri was and I was eager to know how he helped my friend in making a brilliant decision in his life. And at this point the introduction to the real hero that I was searching for a long time came into effect.

I was told that during one of the Boogie Woogie auditions, his sister had not got selected but the brother that he was, he consoled his sister but broke down himself. Looking at this Naved who was then surrounded by dozen of people, saw and walked towards him and consoled him. When Ajay wanted to touch his feet, he stopped him and spoke words of wisdom that taught Ajay a new lesson of life. Watching the Boogie Woogie guys and their humility, Ajay was so inspired that he silently started working for a voluntary organization to spread education in remote villages. He proudly called Naved and the Boogie Woogie guys – Ravi and Javed as his mentors and motivators. He said his organization also was recognized by the local government for the work that they did. Unfortunately Ajay Babji is no longer in this world due to a tragic road accident but what ever short life that he lived, he sure lived it right. I am extremely proud of Ajay and also proud of his silent mentor.

That was the time for me to begin my search as the description was clear enough and hence I started searching for Naved the real hero. I did not had any Indian Television channels in my apartment but when I moved to Philadelphia a year later in 2003, I was happy to subscribe to Sony channel to see this great guy who worked magic in my friends life. Naved was the reason I started watching Boogie Woogie and got hooked on. I started following it religiously and as time went on I became a die hard fan and an admirer for many reasons. And I am proud of it!

To my knowledge, Naved Jafri is a perfect youth icon. He has been bringing a big change in many youth and in society. He is an awesome role model anyone could ever ask for. There are many Ajay’s in India (unsung heroes) who got inspired by him and Ravi and Javed”. They probably are not even aware of their own magic or power that they have on people. They reach out to real India and their reaching touches our heart. Their actions speak louder then words. They sure are modest, simple, humble and great guys. There are more real stories of how and what impact they have on present youth and what respect they get from families all over.

Having standards on a TV show that say “don’t wear such and such clothes, no revealing, wear proper stockings, no vulgar songs, and no vulgar expressions” is a tough job. In present days, any revealing or any indecent behavior is good enough to fetch brilliant TRP. One small incident, and you will find the news all over Internet and people are waiting to catch that show. But in Sony’s Boogie Woogie, you don’t find any such incidences or behaviors. What you may find is a long 27 point rules and regulations. First time when I glanced at the lengthy multiple pages rules, I thought they are nuts but then when I read each and every point, I realized all those rules were perfect and it will help as a great guiding tool for the participants. It is great to be disciplined. It is this same discipline that will demarcate the good from the bad and will leave a respectful image in future and for years to come.

Naved is the master mind behind the concept of Boogie Woogie. He and Ravi are childhood friends. When Ravi approached Naved to start a television show, Naved came up with the idea of Boogie Woogie and they both with the help of Javed got into Sony. I read somewhere that Sony had given them Rs. 12,000/- to start the show. When they started working on their show they never realized that it would create history one day or it could turn out to be super hit. But as time went on, the show became more and more popular and became crave of the each and every town. Yet the humility and humbleness remained where it was before. His attitude never changed. There may be many dance shows today but what Boogie Woogie is, none can ever come close to that level. Boogie Woogie stands class apart in its quality search for talent. Boogie Woogie is the home product of R & N Productions that stands for Ravi and Naved Productions. It is one production house that makes many feel proud to work for. It is one production house that outputs a product that is respectable. Maybe it is possible due to the kind of friendship that both Ravi and Naved shares. They are well aware of each others mood as they are friends for a long time and their friendship only strengthened with time. It is a friendship that will talk about as a good example. When it comes to Naved, it is possible for one to skip talking about anyone else but it is impossible not talk about Ravi. These two names have become synonyms as it is impossible to take one name and leave the other. God bless their friendship!

Naved is a perfect son, brother and a great friend. He is also an adorable uncle and a fun guy to be with. He has no hang ups and if you approach him, he reciprocates back with respect and care. He makes you feel like you are friends with him for long. He is easy to talk to about anything under the sun and that is why you find many - right from kids to grown ups, joke or talk with him easily on the show or off the sets.

True heroes are rare to find but we are lucky that we found them right at Boogie Woogie sets. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change that you want to see in the world” and that is what we see in Naved. He is the change and who works continuously for the betterment of the society and very humbly. He may not realize what people feel for him as he jokes about himself as just somebody but the fact remains that for many people he might be their world – a real super hero!!

On behalf of BoogieWoogieIndia.Com ……..

Happy Birthday Naved! May God bless you always and shower you with his choicest blessings. May you live a million healthy years and continue to spread your niceness among everyone always. May your life be filled with plenty of joys, cheers, happiness, good health, love and tons of laughter Amen!

Good people like you deserve to live a long life and hence this song ………

“A Gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out”

This above quote goes perfect for the gentleman we love and are paying tribute today. He is a perfect son, a perfect brother, a perfect husband, a perfect father, a perfect actor, a perfect judge, a perfect mentor and yes a perfect Human Being!! Perfectness is found in each and every action of his. You will never spot him speaking ill of anyone. He is a guy who is most helpful and has made many careers and helped many achieve their goals yet he is so modest that he will never speak anything about his own good deeds. There are people who firmly believe that whatever one might do to help others is actually not your own doings but God has chosen you to perform his orders. He is one of them. His greatness is measured by his kindness, his education and intellect by his modesty and his real caliber is the consideration and tolerance that he has for others. Yes he is none other then OUR own Javed Jafferey!!

Today “December 4th” is a very special day as Javed celebrates his birthday. And so do us. It is a day to thank God for sending this special angel on earth who continuously has worked for the well being of others. He is an awesome individual who is a real HERO in every sense!

Talking about his film career, Javed entered the stardom in 1984 with the movie “Meri Jung”. His good looks, perfect dancing skills and awesome acting caught the eye of millions. His dance on song “Bol Baby Bol” was craved by the nation. You will find the name “Javed Jaffery” and “Rock dance” as synonyms in India.

He is liked by millions and has a huge fan following. He is looked upon with utmost respect and love. One tiny example: since the time I started running this blog I have been urging people to interact and few interact but yesterday one post I made to send birthday wishes for Javed and the result was that within 3 hours I had plenty of wishes that poured in to be published for him. Many of them urged their greeting to be the first one. Many look up to him. He is loved by one and all.

Talking about being loved by one and all, here is an interesting perspective. How many stars, superstars, rock stars can you tell that are loved by one and all? One and all includes not just family, friends or fans but the real people who shed their sweat working hard holding the spot lights or the ones who get you a cup of coffee? Can they speak goodwill of a person and especially behind his back? My mother always says what we live is not the real life. The real life starts after we die. Our deeds are the most important and what name and fame one may get is not all. One may make millions of friends and fans but the true friend or fan one makes is the one who can speak well about you behind your back. And for that nothing can make people speak well of you but except for your deeds. Deeds play a big role in what people talk in front or behind. In Glamour world you will find many behave snobbish with the lesser privileged when they attain the star status. Some don’t even treat the spot boys or light boy’s right leave alone interacting with them or finding out how they have been doing. But “Javed” the Gentleman is different. You pick anyone from his shooting crew and they will sing only praises of him. The praises that come from heart and with love!

When in one of the interview he was asked: “why is he liked so much by all”, he answered saying: “’I think one has to structure yourself to be liked by people. Especially in this industry, people work around a false image. They then work on their image. It’ one thing to ask the standard question of the technicians… ‘How are you?’ it’s another to really mean it and wonder… ‘Where do you hail from? How’s your day?’ Likeability may have a formula, but being truly interested is something you have to find within yourself”.

He is an actor with inborn talent. He also knows the knack to deliver his point with ease keeping his humor side up. There isn’t anyone who is not comfortable in his company. Right from kids to grown ups, everyone can have a good conversation with him without thinking twice or about his star status. He is humble and he sure knows to guide and explain the rights and wrongs of life. His preaching’s often taken seriously because the takers do know Javed is a type of guy who follows every preaching that he says in his own life.

His love for family is amazing. Family has always been a priority and a strong pillar for him in all walks of life. Talking about his father’s advice he says: “He’s always told me to remain anchored and focused with my tradition, family values and respect for others.” And he follows that advice to the core.

Coming back to movies, I use to think No Entry and Golmaal were my most cherished comedy films that were ever made but once I saw Dhamaal, it instantly changed my mind. I never ever must have laughed so much as much as I laughed in movie Dhamaal. And Javed’s role was the total highlight. I can watch this movie any number of times and not get bored. Here is a small but hilarious clipping for you.

There is another movie which I can never forget for two reasons. That is Salaam Namaste. One reason of course is Javed’s superb performance and second reason is my friend. I remember when this movie had released; my friend and I had gone to watch it in the theatres. Watching the movie she was so very fascinated by the “Eggjactly” statement that she dragged me ten other times to watch. I remember every scene from this movie by heart. And I am sure many others do too.

I think it’s much easy to perform on a serious role but it is very difficult to make people laugh. Not everyone can succeed in comic roles as it is not everyone’s forte. Javed not only succeeds in comedy but adds his own touch of perfection to it that it becomes a masterpiece. The roles that he does are often remembered for a long time. He is selective but leaves an impression to lasts a lifetime.

There is one other talent of his that we need to talk about and that is his singing. I am sure most of his die hard fans know that Javed is an awesome singer. We even have heard him sing a happy birthday song in Boogie Woogie and even though he sang just a line or two but we sure can make out his good voice from it. Talking about his singing, the one song that comes to everyone’s mind is the one from Bombay Boys “I am Mumbhai”. The song again created waves all over and at one time had the most hits on youtube videos. It is a song regarding the Mumbai hoodlums.

Is he an all rounder? Yes of course! Let’s refresh our memories with this awesome number.

To sum up I will say, Javed Jaffery is a man of his words, extremely intellectual and devotional. He places his foot firmly on ground and never lets arrogance come anywhere near him. He is devoted towards his family and to his traditions. He is a man who firmly believes in staying true to his roots and understanding and following them right. He is religious and understands the true meaning of religion and follows it by heart. He is funny yet serious in his duties. He is a man of masses. He is considerate of all and respects one and all irrespective of anybody’s status or any other worldly things. He touches the hearts of real India. Having fans in metropolitan cities is maybe easy for any superstars but getting the status of being close to worship is totally another thing and that is what many of his fans do of him. I know if Javed reads my above statement, he probably will not like the word “worshipped” being used but one cannot ignore the fact that is there in many of his fans heart. The way he, along with his brother Naved and friend Ravi have helped many attain successful careers and have continued to work towards the betterment of society is a big inspiration to all. He is truly an inspiration to many youth and is a perfect role model for all present and future generations.

Boogie Woogie India truly Salutes you Javed and wishes you a Very Happy Birthday!! May there always be sunshine and warmth in your life and may love continue to dominate. We are VERY PROUD OF YOU and pray to God for a long and healthy life for you and all your loved ones!! Amen!

Today is December 1^st – the last month of the year begins. For many, it is the holiday month as many holidays fall in December. Every where you see, you will find smiley faces, jovial people and all happy go merry personalities. It is the time when you hear bells really ringing in air and music filling your heart. Yes it is the most beautiful time of the year!

In North American and European continents, December is celebrated lavishly as the most beautiful time of the year because Christmas falls in this month. If someone asks me what my favorite month is – I would in a heart beat tell them “December”. This stands true for many reasons – it is because of the pleasantness that is found in air, it is for the holidays, and also for special birthdays – birthdays that are special to our heart. For Boogie Woogie India, December is extra special as two out of three gems birthdays fall in this month – Yes I am talking about Javed Jaffery and Naved Jaffery. And so we begin the celebrations here right at your own blog.

Javed’s birthday is right around the corner on 4th and Naved’s birthday falls at end of the month but before we celebrate the awesome brother’s, lets start by celebrating the one person who is responsible for these perfect brother’s upbringing, the person who gave us two awesome souls whom we adore dearly. The man in question came with a vast exposure of film industry and he still urged the importance of the right traditions, right customs and right upbringing for his family and that is worth many applauds. They say if the foundation is set right then the rest of the things fall in its place on its own and due to the same strong foundation that was laid; the output is that we see perfect mannerisms and gentlemanship that is looked upon with high respect and love.

So before we start to celebrate these two brothers, let us celebrate their father – the Man of Honor Mr. Jaffery aka Jagdeep! I strongly feel without celebrating father, it just won’t be fair to celebrate his sons.

Syed Jawaher Ali Jaffery who is more popularly known as Jagdeep has more then 400 films to his credit. He started his career as a child artist. Right from the beginning when he needed to earn money for his living, one thing he set clear for himself was that he would not earn money the wrong way. He preferred working hard but right way and did not opt for any wrong short cuts. He believed in living a respectable life with right standards and traditions.

Talking about his movies, I wish I could write the entire listing but maybe in future we will add to the archive but for now the one role that will always stay ever green in peoples mind is of Soorma Bhopali from movie “Sholay”.

Friends as today is our Saroj Ji’s birthday, it is time that we go a little back in memory lane and enjoy some of the finest choreographed songs. It is tough to pick from wonderful 200 plus movies but here are few for you to relish and enjoy your weekend.

Please do take time out and wish this living legend on her special day!

Enjoy the videos below

Saroj Ji, Happy Birthday once again and We do LOVE You - thanks for giving us such entertaining and beautiful choreographed numbers. God Bless You!

Dear Saroj Ji,

On your birthday, special one,
We wish that all your dreams come true.
May your day be filled with joy,
Wonderful gifts and goodies, too.

On your day we wish for you
Favorite people to embrace,
Loving smiles and caring looks
That earthly gifts cannot replace.

We wish you fine and simple pleasures.
We wish you many years of laughter.
We wish you all of life’s best treasures.
We wish you happily ever after!

Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday!!

God Bless You Always and Forever!!

BoogieWoogieIndia.Com

As this is a dance blog and we all know no dance is complete without its choreography. And hence we start a new segment on the lives of Choreographers of India making it a small tribute section. And to start this segment I think no other name would be perfect to start off other then Saroj Khan.

Saroj Khan as we all know will be joining as an addition to the judge’s panel. Though she will not be regular and will be filling in whenever possible, my guess says maybe she will fill in every time Javed will be busy with his shooting schedules. Maybe or maybe not – it’s only an assumption so please don’t hold your guns on me But if you know some news different then mine, please feel free to share it with us.

Back to the tribute!

It is my pure honor to pay this tribute to Saroj Khan - the much talented and most deserving lady choreographer of Indian Cinema. Nirmala Sadhu Khan aka Saroj Khan was born on November 22^nd 1949 and has choreographed more then 200 films till date. She has made such a name for herself that today if Choreography is talked about and Saroj Khan’s name not there is not possible. She has given many hits to the Indian Cinema and all those numbers are still the craze and much talked about even among the teenagers. You will find many, dancing away to glory on “Main teri Dushman” from Nagin to “Ek do teen” from Tezaab or even to the latest “megha re megha” from movie Guru. Including the movies that we just talked about, she also choreographed hits like Mr. India, Beta, Goal, Don, Fanaa, Veer Zaara, Saathiya, Devdas, Lagaan, Taal, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, Mohra, Chandni, Fiza and many more.

On her take on Bollywood current dancing she says: “Western dance is given preference today. Today no body has to be a dancer to dance in films! Any skimpily clad model like girl comes, shakes her leg and gets away with it! Bollywood dancing has lost its magic. Even the choreographers have lost their individuality. You can’t tell who has choreographed a particular dance. This was not the case before!”

Her favorite in Bollywood actors and actresses are Sridevi, Madhuri and Govinda. She feels the current batch pretends like they know dancing and in her own words she says: “They act like they know everything! Even before you start teaching them they nod their head and act as if they know it all! I remember even dancers like Vijantimala and Waheeda Rehmaan used to closely pay attention to what their choreographers used to teach them! The urge to learn is not seen today. No one can be compared to the likes of Madhuri and Sridevi when it comes to dancing to date.”

She is also known to be rough when she gets to her work done after all teaching to those who do not know dance especially with big time attitudes is not a joke. But she succeeds each time and with grace and makes sure to get full points and justice for her work.

She started her work when she was only thirteen years of age. They say success does not come without pain. Nothing is easy in this world and one must go through the tough tests to prove one’s capability in this world. The same was the case for Saroj Khan. Life was never a bed of roses even in her childhood days. After partition when her family moved, she started to work hard as a child artist to earn her living. She also had a painful first marriage when she was married to a 43 year old when she was just 13 and had his first child at 14. But nothing could stop for this positive young girl. As she struggled her days from being a child artist to a group dancer then emerged to the position of an assistant dance master to finally her destination as a Choreographer. Her second wedding got her breath of fresh air. She has a son – a well known choreographer again who goes by the name Raju Khan. She is a true motivational living example that anyone can learn loads from.

Even though she got her first break in movies in year 1974, 1983 had Saroj Khan’s name written all over. It was this year when she got her first commercial success and became a name to crave for in choreography. As they say believe in yourself and stay positive, time will change and hence there was no stopping for her beyond this point. Fruits were finally paid off for all her hard work.

Today Saroj Khan - a senior in her field is sought for perfection. She also is participating in many shows for judging the talent. She is one name who gave a new name and status to the career in choreography. Many other talents followed her and started opting for choreography as their career. She brought not only a new trend but also turned the tide around in this field. There is so much that the current batch of choreographers can learn from her. Some of her take on present choreography is: “Nowadays each and every song in a movie looks almost the same, mainly the item numbers. There is no specific movement, which is seen. But some years back this was not the case. Each song had its own unique steps; for example, take the Dhak Dhak song by Madhuri. The scenario has changed in the past 4-5 years. I feel that we should have different songs with different movements and steps. We have such a rich culture but we are just aping the west. We should stick to our roots and incorporate forms like folk, bhangra, etc in mainstream choreography.”

One piece of advice that she likes to give to all those aspirant choreographers is: “I just wish to tell them that they should come up with something new every time. Be creative in your steps. Don’t use common dance steps. This is how one can create a unique style of dancing and also make their mark in the industry. Make use of our rich Indian culture in your choreography. “

A very good advice indeed!

As she gets all geared up to celebrate her 59^th birthday on this November 22^nd, we at BoogieWoogieIndia.Com would like to wish her a Very Happy Birthday and we wish her great health and success all the way. Aap jeeye hazaro saal, Saal ke din ho pachaas hazaar!!

“We love you Saroj – thanks for being you. Every job that you did is a beautiful portrait in itself – a true master piece that will be remembered forever. Thanks for autographing your work with excellence each and every time. God Bless You!!

Friends - do join us on November 22^nd to celebrate Saroj’s birthday right here at your own blog.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!!