Kruti Mahesh's choreography in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi is receiving accolades. Recently, she won a Filmfare award for the song Dholida picturised on Alia Bhatt. Now, in an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon, Kruti spoke about choreographing the Garba number and highlighting Gangubai's journey from Gujarat to Mumbai's Kamathipura through the song.

She further reacted to the idea of a crossover Garba song with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam's Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and Gangubai. Kruti also opened up about the comparison between Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela's Garba and Gangubai Kathiawadi's songs. For the unversed, Kruti won a National Award for Padmaavat's Ghoomar featuring Deepika Padukone.

Excerpts from the interview:

After Ghoomar, do you expect a National Award for Dholida? 

I would love that. However, the kind of love and acceptance I have received from the audience and critics for Dholida has brought me to a point where I feel I have already won it. 

According to you, what makes Dholida special? 

Dholida was special for me because I have grown up watching Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films. They hold a special place in my heart. It is a special feeling that my choreography is accepted on his canvas.

The Garba shown in Gangubai Kathiawadi is very different. It shows her journey from Gujarat's innocent Ganga to becoming Kamathipura's Gangubai. When Ganga does Jhoome Re Gori, her cardio level is different and it is more fun as compared to a vulnerable Gangubai's Garba in Bombay. She does through a tough journey. Dholida has a flavour of Bombay, the essence of madness, power, and emotions. There was more layering to the garba than just the steps. I had to find the fine tune between feminine and masculine.

When you just hear the song, you will feel like dancing. It is composed so well. There was a challenge to justify the music and a performer like Alia who keeps getting better with every passing film. It isn’t just about doing the dance step. The last portion of Dholida is Gangubai's way of venting out. 

What about a crossover between Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam's Nandini and Gangubai?

(Laughs) I would love to. As a dancer, you always feel like doing something unique. It is like a dream come true when you get to create something for the big screen. 

Who inspired you to pursue dancing and choreography?

I come from a middle-class academic family. For us, education is very important. Since I am from a Tam-Brahm family, singing and dancing have been an integral part of our lives. My dad always said academics is fine but get into the performing arts field. I moved to London for a Master's in Forensic Sciences and always wanted to get a job in that field. Sadly, we lost him that year. As a tribute to him, I audition for DID season 2. After that, I have given dance my everything.

People are comparing Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela's Garba and Gangubai Kathiawadi's songs. What's your say on this?

The songs in Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram Leela are phenomenal and I believe people shouldn't compare and enjoy both. Gangubai Kathiawadi's choreography is different. Garba ke jitne steps hote hai utne hi honge, I cannot add Bharatnatyam steps to a Garba song. 

What makes Ghoomar and Dholida unique?

Ghoomar was my first independent choreography hence it will always be special. Dholida is my first Garba on SLB's canvas. The journey I went through on this song for 2 years will always be special. Deepika Padukone and Alia were fabulous in Ghoomar and Dholida. If you replace them in those songs, I don’t think it would work. I cannot see anyone else in those songs. They owned it. 

Is there any song you wish was choreographed by you?

I never thought about it. I wish I was working in the golden era of cinema when actresses would dance to classical songs. I loved the choreography for Waheeda Rahman, Vyjayanthimala etc. 

Which is your toughest choreography? 

I feel every song is tough. I think to myself whether I will be able to pull it off. Not in a negative way but I always think about how to add newness to the choreography and better myself. There’s nervousness before the shoot but I aim to go home without thinking, "Yeh kam reh gaya".