Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Blame it on the Choreographer

DesiDancer wagered the opinion that choreographer Shiamak Davar was much to blame for Rani’s disasterous outfits in "Nach Baliye" from Bunty Aur Babli

Davar, then, is responsible for the travesty that is "Le Gayi" from Dil To Pagal Hai. Lace-up sandals apparently made of duct tape, back-up dancers in ill-fitting gold-and-black leotards, white cat suits with oddly-placed cutouts (they look moth-ridden, not hot), a crop top-and-skirt combo made of what looks like chain mail--what was he thinking?

View this mess yourself:


In an otherwise well-fashioned movie, this surely stands out.

10 comments:

DesiDancer said...

rather like a bad version of Milla Jovovich's masking-tape-suit in 5th element.

AquaM said...

Hi Beth, I'm AFJs friend. I was supposed to meet you during your trip to India, but I guess that dint happen. Your blog is thoroughly enjoyable.
About the Mess: trust me, this is a better mess if you were to compare notes with the south Indian industry. SOme of them or maybe in most cases, the idea of fashion is quite hideous.

Paresh said...

You know. I've always wondered if Shaimak is gay? Not that the stereotype has anything to do with it but it seems like he tries too much to make the setting more effiminate.

Or he's straight and just dont have a frakkin' clue. You pick.

Beth Loves Bollywood said...

Aquarmarine - I'm so sorry, I completely forgot! I hope to be back in India sometime in the foreseeable future, and, if it makes you feel any better, I wasn't in Chennai anyway (it got omitted from our final schedule of visits). :(

As for these outfits - it's well documented that I hate lace-up things, whether shirts on men or pants on women. So these shoes round out an ensemble nicely. Now if anyone can find a lace-up hat...on second thought, don't.

Aparna said...

I don't think it was Shiamak who did the costumes...it was Manish Malhotra, if I remember for this movie!
'Cause, if each time the choreographer is responsible for a song, then this whole movie is choregraphed by Shiamak, why then do we see different, much sensible, much better clothes in other songs. He might have of course asked for the props, and sat with the designer for the 'type' or 'look' he wants, but ultimately it's the designer's choice I suppose.
As for his being gay, well, then add one more reason why I dig gay men!

DesiDancer said...

Trust me, Manish Malhotra would not throw that HAM on anybody, not if his name was behind it...

it is totally within the right of the choreography to include both costuming and hair, as well as lighting and other technical specs as part of their artistic license in executing choreography. If it's a feature piece like this, as opposed to a run-around-trees job, all the more reason for the choreographer to have some fashion input.

Anonymous said...

Beth, I am watching KISMAT (with Priyanka) right now. You are SO RIGHT with those lace-up pants. Wow. Ew.

Beth Loves Bollywood said...

Are you enjoying Kismat's awfulness? I can't decide if it's awesomely bad, a la VH1, or just bad.

Anonymous said...

if anything i call it smart to use duct tape because it wasn't obvious to the audience that it wasn't real lace.. its supposed to look real but it has to be comfortable for the dancers... so what's the problem as long as it looks like lace?
and for the outfits, it was actually unique , better than the outfits in any other bollywood movie I'd seen at that time for sure...wouldnt u prefer that over fluorescent colored dresses 8-)
Plus, he's really nto stupid lol he did recieve his training from Deby Allen, the choreographer/ judge on so you think u can dance so i wouldnt be doubting her skills now

If you haven't noticed, Shiamak changed the visage of dance in India , which is definitely not an easy task, especially when we talk about this 25 yrs ago , when he first started choreographing. He was the one who made people actually watch the dances, no wonder he's the one always choreographing events and movies like filmfare, iifa awards , stardust awards dhoom, taal, and lots more
The closing ceremony of the commonwealth games in Melbourne was also choreographed by him , now thats HUGE. ..even then there is the unforgettable tour ..I'm sure they wouldn't have chosen Shiamak if his choreography was ugly or fugly , im sure they want this show to be a success seeing the fact that Amitabh is going on a tour after more than 20 yrs...

hats off to shiamak

PS nothing against u just my opinion

Anonymous said...

abbe oyeee apni maa ko chut le jaake kamine .. desidancer .. teri ma hogi desidancer bhyenchod .. tu bass jealous hai sale .. ki tu itna successful nahi nhua .. tum jaise log sirf comment karna jaate ho .. saale tharki ... maada chod ... aur koi kaam nai hai bhenchod ... costumes par comment kar rha hai ... dance dekh dANCE ULLOOO KE PATHE costume nahi ... motherfucker