Leading Bollywood choreographer and television talent show judge Terence Lewis, who has made many top stars dance to his steps on screen, is now planning to become an actor himself.
“I have an interesting script ready. It is about a dancer couple from the film industry, and how their work influences their life. It will be on the lines of Kapoor & Sons and Do Dooni Chaar , which were earthy and sensible films. So it is a mature dramatic film,” says Lewis, who spent three years writing the script.
As to his choice of leading lady, Lewis names Radhika Apte. “Radhika would play my wife because it is an author-backed role and she is known for her strong performances,” says Lewis, who adds that he would be training the actress for the dance portions once she signs up.
In Delhi to promote Nach Baliye 8 , where he is one of the judges, Lewis, who has acted in a short film before, says that he is not comfortable with adult comedy, and he would prefer his film to be thought-provoking rather than merely provocative. So can fans get to see his mastery over contemporary dance forms in the film?
“The film will see modern contemporary dance form like never before. The focus will be on the ‘release technique’ which is a very graceful and organic way of dance,” affirms Lewis.
Eager to showcase traditional dance forms as well, Lewis says he loves Chhau, and will feature some of its variations in his film.
Paradoxically, Terence Lewis never had a craze for Bollywood or to become a film choreographer.
“I just wanted to dance. I was more interested in theatre, but knew that it would not pay my bills,” he says. “On the other hand, dancing would pay for my fees and even for my dates. So I gravitated towards dance.” 0The new generation of actors is more graceful in dancing, feels Lewis. “Ours is a musical industry. A great body and good looks are a neat package. Tiger Shroff has lot of rhythm; Hrithik Roshan has been there for 15 years; he is very hard, extremely talented.”
He feels actors should concern themselves more with performance rather than a great appearance. “It isn’t bad to have a great body but if you cannot act then it is a cause for worry. If you can act well like Irrfan Khan or Nawazuddin, choreographers can manage their dance. Ram Kapoor doesn’t have a great body but he is a brilliant actor. I can make anybody dance but I cannot make them a dancer. They should have sense of rhythm, certain musicality, passion and right technique,” says Lewis.
On the mishmash style of film dance Lewis says, “Bollywood picks up popular dance steps and doesn’t have an identity of its own. Every 10 years, it assumes a new form.”
