Salman Khan can dance, says choreographer

Not everyone swears by Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan's dancing prowess. But his choreographer for the movie 'Dabangg' says he has become technically strong and even gives his own inputs.

'This is not the first time I am working with Salman. I've worked with him even earlier when I used to be an assistant with Ganesh Acharya. But now he has changed; today he is technically stronger. He also gives his inputs for steps,' Shabina Khan Ansari told IANS.

'Dabangg', a film set in a small town of Uttar Pradesh, will feature Salman in the role of a cop. His younger brother and actor Arbaaz Khan has produced the film while Abhinav Kashyap is the director. The film is slated for a September release.  

Ansari has choreographed two songs in the film, a romantic track and a hardcore dance number. She gave Salman steps suiting his character.

'I created steps for Salman keeping in mind his character and image. He is playing a cop in the film, so I didn't want his moves to be professional like a dancer's. He plays a straightforward person in the film; we kept all that in mind,' said the choreographer.

'Even Salman really pushed himself. Everyone liked his dancing in 'Wanted'; so he wanted to improve upon that,' she added.

So what's the strong point in Salman's dancing? 'It's his style,' said Ansari, without a second thought.

'He has his own way of doing steps. Even if I teach him something, he will do it in his own way. But it actually comes out to be nice and audiences love it,' she added.

'Dabangg', which has music by Sajid-Wajid, also stars Sonakshi Sinha, the daughter of veteran actor Shatughan Sinha. However, she doesn't get to shake a leg in the film.

'Sonakshi will not be seen dancing in the film. Her character doesn't demand that, but even in the romantic song, where you see her moving a little, you can see rhythm in her body. She has a music sense and I'm sure she will be a great dancer,' Ansari said.

She has over 12 years' experience and has been part of several Ram Gopal Varma projects such as 'Company', 'Bhoot', 'Naach' and 'Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon'.

She has also worked on films like 'Jashan', 'Yahaan', 'Aksar' and 'Well Done Abba' among others.

Currently the choreographer has her kitty full with projects like 'Kajraare', which is close to release, 'Chai Garam' and 'Will You Marry Me'.