Bollywood gigs break into fitness clubs

Romance, in traditional Indian culture, is all about sensuality and suggestion.

In Bollywood movies, it is depicted with flirtatious glances, indirect kisses and coquettish foot chases.

But it’s the dance sequences that really turn up the heat with their hypnotic hip swaying and spine curving movements, which are both graceful and subtly erotic.

It is no surprise then that Bollywood dance is no longer only on the big screen but is now a trendy fitness workout.

And who better to take Kenyans through it than an Indian actress and show performer who has been trained by some of the best Bollywood’s choreographers.

“In Bollywood, we rehearsed from morning to night. That brings out the best in you. The choreographers were very strict, and they wouldn’t take the shot until you’ve done (the move) correctly,” said Nilofer Abji (nee Khan), her hands elegantly gesturing as she spoke.

Pursued

Nilofer believes in following her dreams, and she always has. She wanted to be an actress and pursued it. Four years ago she moved to Kenya where she fell in love with her future husband, while on tour.

Today, her passion for dance is still alive as when she first started and is pursing it as well as sharing it with others.

“I am always dancing in my mind,” she said. Since 2009, she has instructed Bollywood dance classes. For her it’s fulfilling to see how dancers from different age groups adapt to her fun-filled classes, laughing and singing their way through the sessions.

The class is a one-hour session where Nilofer takes her dancers from a mellow start, to a crescendo with different dance moves and a musical medley in the background, culminating with yoga and breathing exercises.

“My classes are completely about Bollywood moves. It is total filmi,” she said. “I encourage them (the dancers) to sing along while dancing to get the right feeling.”

Laughing she adds: “They need to feel good about themselves.”

Actresses

Nilofer teaches the signature dance steps performed by renowned Bollywood actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rani Mukherjess as well as develop her classes around a theme.

One of her most popular themed workouts is the dupatta (scarf) special where it (the dupatta) is used as a prop, with all the nakhras (coquettish gestures) that go with it.

The music complements the day’s theme with songs that touch on the article of clothing, which is often depicted sensuously in Indian culture.

She brings the dupattas with her for the lesson. Another of her popular themes is the garba, which is a circular dance that features folk music from the state of Gujrat in western India, which is synchronized by a drummer.

The garba special is often held before the Navratri festival in keeping with the Hindu calendar.

‘If the dancers are able to come regularly, then in 2 to 3 months, they will get the moves. They will get the rhythm,” she said.
She demonstrates some swishing movements with an imaginary dupatta, and her trademark beauty spot above the left side of her lip becomes visible in profile.

Choreograph

Born and raised in the busy town of Mumbai, Nilofer, has found it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life in Nairobi.

To compensate, she fills her days with many commitments that see her teach her Bollywood class twice a week and choreograph an Indian dance group, based in Nairobi, Desi Souls.

She is a co-presenter on the Drive show of a local Hindu radio station and applies bridal make-up on the side.

Nilofer’s Bollywood dance workouts are a whole new DIY approach to fitness. No more watching the energetic dance sequences on the screen; instead, enroll at the Bollywood dance workout and really get your heart really pumping.

Nilofer’s classes have two distinct time slots. While the evening slot on Tuesdays is for those who work full time, the day slot on Thursdays caters for those available during the day.

Nilofer instructs a Bollywood dance workout at the Oshwal Complex twice a week. In a one-hour session, she takes her dancers.