D'Souza got his first Bollywood break - as a background dancer in choreographer Ahmed Khan's group - in 1995 with Ram Gopal Varma's 'Rangeela'.
Remo D’Souza has come a long way. From being a background dancer who faced racism and bullying for his dark skin to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated choreographers and filmmakers, his journey is an inspiration for us. And honestly, it’s not just about his success—he has transformed dance in India, turning it into a dream career for millions. Today, he’s a brand, an icon, who reminds us that true talent always finds its spotlight.
Starting with humble gigs, D'Souza climbed the ladder with sheer dedication, eventually choreographing blockbuster songs that had audiences grooving. Today, as he turns 51, let’s take a trip down memory lane and learn how his journey began.
D'Souza was born in Bangalore in a Malayali middle-class family. Growing up, he was into sports and athleticism and won prizes in various tournaments.
He recognized his passion for dance during his early teenage years when he watched Michael Jackson's videos. He learned the art and technicalities of dance by watching movies, music videos, and others. Precisely, he used to copy Jackson's steps and then choreograph his own steps by adding something extra.
(Credit: remodsouza)
After completing his high school, D'Souza realized that he didn't have any interest in studies, and that he actually wanted to pursue dance as a career. However, his father Gopi Nair opposed this idea and wanted him to become a pilot. Well, he didn't listen to his father and went on to follow his passion.
D’Souza arrived in Mumbai with nothing but a dream in his eyes and hunger to make it big. Struggling to survive, he started a small dance class, “Super Brats,” at Churni Road with just four students. As word spread, he expanded to Borivali and Andheri, but financial struggles continued. Even after skipping meals, he fought to keep his dream alive.
His breakthrough came when he won an All India Dance Competition, grabbing the attention of choreographer Ahmed Khan. Impressed by his talent, Khan took him into his group. And thereafter, he got his first Bollywood opportunity—as a background dancer in Ram Gopal Varma’s 1995 film 'Rangeela'. He can be seen dancing in the iconic “Rangeela Re” song.
Speaking about his first break in the Hindi film industry, he said in an interview, “I went to audition for choreographer Ahmad Khan, and before I danced, I asked him to only judge me for my talent and not for my looks. I was very thankful that he auditioned and then selected me. That was my first break. In those days, dark dancers wouldn’t be allowed to stand behind the lead actors, but I was chosen to dance in the second row behind Salman Khan.”
(Credit: remodsouza)
Actress Urmila Matondkar, the leading lady in 'Rangeela', later recalled, "At that time, he (D'Souza) was just a background dancer, at the very start of his career. Having said that, I must add that I have seen him grow day by day, and today, I would love to praise his journey by saying his own catchphrase - ‘Now that’s what I call a performance.’”
(Credit: 90's Gaane)
That small role in 'Rangeele' was just the beginning for D'Souza. There has been no looking back ever since then.
Ram Gopal Varma loved D'Souza so much that he kept him in several scenes of the film.
After 'Rangeela', he started assisting Ahmed Khan.
His first independent project (while still working for Khan) was choreographing Sony Nigam's album, 'Deewana'. The video was a massive hit, paving the way for several other music videos.
Today, he has choreographed more than 100 films.
Additionally, he has made several successful films, including 'F.A.L.T.U', 'ABCD: Any Body Can Dance', and 'Race 3' among others.
Happy Birthday, Mr. D'Souza. Thanks For Inspiring Us!
