Remo D’Souza stands out as one of India’s most accomplished dancers and choreographers, with a portfolio featuring iconic tracks like “Badtameez Dil,” “Deewani Mastani,” and “The Disco Song.” The renowned filmmaker and dance mentor rose to prominence as a judge on the hit reality show “Dance India Dance” (DID), a role that catapulted him into widespread recognition.
In an emotional chat on Faisal Shaikh’s show, “Long Drive,” Remo shared a surprising story, revealing that he initially declined the offer to judge DID.
During the conversation, Remo expressed his gratitude for reality shows, which provide a platform for talented dancers nationwide. However, when Faisu probed into how he got the chance to judge DID, Remo disclosed his initial reluctance.
Remo admitted he was skeptical about television, believing that many shows were staged. It was only after his wife, Lizelle, urged him to at least consider the proposal that he agreed to meet with the show’s producers.
The seasoned choreographer, now 50, recalled his first meeting with the Dance India Dance team, which included co-judges Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapur. He was adamant that the show should be unscripted.
“I told them, don’t give us a script and let us speak from our hearts. This approach worked perfectly from the very first episode. Terence, Geeta, and I formed a genuine bond, and it was clear that not having a script was the right choice,” he shared.
Beyond his notable choreography for films like “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” and “Bajirao Mastani,” Remo has also made significant strides in direction. His directorial ventures include “FALTU,” the “ABCD” franchise, “A Flying Jatt,” and “Race 3.” Recently, he made a cameo in Kunal Khemu’s directorial debut, “Madgaon Express.”
On the personal front, Remo has been happily married to costume designer Lizelle Watkins for 25 years. Together, they have two sons, Dhruv and Gabriel.
From his initial hesitation to embrace television to becoming one of its most beloved personalities, Remo D’Souza’s journey is a testament to his talent, authenticity, and dedication to the art of dance.