Songs hold immense significance in Hindi cinema, often serving as the emotional backbone and grand spectacle of a film. When it comes to filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, every element, from the elaborate sets and intricate costumes to the captivating songs, exudes grandeur. One such masterpiece is 'Dola Re Dola' from the movie 'Devdas,' a song that garnered an astonishing 17 awards and remains a beloved dance number to this day.
The Iconic 'Dola Re Dola'
Whenever 'Dola Re Dola' is mentioned, vivid images of its opulent visuals, stunning dance steps, and the graceful performances of Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit immediately come to mind. Aishwarya's ability to match steps with a seasoned dancer like Madhuri Dixit left everyone spellbound. The song isn't just a dance sequence; it has become a landmark in Bollywood history, celebrated for its visual splendor and intricate choreography.
Choreographed from the Floor
The story behind the creation of this iconic dance number is as remarkable as its on-screen presentation. Renowned choreographer Saroj Khan was responsible for 'Dola Re Dola,' but she was in immense pain and severely ill during its production. Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself recounted to Quint that during the filming of 'Dola Re Dola,' Saroj ji was so unwell that she couldn't stand. Consequently, she choreographed the entire song while lying on the floor, giving instructions to the dancers from that position. She continued shooting in this manner for 15 days, yet her work showed no trace of her struggle.
The Challenge of Two Superstars
Choreographing 'Dola Re Dola' presented a unique challenge for Saroj Khan, as it featured two top-tier actresses and exceptional dancers: Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai. Saroj Khan once shared that she was careful not to make either actress feel that their steps were inferior or that they were being overshadowed. She feared that one might feel isolated, but fortunately, no such incident occurred, and both delivered spectacular performances.
Dedication Beyond the Set
'Dola Re Dola' was particularly special for Saroj Khan, marking it as one of the most challenging songs of her career and a significant testament to her success. She was under considerable pressure during its creation, knowing that audiences would compare Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai's expressions and dance steps frame by frame, while her goal was to give both actresses equal space to shine, and she succeeded in showcasing the talents of both leading ladies of that era.
Saroj Khan's dedication and passion for her craft were truly extraordinary. Soon after 'Devdas' was released, her health deteriorated, and she was hospitalized. When Sanjay Leela Bhansali visited her in the hospital with Aishwarya, he was astonished by her concern for the song even from her hospital bed. Saroj Khan asked, 'Did 'Dola Re Dola' earn money or not, while ' Sanjay Leela Bhansali recounted to Subhash K Jha after Saroj Khan's demise in 2020 that this incident exemplified her immense passion for her work; even in that state, she wanted to know if her efforts were appreciated. This moment underscores Saroj Khan's unparalleled commitment and profound love for her art, which ultimately made 'Dola Re Dola' an immortal masterpiece.
