Renowned Indian film choreographer and dance exponent Sandip Soparrkar was invited as a special guest to the 4th edition of the Bishkek International Film Festival, where he conducted a captivating master class titled “Language of Dance in Bollywood Cinema”.
The festival distinguished itself with its unique commitment to environmental awareness. While most film festivals are known for their glamorous red carpets, the Bishkek International Film Festival introduced a symbolic “Sky Carpet,” promoting the importance of a cleaner and greener environment. Soparrkar became one of the most talked-about personalities on the Sky Carpet as he made a striking appearance with his trademark red tilak, dressed in a maroon suit featuring a dramatic extended cape designed by Chhaya Gandhi. Completing the look was an elegant Polki diamond-and-ruby jewellery piece worn as a necktie, adding a touch of regal sophistication to his ensemble.
The master class drew an audience of over 350 cinema lovers, dancers, students, and film enthusiasts, making it one of the most attended interactive sessions of the festival. Through engaging audio-visual presentations and live demonstrations, Soparrkar traced the evolution of dance in Indian cinema, highlighting how Bollywood choreography has transformed over the decades while continuing to remain an integral part of storytelling. He also explored the influence of Hollywood and international dance styles on Bollywood, offering fascinating insights into the cultural exchange that has shaped contemporary Indian cinema.
Director, Bishkek International Film Festival, Kyrgyzstan said, “Having Sandip Soparrkar as part of the 4th Bishkek International Film Festival was truly an honor and a privilege for us. From the very beginning, we wanted this year’s festival to celebrate not only cinema, but also the power of artistic and cultural exchange between countries. Sandip embodies exactly that spirit. He is an internationally respected artist whose work goes far beyond dance — he represents creativity, discipline, elegance, and cultural diplomacy. We believed his presence would bring a unique perspective to the festival and inspire both young filmmakers and artists in Kyrgyzstan and it did exactly that and even more.”
A particularly popular segment of the session focused on the ten most expensive dance sequences ever filmed in Bollywood. Soparrkar shared behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the elaborate sets, costumes, choreography, and production values that brought these iconic spectacles to life on screen. The audience responded enthusiastically, interacting with the choreographer and engaging in lively discussions about cinema and dance.
Adding to the excitement of the evening was a special dance performance by Alinaa and her Kauhar Dance Troupe, who joined Soparrkar during the master class. Their energetic participation and collaborative performances brought an international flavour to the event and made the session even more memorable for those in attendance.
The evening reached its peak when Soparrkar invited the entire audience to dance with him to the popular song “Daarling” from the film 7 Khoon Maaf starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The open air stage quickly transformed into a joyous dance floor, with attendees enthusiastically joining in the celebration.
Speaking about the experience, Soparrkar said, “The Bishkek International Film Festival was truly special. The warmth of the people, the innovative Sky Carpet concept, and the incredible enthusiasm of the audience made this an unforgettable experience. It was wonderful to see so many people come together through the universal language of cinema and dance. I am grateful for the love and affection I received in Bishkek.”
Sandip Soparrkar At Bishkek International Film Festival In Kyrgyzstan
