Released in 1995, ‘Coolie No. 1’ remains one of the most loved films of Karisma Kapoor and Govinda’s career.Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane while appearing in the first episode of India’s Best Dancer.
The actress recalled one of the most memorable experiences at the beginning of her career after contestant Anshika Dhara performed the popular song ‘Hasan Hai Suhana’.The performance reminded Karishma of her days filming for the 1995 chartbuster hit “Coolie No. 1.” Looking back at that period, she revealed that she was still a teenager and felt a lot of pressure while sharing screen space with one of Bollywood’s most popular artists.
Karisma Kapoor dancing with Govinda
Karishma spoke about her age at the time and the responsibility that came with performing alongside Govinda. She said, “You are only 16, and at that time I was about 17 or 18. I had to dance with Govinda ji.”The actress explained that working with Govinda was exciting and scary. For the young Karishma, matching her energy on screen was a challenge that she still remembers clearly today.
First song with Ganesh Acharya Added to the pressure
Apart from dancing with Govinda – Karishma revealed that the song also marked one of her first collaborations with choreographer Ganesh Acharya.
Sharing her memories, she said, “I especially remember in that song, it was one of the first or second dance numbers with chi chi. Main bahut nervous thi aur ganesh acharya ki saath bhi mera pehla jaana tha, toh woh bhi ek naya mix tha.” (“I especially remember that song because it was one of my first or second dance numbers with Chi Chi. I was very nervous, and it was also my first song with Ganesh Acharya, so that was a completely new combination for me.
“)The actress noted that everything in the song sounded new. She was still finding her footing in the industry, while Ganesh Acharya was also building his reputation as a choreographer.
David Dhawan Help relieve her nervousness
Karishma also recalled the support she received from director David Dhawan during the shoot. According to her, the director personally helped create a comfortable environment during the shoot.Recalling their interaction, she shared, “Mujhe yaad hai David Dhawan mere paas aaye the aur kaha tha, ‘You know, yeh bahot hi achhe choreographer hain, yeh naye Ganesh Master hain.’
“Woh bhi bahot shy feel kar rahe the aur main bhi bahot shy thi.” (“I remember David Dhawan came to me and said, ‘You know, he’s a very good choreographer. He’s the new Ganesh master. He was very shy too, and I was just as shy.’)She also revealed that she and Ganesh Acharya were initially reserved, which prompted the team to help them settle into the project.Talking about those moments, Karishma said, “Phir unko samjhana tha aur mujhe Batana tha ki dekhiye, aap Govinda ji ke saath dance kar rahi ho, aur yeh ek item song hai.”
(“Then they had to explain things to him and say, ‘Look, you’re dancing with Govinda ji, and this is a solo song.'”)Meanwhile, David Dhawan is gearing up for the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The project is expected to be the veteran director’s final directorial project after a career spanning more than four decades.