Meet Nakul Dev Mahajan | Bollywood Dance Choreographer and Dance Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nakul Dev Mahajan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nakul Dev, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a first generation South Asian American growing up in Los Angeles in the 80’s, there were no outlets for me to explore my hidden passion for Bollywood Dance. I had no choice other than popping in VHS tapes and copying what I saw and trying to get better at it. During that time, we had Indian classical dance teachers but Bollywood Dance teachers did not exist. It was then, at a very young age, when I made a decision that I am going to open the first Bollywood Dance school in the United States. In 2003, I did just that. I wanted to provide a space where Bollywood Dance enthusiasts can learn proper technique and feel a sense of cultural belonging.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been coined as, “Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood Choreographer,” with over 25 years of experience in Hollywood. I am considered a pioneer in the Bollywood field in America, by being the very first choreographer to bring Bollywood to American daytime and primetime television,

I created national press and entertainment attention in 2003 when he opened his dance studio in Los Angeles, which ultimately lead to his 14 years association with the Emmy winning show, So You Think You Can Dance.

What I am most proud of is my dance company and school. Seeing people of all ages coming to one place to dance and build community and friends brings me the most joy.

By no means was this an overnight success story. I had many challenges a long the way such as cancer and nearly losing my business due to the pandemic. It was my passion and love of dance and culture that keeps me going. We have not bounced back yet, but it’s getting better each year, slowly, but better this year than the last.

I want the world to know that making your dreams come true is not easy, but it can happen with dedication and lots of hard work. I built something from scratch and was laughed at for the idea of opening a Bollywood Dance school. Being someone who identifies himself as LBGTQ had more obstacles to overcome in this journey to where I am now. It’s about making lemonade out of lemons and then making a lemonade stand.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had a full circle moment in 2014, when I finally had a chance to work with Paula Abdul who inspired me to become a choreographer. During the late 80’s and early 90’s, Paula Abdul was the “it” girl, with her Emmy winning choreography projects, back to back number one singles and redefining music videos with dance. I was in awe of her and she became my “American Idol.” It was Paula Abdul who introduced me to the word “choreographer.” The 15 year old me never knew that someone can have a job making up dance steps and setting it to music and earn good money at the same time. It sounded like a dream and I wanted to a piece of that. I would often blend Paula’s dance moves with Bollywood movement and come up with my own style. Soon after that I began competing in dance contests and winning. By the mid 90’s I was a household name in my small community in Los Angeles. I had bigger dreams, but it all started with a Paula Abdul music video called, “Straight Up,” There’s some irony there.

Website: www.ndmdance.com

Instagram: nakuldevmahajan

Twitter: @nakuldevmahajan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nakul-Dev-Mahajan/110183892331183

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NDMdance