Choreographer Longinus Fernandes first came into limelight in 2006, when he partnered Shweta Salve in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and took the runners up title. But arguably, his greatest moment arrived when Danny Boyle thanked him in his Oscar acceptance speech, while receiving the Academy Award for Slumdog Millionaire (2008).
“I share a special bond with Danny Boyle. I know that he will always be there for me. In fact, all that I have done internationally has come from his office and staff. I will always have great regards and respect for this genuine person. Apart from being a great filmmaker, he is also a great human being,” says Longinus, who has just returned after training participants at the Canadian edition of the international hit show, So You Think You Can Dance.
Longinus has been choreographing on the show since 2009. He says, “After the success of Slumdog Millionaire, I got a call from the Xcel Talent Agency in the US to choreograph the group number, Jhoom barabar jhoom…. They were very keen to have me involved in the show and I was more than pleased to be a part of such an esteemed project.” In 2010, Longinus choreographed a group sequence for the opening on Jai ho…. “That same year, I was also requested to choreograph a duet for the couple, Danielle and Sebastian.”
The 2011 season of the show started in July and winded up last month. “In the same season, I choreographed the opening with a group performance on Dil Bole Hadippa…, which was well appreciated. I also choreographed a duet performance,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}The 2011 season of the show started in July and winded up last month. “In the same season, I choreographed the opening with a group performance on Dil Bole Hadippa…, which was well appreciated. I also choreographed a duet performance,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}Longinus has also trained participants, Jean Pierre and Shelina in Indian dances. “I coached these two participants in Rajasthani folk style and they did a splendid job.” Currently, Longinus is working on Bollywood films like, My Friend Pinto, Unforgettables, Listen Ameyia and Barfee. “I have choreographed a small sequence in Barfee with Ranbir Kapoor. He is simply fantastic and can give anybody a run for their money,” he says.