Abdul Ghani

you & me

Self-taught and talented, Abdul Ghani has choreographed dances for major events including several popular award shows and has choreographed for many leading faces of the Pakistani film industry. Ghani is also an actor and a model.

In 2007, Ghani joined mainstream theatre and kicked off as a choreographer for musicals like ‘Chicago’ belting out striking performances alongside Sanam Saeed, Zoe Viccaji, Annie Jaffery, Nida Butt, etc. Later, he and Nida choreographed a show called ‘Greece’, which included Ahmed Ali Akbar, Sanam Saeed, and Ayesha Omar in the cast. He also acted and choreographed simultaneously in productions such as ‘A Love Letter to Karachi’ and Shah Sharabreel’s ‘Twins Apart’. The dancer has also dabbled into the world of acting. He has been part of a few TV serials such as ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Bunty I Love You’, ‘Pehchan’, etc.

Let’s get to know more about his journey…

Where did your passion for dancing come from?

Since my childhood. And when I grew up, despite my family’s opposition, I joined a dance group which was in contract with a private channel and from there, it was no looking back for me.

How was the harbouring period? Did you meet any criticism or rejection?

My family opposed initially but my determination melted them down when appreciation from everywhere started pouring in. To hone my skills, I took classes from National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) and later got the opportunity to work with the incredible minds of theatre, first as an actor and later, as a choreographer.

How did you feel working with the legendary Zia Mohyeddin?

I am one of those few lucky ones who have the privilege of coming under the tutelage of legendary Sir Zia Mohyeddin, when I joined NAPA. My biggest assets are those academic classes which I took from him to improve my diction. Working under his abled guidance and observing his work ethics, artistic range, minute detailing, directorial standards and unassuming energy at his age that even I can’t compete with, helped me better my craft. I remember him coming to me after the end of a movement play ‘A Love Letter to Karachi’ appreciating me by saying ‘shabash issi terha kaam kartay raho. Yeh idaara aapka hai aur aap hamaray sath kaam kartay rahy geh’. I am now a proud member of the faculty of NAPA.

Who is your dancing inspiration?

Michael Jackson and Prabhu Deva are my favourites.

Which genre of dancing are you most comfortable with?

As a choreographer, knowledge of every trajectory of dance is way too important as music has gone limitless with layers and layers of fusion and blends. Therefore, complete understating of music from contemporary to classical, hip hop, salsa, jazz, bhangra, mewa is mandatory for a choreographer.

In terms of work ethics, how has our industry evolved?

It’s good to see a shift in the conventional mind-set. Professional dancing is carving its due niche. Artists are taking dance classes and our production houses approach choreographers more keenly.

What change would you like to see in the industry?

New ideas, fresh minds, contemporary infrastructures and modern technology.

What cemented your place in the industry?

I think my association with Sonu Dangerous Group, was the turning point and opened many doors of opportunities. However, it was the dance reality show ‘Nachlay’ which brought me countrywide recognition with dollops of praise and critical acclaim.

Big challenges come with the transition to big screen. What has that journey been like?

It has been a fantastic one. I have collaborated with the extremely talented teams of ‘Parwaaz Hai Junoon’, ‘Bin Roye Ansoo’ and ‘Karachi se Lahore’. I also acted in ‘Dance Kahani’ in the role of a villain.

Any international collaborations?

During the shooting of Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat starrer ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Aani’, I got the privilege to work with Indian choreographer Shabina Khan. I acted in two plays directed by an Australian director named Joshinder. Besides that, there have been two foreign groups that I am working with under a Cultural Exchange Programme. One is from Luthania and the other from USA.

What efforts are you making to promote dance in all its manifestations?

I’m so happy to divulge that I’m teaching dance at Arts Council to students as a part of their theatre syllabus.

Which actors did you enjoy choreographing the most?

I enjoyed working with Hania Amir, Fahad Mustufa, Feroze Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Ahsan Khan, Humayun Saeed and Ali Zafar.

Any upcoming projects?

I recently choreographed a song for actor Kushal Khan and Dananeer for their show airing on a private channel. We also celebrated the recently held International Dance Day where legendary artists Nighat Chaudhry, Samarat, Shahid Shafat, Mani, Khurram and other dance groups also joined in.