Ahmed Khan on Sikandar star Salman Khan’s signature moves: 'Even grandfathers can do it, but sometimes youngsters can’t'

For a considerable amount of time now, Ahmed Khan has been fully immersed in filming his directorial effort, Welcome to the Jungle. However, he quickly agreed to choreograph the title track for Sikandar when producer Sajid Nadiadwala contacted him. Ahmed made his choreographic return after an eight-year hiatus with the recent release of Sikandar Naache, a dance piece featuring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna.

Salman Khan's effortless style enhances the song

During an interaction with Mid Day, he said that he would do anything for them, highlighting his long-term partnership with the superstar-producer combo. Hit songs and hook steps will be likely to appear in Salman's flicks, and his legions of admirers will be quick to copy them. How, then, did Ahmed, as a choreographer, ensure that the most recent number would remain memorable? He responded by stating that the swagger of a Salman song would make it unforgettable. He added, "He comes up with moves that even a grandfather can do, and sometimes he pulls off moves that even youngsters can’t match up."

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But for Ahmed, working with Salman has always been enjoyable; putting a handsome man in front of the camera is like completing a halfway house. People can watch their creation come to life as he follows their step-by-step instructions, even if he doesn't always follow them precisely.

Jumme Ki Raat from 2014's Kick was the choreographer and Salman's last successful collaboration together. Ahmed said that its successor, Sikandar Naache, was to be even better. Or they had to, at least, attempt to reach that space.

Inclusion of Dabke – Unique twist

At that point, Nadiadwala proposed blending the Levantine folk dance known as Dabke into the composition. The idea piqued Ahmed's interest, and earlier this year he created the choreography for the number, which featured 500 dancers performing on a huge stage in a Mumbai studio.

He explained that incorporating the Dabke dance technique was Nadiadwala's suggestion. Ahmed doesn't think this has ever happened in Hindi cinema before. The producer made special arrangements to bring Lebanese dancers from Turkey who were skilled in Dabke. Ahmed was ecstatic that they included that detail and Salman has given his all to this song's dancing.

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Dabke is a blend of circle and line dancing styles. Performing this traditional dance at weddings and other festive events is a common practice in Palestine, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Sikandar release date

Meanwhile, Sikandar is all set to hit the big screen on a Sunday, that is, March 30, 2025.

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