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Nakul Dev Mahajan

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Nakul Dev Mahajan
Born (1975-09-15) September 15, 1975 (age 49)
Agra, India
Occupation(s)Dancer, choreographer
Years active2003 - present
Career
Current groupNDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios[1]
DancesBollywood dance
Websitewww.ndmdance.com

Nakul Dev Mahajan (born 15 September 1975) is an Indian-American Bollywood dancer and choreographer best known for his choreography on So You Think You Can Dance. He is the founder and artistic director of NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios, a Bollywood dance company based in Artesia, California.[2] Mahajan has served as a talent show judge for reality television productions.[3][4][5] His dance choreography is prominent in the Disney Junior animated series Mira, Royal Detective.[6]

Early life and background

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Born in Agra, India, in a Punjabi family,[7] Mahajan and his family immigrated to the United States in the 1960s.[8] Mahajan began formal dance training at age 17,[8] and graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Dance in 2002.[9]

Career

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Michelle Obama joins students for a Bollywood Dance Clinic with Nakul Dev Mahajan, in White House, November 5, 2013

The work of Nakul Dev Mahajan has been influenced by classical indian dances and Western dance styles (hip-hop, Latin and jazz).[10] As a result of his efforts to teach and promote the Bollywood dance style, Mahajan has been called Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood Choreographer[11] and an Ambassador of Bollywood Dance.[12]

Mahajan appeared as a guest star (dancer) in season 3, episode 6 (Diwali) of The Office (TV sitcom),[13] led a Bollywood Dance instructional session prior to the 81st Academy Awards (2009),[14] and choreographed a flash mob style Bollywood scene for an episode of Fuller House (TV series) (2016).[15][16] Sonia Singh and Mahajan co-authored the script for One Man Bollywood Show, a 2009 stage production performed by Mahajan.[8]

2015 World Choreography Award recipients (left to right) Chucky Klapow, Paula Abdul, Nakul Dev Mahajan, Renee Ritchie (not pictured), for the video 'Check Yourself'.

In 2011, Mahajan was the recipient of the University of California, Riverside Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.[17][18] Mahajan was selected to the "Wall of the World" panel of judges for CBS' The World's Best (reality talent competition).[3][4]

In 2015, the World Choreography Award (Digital Media Format) was awarded for Check Yourself, a collaboration between Mahajan, Chucky Klapow, Paula Abdul, and Renee Ritchie.[19][20]

Dance Studios

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In 2003, Mahajan founded NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios, the first Bollywood dance school in the U.S.; the school has since served over 3000 students.[21][22]

In 2015, 430 students and 20 members of the school's dance troupe performed Bollywood Travels (the annual student recital) for a total of 2700 audience members.[23] Mahajan serves as a guest instructor in the faculty of the Broadway Dance Center.[24]

Television

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So You Think You Can Dance (U.S., 2008-2019)

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Nakul Dev Mahajan's choreography introduced the Bollywood Dance style to the stage of So You Think You Can Dance (reality TV show) in Season 4.[25] Katee Shean and Joshua Allen's performance of Mahajan's routine for Season 4 was in YouTube's "Most Viewed" list for one week,[26] and was included in BuzzFeed's 2014 25 Best 'So You Think You Can Dance' Routines of all Time listing.[27] In subsequent seasons of the show, Bollywood performances were included regularly (see summary table, below).

Choreography for So You Think You Can Dance (U.S.)

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Season Week Dancers Style Song Result Reference
4 5 Katee Shean
Joshua Allen 		Bollywood "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om Safe [28]
6 Top 10 Bollywood "JBJ" from Jhoom Barabar Jhoom [25][28]
9 Katee Shean
Joshua Allen 		Bollywood "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om Judge's Pick
(Nigel Lythgoe) 		[28]
5 1 Caitlin Kinney
Jason Glover 		Bollywood "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire Safe [25][29]
6 Top 5 Female Dancers Bollywood "Dholna" from Pyaar Ke Geet [citation needed]
9 Caitlin Kinney
Jason Glover 		Bollywood "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire Judge's Pick (Christopher Lil' C Toler) [25][29]
6
(2009) 		2 Mollee Gray
Nathan Trasoras 		Bollywood "Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah" from Jodhaa Akbar Safe [30][31]
4 Guest dancers, Nakul Dev Mahajan and NDM Bollywood Dance Productions Bollywood "Desi Girl" from Dostana N/A [31]
7 Russell Ferguson
Ashleigh Di Lello (injured,
replaced by Rachel ___) 		Bollywood "Spirit of Rangeela" from Rangeela Safe [31][32]
8 Mollee Gray
Nathan Trasoras 		Bollywood "Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah" from Jodhaa Akbar Judge's Pick (Tyce Diorio) [31]
7
(2010) 		2 Kathryn McCormick
Jose Ruiz 		Bollywood Marjaani Marjaani Kasama from Billu Safe [33]
4 AdéChiké Torbert
Marla ____ (substitution for Alex Wong) 		Bollywood Mourya Re from Don: The Chase Begins Again Alex Wong injured (withdrew) [33]
7 Billy Bell
Robert Roldan 		Bollywood Ganesh from Bombay Dreams Judge's Pick (Stacey Tookey);
Bell Eliminated 		[33]
9 Kent Boyd
Lauren Gottlieb 		Bollywood Om Mangalam from Kambakkht Ishq [33]
8
(2011) 		2 Iveta Lukosiute
Nick Young 		Bollywood Baawre from Luck by Chance Eliminated [34]
4 Group dance Bollywood Kata Kata from Raavan [34]
6 Clarice Ordaz
Robert Roldan 		Bollywood Aila Re Aila from Khatta Meetha Eliminated [34]
9
(2012) 		2 Witney Carson
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp 		Bollywood "Tandav Music" from Aatish Kapadi Eliminated
5 Kathryn McCormick
Will Thomas 		Bollywood Ooh La La from The Dirty Picture Safe
10
(2013) 		2 Malece Miller
Jade Zuberi 		Bollywood Radha from Student of the Year Zuberi withdrew [35]
6 Group dance Bollywood Pandeyjee Seeti from Dabangg 2
9 Amy Yakima
Alex Wong 		Bollywood Munni Badnaam Hui Darling from Dabangg 2 [36]
11
(2014) 		4 Valerie Rockey
Ricky Ubeda 		Bollywood Dilliwaali Girlfriend from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Safe [37]
6 Bridget Whitman
Brandon Bryant 		Bollywood/Disco Disco Khisko (remix) from Dil Bole Hadippa! [38]
9 Jessica Richens
Zack Everhart, Jr. 		Bollywood Ghaghra from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani [39]
12
(2015) 		2 Lily Frias
Burim Jusufi
Gaby Diaz
Edson Juarez 		Bollywood Dhol Baaje from Ek Paheli Leela Jusufi Eliminated
Juarez Bottom 6 		[40]
6 Jaja Vankova
Alex Wong 		Bollywood Naacho Re from Jai Ho soundtrack Safe
13
(2016) 		2 Contestants & All-stars Bollywood Let's Nacho from Kapoor & Sons [41]
7 J.T. and Marko Bollywood Malhari from Bajirao Mastani [42]
14
(2017) 		2 Inyoung "Dassy" Lee
DuShuant "Fik-Shun" Stegall 		Bollywood Radha Nachegi from Tevar [43]
6 Kaylee Millis
Kiki Nyemchek 		Bollywood Gallan Goodiyan from Dil Dhadakne Do Millis eliminated [44]
15
(2018) 		2 Magda Fialek
Darius Hickman 		Bollywood Badri Ki Dulhania from Badrinath Ki Dulhania [45][46]
16
(2019) 		14 Sophie Pittman
Bailey Muñoz 		Bollywood Butterfly from Jab Harry Met Sejal [47]

So You Think You Can Dance (Canada, 2008)

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Mahajan choreographed the group dance performance of Nagada, Nagada from Jab We Met in So You Think You Can Dance Canada (season 1).

Superstars of Dance

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Mahajan coached team India at the Superstars of Dance on the NBC Network and choreographed six remaining crews at the 2009 ABDCrews (season 4).[48][49][50]

Dance India Dance

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Mahajan was selected as a judge for the 2015 edition of Dance India Dance North America (filmed in Mumbai).[5][51]

Dance Moms

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For the Season 6, Episode 5 edition of the reality TV show Dance Moms, Mahajan coached the Abby Lee Dance Company Team, when Abby Lee Miller unexpectedly failed to attend practice sessions and competition.[52]

The World's Best

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Selected to the Wall of the World, a panel of global entertainment experts for The World's Best, a reality talent competition produced by CBS, Mahajan served as a judge.[3][4]

Cancer

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Diagnosis

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A 2012 diagnosis of Stage 2 testicular cancer and subsequent chemotherapy treatment interrupted Mahajan's career.[12][22]

Check Yourself

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In 2014, Mahajan choreographed a section of Paula Abdul's performance in Check Yourself, a breast cancer PSA (public service announcement) production by Avon Products.[53][54] Abdul, Mahajan, Chucky Klapow, and Renee Ritchie received a 2015 World Choreography Award for this work, in the category Digital Format.[19][20]

White House Diwali Celebration

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Following a tradition started by George W. Bush in 2003, an annual Diwali celebration takes place at the White House.[55] For the 2013 edition of the White House Diwali celebration, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a Bollywood dance workshop instructed and choreographed by Mahajan.[55][56][57] A photo of Michelle Obama dancing a Bollywood routine alongside Mahajan was cited as one of the top White House photos of 2013.[58][59]

Miss America 2014 Pageant

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Mahajan choreographed the Bollywood-Indian classical dance fusion routine performed by Nina Davuluri (2014 Miss America and the first Miss America of Indian descent) at the Miss America 2014 Talent competition;[60] the routine was set to the song Dhoom Taana, from the film Om Shanti Om.[22] Davuluri's performance of this routine marked the first time a Bollywood dance routine had been performed on the Miss America stage.[22]

Mahajan was named to The American Bazaar's Top 10 Indian American Entertainers of 2013.[61]

Film

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As associate choreographer, Mahajan choreographed the Bollywood scenes in the 2019 film High Strung Free Dance (a sequel to High Strung).[62][63]

Animation

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Mira, Royal Detective

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In 2019, Mahajan embraced the opportunity to work as the Choreographer and Indian Dance Consultant for the production of Mira, Royal Detective.[64] Described as "an animated mystery-adventure series for preschoolers, inspired by the cultures and customs of India" ,[65] the Disney Junior series features original song and dance in each episode.[6] Tasked with showcasing the diversity of Indian culture through choreography, Mahajan created original dance sequences for the cast of animated human and animal characters, ensuring representation of northern and southern Indian styles of dance, as well as Bollywood productions.[65][66]

Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures

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In two episodes of Disney Television Animation's animated children's television series Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, the characters embark on adventures that showcase Indian culture on a Bollywood film set and a trip to New Delhi. The Bollywood and Indian Dance choreography for these episodes was performed by Mahajan.[2][67]

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ Iyer, Lakshmi (13 March 2020). "Superstar Bollywood dance instructor choreographs Disney series". India Post. USA. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Nakul Dev Mahajan's Choreography Airs on Disney, Receives Satrang's 'Visionary Award'". California, USA: India West. 31 Oct 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Rathorne, Reena (14 March 2019). "Indian Musical Prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram Wins CBS' 'The World's Best', Takes Home $1M Prize". India West. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  4. ^ a b c Delbel, Julia (3 February 2019). "Meet 'The World's Best' Wall of the World Experts!". Talent Recap. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b "'Hollywood's Favorite Bollywood Choreographer' Nakul Dev Mahajan to judge DID North America 2015". Zee TV. Mumbai, India. 6 July 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  6. ^ a b Deitchman, Beth (16 March 2020). "It's No Mystery Why Disney Fans Will Love Mira, Royal Detective". D23. The Walt Disney Company. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  7. ^ Jaskiran Kapoor (17 November 2013). "Dance Like a Man - Indian Express". Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Nataraj, Nirmala (12 January 2009). "One Man, One Vision". India Currents. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  9. ^ "Notable Alumni - Nakul Dev Mahajan". UC Riverside Alumni Association. Archived from the original on 25 January 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  10. ^ Abramowitz, Rachel. "Cutting a red carpet: Indian dance teacher Nakul Dev Mahajan teaches some moves before the show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 Jun 2010.
  11. ^ Parimal, Rohit M. "One-man Bollywood Show: Hollywood's Favorite Bollywood Choreographer". Buzzine. Archived from the original on 18 April 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  12. ^ a b Randeria-Leonard, Shyamal (16 December 2014). "Ambassador of Bollywood Dance". India Currents - The Complete Indian American Magazine. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  13. ^ "The Office Diwali Season 3 Episode 6 Cast and Crew". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. 2 November 2006. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  14. ^ Abramowitz, Rachel (2009). "Cutting a red carpet: Indian dance teacher Nakul Dev Mahajan teaches some moves before the show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  15. ^ "Nakul Dev Mahajan Choreographs Bollywood Piece on 'Fuller House'". India-West. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  16. ^ Khosla, Proma (2016). "Ranking Bollywood numbers on American TV, from fine to godawful". Mashable. Mashable. Retrieved 5 March 2016.
  17. ^ a b "2011 Chancellor's Dinner Benefits Merit Scholarships, Recognizes Excellence". University of California, Riverside. Regents of the University of California. 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  18. ^ Nakul Dev Mahajan, Cydney Watson (31 October 2011). Arts/Culture: UCR Outstanding Young Alumnus Nakul Dev Mahajan ('02). Regents of the University of California. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  19. ^ a b c "World Choreography Awards". World Choreography Awards. 16 November 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  20. ^ a b c Salkin, Karen (24 November 2015). "WORLD CHOREOGRAPHY AWARDS 2015". It's not about me.tv. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  21. ^ Tirusha (17 July 2008). "Desis Sure Can Dance". Bravura Artist. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
  22. ^ a b c d Tsering, Lisa (16 September 2013). "Mahajan Choreographs Another Winning Performance". India-West. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  23. ^ Rohit, Parimal M. (3 April 2015). "Nakul Dev Mahajan Dance Troupe Travels the World, Bollywood Style". India-West. Redondo Beach, CA, USA. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  24. ^ "Nakul Dev Mahajan, BDC Guest Instructor". Broadway Dance Center. Broadway Dance Center. 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  25. ^ a b c d Kay, Lauren (1 September 2013). "Centerwork: Bollywood". dancemagazine.com. Dance Magazine. Retrieved 12 Feb 2016.
  26. ^ Jones, Jen. "Nakul Dev Mahajan: The Mastermind Behind Bollywood". Dance Spirit Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 May 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
  27. ^ Calderon, Arielle; Chen, Tanya (27 August 2014). "The 25 Best "So You Think You Can Dance" Routines Of All Time". BuzzFeed. BuzzFeed, Inc. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  28. ^ a b c "SEASON 4". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  29. ^ a b "So You Think You Can Dance's Most Memorable Couples". People. 11 June 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  30. ^ Simmons, Abbey (5 Nov 2009). "So You Think You Can Dance Guest Columnist: Shuffle, Ball, Change!". BuddyTV. BuddyTV. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  31. ^ a b c d "SEASON 6". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  32. ^ Lurie, Kathryn (9 December 2009). ""So You Think You Can Dance" Season 6, Top 8 Perform: TV Recap". wsj.com. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  33. ^ a b c d "SEASON 7". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2010. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  34. ^ a b c "Season 8". DanceMogul.com. Dance Mogul Magazine. 2011. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  35. ^ "Reviews: 'So You Think You Can Dance' review: Jade Zuberi injured; Aaron Turner shines". cartermatt.com. Matt Carter Media. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  36. ^ Yeo, Debra (11 September 2013). "So You Think You Can Dance winners revealed". thestar.com. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  37. ^ Kheel, Rebecca (27 Aug 2014). "Six dances later, Yorba Linda woman awaits votes". Orange County Register. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  38. ^ Yaneza, Rickey (6 Aug 2014). "Bridget Whitman and Brandon Bryant dance Bollywood on So You Think You Can Dance 11". Rickey.com. Rickey LLC. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  39. ^ Tisdale, Jerrica (28 Aug 2014). "'So You Think You Can Dance' 2014 Episode 14 Recap: The Finale Part 1". Star Pulse. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  40. ^ Gidlow, Steve (21 Jul 2015). "'So You Think You Can Dance' Recap: Two Contestants Sent Packing In First Round of Elimination". HNGN.COM. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  41. ^ ""SYTYCD: The Next Generation" Season 13 Recap: The Eliminations Begin". Dance Spirit. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  42. ^ Connolly, Kelly (6 September 2016). "So You Think You Can Dance recap: The Next Generation: Top 4 Perform". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  43. ^ Feller, Alison (15 August 2017). ""So You Think You Can Dance" Recap: The Eliminations Begin". Dance Spirit. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  44. ^ Connolly, Kelly (12 September 2017). "So You Think You Can Dance recap: 'Top 6 Perform'". Entertainment weekly. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  45. ^ "Darius and Magda ('So You Think You Can Dance') said hooray for Bollywood with this performance". Gold Derby. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  46. ^ Feller, Alison (14 August 2018). ""SYTYCD" Season 15 Recap: When 10 Become 8". Dance Spirit. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  47. ^ Feller, Alison (10 Sep 2019). "Sophie & Bailey, Bollywood with Nakul Dev Mahajan". Dance Spirit. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  48. ^ Rohit, Parimal M. "TEAM INDIA'S DANCING QUEENS - Team India Members Shine on 'Superstars of Dance'". Archived from the original on 4 August 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2010.
  49. ^ Bracchitta, John. "NBC reveals the identities of 'Superstars of Dance's teams and judges", www.realitytvworld.com, Retrieved on 22 June 2010.
  50. ^ "Can The ABDCrews Learn Bollywood In A Week?". MTV news. Viacom International Inc. 26 August 2009. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  51. ^ Warich, Sonia (17 September 2015). "Pennsylvania Indian American Teen Wins 'Dance India Dance'". India West. San Leandro, CA, USA. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  52. ^ Heimbrod, mimi (3 February 2016). "'Dance Moms' Season 6: Abby Lee Miller Is MIA; ALDC Wins Big At Fierce Dance Competition". Design & Trend. IBT Media. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  53. ^ "Nakul Dev Mahajan Choreographs for Paula Abdul". India West. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  54. ^ Avon #CheckYourself Credits (Digital Video). Avon Products. 30 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  55. ^ a b Anand, Kanul (22 October 2014). "This is how the white house celebrates Diwali". India Times. Washington, DC, USA. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  56. ^ Yount, Stacey (10 November 2013). "WHEN NAKUL DEV MAHAJAN AND BOLLYWOOD WENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR DIWALI!". Bollyspice.com. Washington, DC, USA. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  57. ^ "Remarks by the First Lady at Diwali Celebration". whitehouse.gov. 5 November 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2016 – via National Archives.
  58. ^ "Michelle Obama's Bollywood dance among top White House photos". NDTV (New Delhi Television Limited). Washington, DC, USA. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  59. ^ "Michelle's Bollywood Dance Moves a Hit!". The Hindu. Washington, DC, USA. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  60. ^ "The Bollywood Dance Routine That Stole The Show". India Abroad. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
  61. ^ "Top 10 Indian American entertainers of 2013". www.americanbazaaronline.com. The American Bazaar. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  62. ^ Miller, Valerie-Jean (15 October 2019). "BWW Review: HIGH STRUNG FREE DANCE AMPS UP DANCE FILM POPULARITY AND DELIVERS DYNAMIC CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCING at ArcLight Cinema Hollywood". Broadway World. Wisdom Digital Media. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  63. ^ "Meet the stars of 'High Strung Free Dance'". Dance Informa (American Edition). 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  64. ^ Mike Celestino, Nakul Dev Mahajan (10 March 2020). Video: Disney Junior's "Mira, Royal Detective" Animated Series Holds Premiere at Walt Disney Studios (video). Laughing Place, Inc. Event occurs at 9:27. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  65. ^ a b Yount, Stacey (15 Mar 2020). "Choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan Takes Us Inside the Dance of Mira, Royal Detective". Bollyspice. Bollyspice.com. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  66. ^ "Bollywood choreographer makes animated detective Mira dance to Indian tunes". Indica news. 14 Mar 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
  67. ^ Mickey Mouse Mixed Up Adventures A Gollywood Wedding!/No Dilly Dally in New Delhi. 22 Oct 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  68. ^ "INDIA EMPIRE AWARDS BEVERLY HILLS, LOS ANGELES". India Empire Magazine. 2015. Retrieved 25 Feb 2016.
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