Dancing My Way to Stardom in Bollywood's Spotlight

When I was just four years old, the vibrant world of Bollywood unveiled itself to me. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai played on our family TV, a film my parents, enthusiastic Bollywood lovers, introduced me to. I remember being captivated by Shah Rukh Khan, who would soon become my lifelong idol. Today, I still stand by my claim of being his most passionate fan from Indonesia.

Fast forward to recent events, and my admiration for Shah Rukh Khan was reignited with the release of his blockbuster movie, Jawan. Although the film was always expected to do well, the records it shattered were beyond anyone's wildest predictions. Directed by Atlee and releasing hot on the heels of Khan’s big comeback film Pathaan, Jawan enjoyed the spotlight for several reasons: well-timed discounts, minimal competition, and, of course, the undying goodwill for SRK.

Despite Pathaan being an all-time blockbuster, collecting a whopping $73.4 million USD (₹ 543 crore) domestically and grossing $141.9 million USD (Rs 1050 crore) worldwide, Jawan surpassed it effortlessly. In its impressive stride, Jawan not only became SRK’s first pan-India film but also achieved a domestic collection of $84.5 million USD (₹ 625 crore) and a staggering worldwide gross of nearly $151.4 million USD (₹ 1,120 crore). The star-studded cast, which included talents like Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, and others, alongside a plot that combined political messaging with gripping action, earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

The records it broke were astounding:

• Biggest Bollywood Opening: Jawan earned $10.1 million USD (₹ 75 crore) on its release day, eclipsing Pathaan's day-one record of $7.7 million USD (₹ 57 crore).
• Biggest Single-day Haul: On its fourth day, Jawan garnered $10.8 million USD (₹ 80 crore) across all languages, setting a benchmark in the history of Hindi cinema.
• Record Footfall: With a phenomenal 35 million (3.5 crore) footfall across the country, it became the number one Indian film of the year, irrespective of language. Its dubbed versions in Tamil and Telugu further contributed around $8.1 million USD (₹ 60 crore).
• Top-grossing Bollywood Film Domestically: Surpassing Pathaan's domestic record, Jawan became the biggest Hindi-language hit ever in India. Notably, it was the first Hindi film to cross the $84.5 million USD (₹ 600 crore) mark in its home market.
• Unprecedented Recovery for a Hindi Film: Reports suggest that after considering distributors' shares, Jawan recuperated $98.6 million USD (₹ 730 crore), thanks to a split between the theatrical market and digital, satellite, and music rights.

Post the release of Jawan, my vibrant world of Bollywood seemed even brighter and more influential. My childhood memories of dancing to SRK's tunes were now juxtaposed with this recent phenomenon that added another layer to my ongoing romance with Bollywood.

The Bollywood wave hit Indonesia after the release of KKHH, flooding TV channels with Bollywood films, allowing me to grow up amidst this colourful cinematic culture. My love for Bollywood became a shared joy as I regularly invited friends to belt out iconic Bollywood numbers and dance alongside me. Those childhood moments weren't just fleeting memories; they were my early training sessions. With DVDs being the trend back then, I would incessantly replay sequences, refining my moves, imitating the actors, and unintentionally paving my path towards becoming a dance choreographer.

While my heart understood the essence of Bollywood, the language was a challenge. Not fluent in Hindi, I often sought translations for the evocative lyrics from movies and songs, such as Humko Humi Se Chura Lo or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. This frequent interaction with the language through cinema and music allowed me to familiarize myself, and over time, I began to comprehend words and dialogues spontaneously.

To say that Shah Rukh Khan holds a special place in my heart would be an understatement. For me, he personifies Bollywood. His prominence in Indonesia, thanks to the nation's unwavering love for Bollywood, is undeniable. His recent movies, following a hiatus of nearly five years, saw overwhelming anticipation. Theatres were consistently packed, and I ensured I was amongst those audiences, not once but multiple times. I believe there's an unparalleled magnetism about him. Despite having watched a plethora of films from various industries, including Hollywood, I remain convinced that no actor embodies the charisma of SRK.

One of my most cherished memories revolves around a personal Shah Rukh Khan adventure. In 2012, news reached me that SRK was in Jakarta for an event. Without a second thought, I embarked on a 4-hour drive to catch a glimpse of him. While my schoolgirl status meant I couldn't access the press conference, I stood patiently outside, hoping to see him even if just for a fleeting moment. The following day was monumental; attending his concert, witnessing him perform live. This unforgettable encounter led to an impulsive trip to India, specifically to join the throngs of fans celebrating his birthday outside his home, Mannat.

My connection to Bollywood has also deeply influenced my professional trajectory. As a choreographer, I once worked behind the scenes for TV series and shows. My unabating love for Bollywood songs, however, inspired me to begin producing and sharing dance videos online. This content resonated deeply with the Indonesian audience. Mirroring my childhood joys, I replicated the Bollywood essence for them, leading to my online content going viral. My influence now extends beyond the entertainment realm. Venturing into business, my first endeavour, Delvina Perfume, experienced staggering success, selling 500 bottles before its official launch. A similar story unfolded with my sleepwear business. Bollywood, and Indonesia's profound love for it, has undeniably been the compass guiding my illustrious career.