Ahmed Khan Turns 49: Interesting Facts About Mr India’s Child Artist-turned-choreographer, Director

Famous choreographer Ahmed Khan turned 49 today. He is a multi-talented and prominent personality in the Bollywood industry. Fondly known as Puppy King, he is also a screenwriter and producer. This popular choreographer was the favorite judge in the dance reality TV show Dance India Dance Lil Master; And also judged Nach Baliye 9. Among the many lesser known facts about him, one that stands out is his association with the iconic film Mr. India. He was one of the orphan child actors of that film. The Baaghi 2, 3 director has worked in a few other films as well.

Read also: Happy Birthday Ahmed Khan: 6 Best Films of the Ace Director

On the special occasion of his 49th birthday, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the Mr India child artist turned choreographer-director:

1. Who can forget the hook steps of ‘Rangeela Re’ in the Aamir Khan-Urmila starrer blockbuster film Rangeela? Well, it was choreographed by Ahmed and won him the Filmfare Best Choreography Award (1995).
2. Ahmed has been fond of dancing since childhood. His mother, who was a friend of famous choreographer Saroj Khan, later requested him to give him a chance and test his skills. Due to this, he was made assistant dance director in the film ‘Anjaam’ (1994).
3. His full name is Ahmed Khan Mulla. He is married to Shayra Khan, who used to be a model and is now a producer with Paperdoll Entertainment.
4. Paathshaala starring Shahid Kapoor-Ayesha Takia was produced by Ahmed and Shaira.
5. Ek Paheli Leela was also a product of the duo’s production house Paperdoll Entertainment.
6. He narrowly escaped death during 2 fatal situations. The first instance was at the World Trade Center (they shot there 2 days before the devastating attack). The second time he narrowly escaped death was during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. He was supposed to stay at a hotel near the disaster site, but he canceled the reservation at the eleventh hour.
7. After Mr. India, he once again acted as a child artist in the film Raakh (1989).
8. Apart from the Baaghi sequel, he had previously directed films like ‘Lakeer – Forbidden Lines’ and ‘Fool N Final’.
9. He received the Filmfare Award for Best Choreography for Salman Khan’s Kick. Taal, Ghajini, Ganesh (Telugu film), Yuva are some other films where he was the choreographer.