Here's how Raj Surani's passion for dance landed him in Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster movies

Mumbai: Making a way in the film industry is not easy, but nothing could stop the undeniable passion for dance and hard work that Raj Surani had to make his way up in the industry.

"Dance was not only my passion but my life." says Raj Surani, Dance Coordinator, 'Octopus Entertainment. 

It was not a cakewalk for Surani; he had to wait a long time before the opportunity knocked on his door, "In 1996, while I was studying at Rizvi College, Bandra, I came to know from a friend that director was looking for good looking extra models for Shah Rukh Khan's new movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I wanted to try my luck and went for an audition, and with God's grace, I got selected." 

That's how he took a step in the glamour world and since then never looked back, "I had the ambition to do something big. But I never thought that I would do something big in the film industry."

After his first gig, he took a break to complete his studies. Then in December 2002, he received a call from Farah Khan, who was looking for some dancers for the audition for Main Hoon Na. Furthermore, he got selected, "I had started getting paid rupees 1500 per day. I had to support my family and younger sister's education, so I made sure that I earned rupees 30-40 thousand a month. It was a sufficient amount back then", shares Raj.

He has featured in songs including "Maahi Ve, It's the time to disco from the movie, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho,' and the songs from other movies, including Kaal, Om Shanti Om and many more. 

He had the privilege to work with many superstars, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, John Abhram, Saif Ali Khan, Priety Zinta and many more. 
"Working with such superstars has been a wonderful and learning experience. Every star teaches and shares something beautiful. Every experience has been an important part of my journey."

Surani experienced his fair share of struggles. At that time, he did not have money to enrol in Cine Dancers' Association and get a valid ID card. At this time, he mortgaged his mother's jewellery and got Rs. 51,000. Later, he worked hard and got the jewellery back.

Now, he has started his venture 'Octopus Entertainment', where he is changing the lives of youngsters. He has been guiding them and creating a wave for dance. "It is my dream to take the dance to the next level," added Surani.

• Shah Rukh Khan
• Raj Surani
• Bollywood