Salehuddin Sohel
The busiest and most successful choreographer of all time was Michael Babu. The popular choreographer has been working parallely in films and music videos and taking classes at his own dance academy. Although Michael Babu’s full name is Sajib Mahmud, he is known as Michael Babu in the media. Born and raised in the Mugda area of Dhaka, this dance director, who has been attracted to dance since childhood, became a dancer when he was just ten years old.
He took his first dance training with the help of Ustad Zahid Hasan Rakib. He completed various courses including Modern, Commercial, Hip Hop, Western with Zahid Hasan for five years. He also learned folk, classical and general dance from Sheikh Shimu, the choreographer of Bangladesh Television.
In 2001, Babu started working as an assistant choreographer in the film with Saiful Islam, a master and popular choreographer. He later worked as an assistant choreographer in about 55 films. Notable films include Sonar Moyna Pakhi, Desher Sontan, Ek Takar Chalay, Koti Takar Meye and Khairun Sundari.
Michael started working as a full-fledged choreographer in 2012. So far he has worked in over hundred films. Notable films include Dewan Nazmul’s Seemarekha and Nakful, Rikia Masud’s The Story of Samara, Ma Babar Sontan, Bhoynkor Golmal, Sarwar Hossain’s Khas Jamin, Joy Sarkar’s Indubala, Hridoy Juray, Hamonti, Toukir Ahmed’s Sphulingo.
Among the unpublished films under the direction by Michael Babu are Saikat Nasir’s Border, Faridul Hasan’s Corporate, Belal Sunny’s Danger Zone, Apurba Rana’s Jalrang, and Ali Azad’s Banalata. Beside, Michael Babu has worked as a choreographer in a film co-produced by India and Bangladesh. This choreographer has performed at the inaugural event of the Asian Games, the last international event. The popular choreographer has also worked as a choreographer for more than a hundred music videos of various artists, including popular vocalists.
Michael Babu is also a listed dancer on Bangladesh Television and a member of the Film Artists Association and the Choreographers Association. In addition to conducting dance, Michael is currently teaching dance at his own organization, MBR Dance Company. He is also a dance teacher at Asha University English Club.
Asked about his dream, Michael Babu said, “I want to work till death.” I want the good days of film to come again in the country. My dream is to organize a dance on a large scale. I seeks everyone love and blessings.
