The latest from acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker Suni Taraporwala Amazon Prime Video Show, Waack GirlsWaacking is a lively and energetic tribute to the dance style. Suni’s previous works include iconic films like Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, and the Oscar-nominated Salaam Bombay.
Waack Girls is a young adult drama that explores the lives of six girls who come together to form a dance troupe, navigating the dynamic world of waacking. Through their journey, the show explores universal themes of friendship, passion and perseverance. In a chat with SCREEN, Sooni, along with lead cast members Mekhola Bose and Rayatasha Rathore, shared insights into the making of Waack Girls, a show specifically designed for young adults – a demographic often overlooked in Indian film and television.
Waacking is a vibrant street dance style that originated in the underground gay clubs of 1970s Los Angeles, where it evolved from the energetic dance form known as punking. Watch the video:
“I discovered waacking through Mekhola, and I was inspired to create a program around it because of her,” explained Suni. “I didn’t know what walking was, but when I asked Mekhola about it, she told me about its history and her relationship with dance. It really sparked something in me.” Mekhola Bose, who plays the lead role of Ishani in the show, is the granddaughter of legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee. However, she didn’t feel pressured to live up to her grandfather’s legacy. “I didn’t let it affect me because I had Soni guiding me through the whole process. ” she said. “I have a very supportive family, and I don’t take any outside pressure from the world. I know my grandfather is watching me over there and is proud of me.”
Social media content creator turned actress Ritsha Rathore plays the role of Lopa, the manager of a dance group. “Suni instructed me to build the character as he envisioned it,” said Rathore. “The dance form itself is vibrant and energetic, and we had a blast learning the choreography.” What sets Waack Girls apart is its focus on young adults, a demographic that Indian television often ignores. “There are very few programs that cater to this age group, and I think that’s what makes Waack Girls special,” says Sooni.
The show’s choreography was designed by South Korean champion Walker Eunji. The team also collaborated with Siamak Dawar’s dance company to bring the choreography to life on camera. “We had a blast doing the dance steps at the show,” recalled Mekhola Bose. “All five of us had dance experience, so it was easy for us to come together as a group. We bonded over acting workshops and became like a team.
Sony hopes the show will help popularize waacking and give it the recognition it deserves. “I hope that by popularizing the word waack, people will become more aware of this dance style,” she said.