The Story
Manish is captivated by the athleticism of dance but doesn’t tell his hardworking parents that he has dropped out of business school and used the tuition to pay for his classes.
When he secretly attends an inner-city dance school and accidentally walks into a ballet class he meets Yehuda, a curmudgeonly 75-year-old teacher, and a passion ignites within him. Manish is determined to make it as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him, particularly in a field where only 3% of dancers around the world will succeed.
Call Me Dancer is a story of hope, heartache, and hard work. Together, Manish and Yehuda embark on a journey that transforms both of their lives in a roller-coaster, true-life adventure. From the streets of Mumbai to the stages of New York, Call Me Dancer is a story of perseverance, rebellion, ageism, family, culture, and an unlikely friendship.
“Dancing is a hobby for rich kids,” his father tells him.
The extended family criticizes his parents, shaming them because Manish isn’t employed.
International pop icon, singer and songwriter Jay Sean executive produced Call Me Dancer because the story resonated with his own; as a British-Indian, Sean’s parents wanted him to pursue medicine rather than his dream of becoming a singer.
Director’s Statement of Intent
“Dance films are typically created by looking into our world from the outside. They convey the difficulty of the profession, but what is often lost is the passion and inner joy that pushes dancers past the pain. I knew, as a dancer, I could offer an insider’s sensitivity and perspective. I gathered a talented international team made up of Indian film professionals with insights into the culture and socio-economic reality of Mumbai. This is a story that I hope inspires people across the globe.”
— Leslie Shampaine
Director, Call Me Dancer, and former professional dancer from New York City