New Delhi: Veteran dancer-actress Kalpana Iyer, best remembered for the iconic number Ramba Ho Ho Ho from the 1981 film Armaan, has reflected on the changing status of dancers in the Indian film industry while praising global star Nora Fatehi for redefining success beyond Bollywood.
Speaking about the evolution of dance culture in cinema in a podcast, Kalpana recalled the time when dancers were celebrated for individual moments rather than sustained careers. Recognizing how Nora Fatehi once occupied a unique place in popular dance culture, Kalpana said, “By the time they started being, she was the queen.” He further said that Nora’s ability to make a career independent of films made a big difference for artists. Kalpana said, “She doesn’t depend only on films. She is very intelligent in taking decisions.”
Kalpana highlighted how Nora Fatehi expanded the ecosystem for dancers beyond Hindi cinema into global pop culture. Over the years, Nora has performed on international stages, collaborated with global artists such as Jason Derulo (Snake), Revanni (Tatema), and Shenseea (Just a Girl), and appeared at major international awards ceremonies. Her debut appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon marked her first American television appearance, cementing her status as a global artist.
This journey continues with Nora recently announcing an upcoming international collaboration with David Guetta and Ciara for the track Firestarter.
Kalpana’s comments come at a time when she herself is seeing new popularity. Recently, a video of her recreating the famous Ramba Ho Ho Ho dance at a family wedding went viral on social media, creating a nostalgic feeling among fans. Sharing the clip, Kalpana wrote in the caption, “Grateful to each of you for your love, kindness and blessings forever.”
In the video, Kalpana is seen doing the signature steps in a purple silk saree paired with a black and gold blouse as guests cheer her during the wedding ceremony.
The song has found new resonance among young audiences after being referenced in Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster film Dhurandhar, introducing Kalpana Iyer’s work to a new generation and bringing her legacy back into the popular conversation.
About Kalpana Iyer
Kalpana Iyer became famous for her memorable dance numbers in films like Satte Pe Satta, Bade Dilwala, Hum Paanch, Laadla and Anjaam. She is also remembered for her role as Sangeeta in Hum Saath Saath Hain, in which she played one of Reema Lagoo’s close friends.
She reportedly left Bollywood in 1999 and later moved to Dubai.