Mallika Sherawat’s hot item number with Abhishek Bachchan is the most discussed part of Mani Ratnam’s Guru.

With Madame M claiming that the item number will heat up the winter temperature, we tracked down the woman behind Mallika’s sizzling moves. A chat with choreographer Brinda Master as she discusses Mallika, her signature song Mayya Mayya and much more. Read on.

How did Guru happen?

I have been working with Mani (Ratnam) for a very long time. I have worked with him in Iruvar, Kannathil Muthamittal and Yuva, so we have developed a good rapport as a team. So when the opportunity of working on Mayya Mayya and Bhaang came, I lapped it up.

How did you zero in on Mallika for Mayya Mayya?

The song required the typical Arabic flavour of belly dancing — high on rhythm and sensuality. And Mallika fit the bill. She is perfect for the situation and gives that vibe.

Tell us about the song…

Mayya Mayya is a highly energetic number with a Middle Eastern essence. A R Rahman has given a brilliant score and the singer’s (Maryem Toller) rendition is amazing.

Mallika came to Chennai for rehearsals and worked really hard on it. After that, she took my assistant to Mumbai for practice. Dancing to a Rahman number is not easy as the lyrics and beats are very fast-paced. Mayya required difficult steps, hip shaking and hand movements and Mallika delivered well.

The song was shot in a huge church in Turkey. Mani sir and Rajiv sir (Menon, cinematographer) have made excellent use of the natural light coming through the windows. The rays fall on Mallika, making her look very regal.

How was it working with Mallika Sherawat?

Oh, she’s an absolute sweetheart, an amazing human being who is very straightforward. During the rehearsals she would find certain steps difficult but then would practice them again and again to achieve the results. For Mayya, Mallika was dressed in chiffons and the steps required her to touch the freezing floor but she did it all without complaining for the three days of shooting!

How was Abhishek Bachchan?

AB is a sweet guy. The Bhaang song is more of an Amitabh Bachchan song, but Mani sir wanted it to look different. AB is full of energy and practiced very hard. He did a charanam in a single shot.

You had worked with Aishwarya Rai in her debut film Iruvar and now you have worked with her in Guru.

Ash’s devotion towards her profession is tremendous. If the shot requires her at sharp 6 am, she will be there. She is a complete professional.

Who would you rate as a better dancer — Mallika or Ash?

Ash (laughs). Now Mallika will definitely kill me!

Brinda Master’s bio

Brinda Master, has been in the choreography business for the last 16 years. She has worked in Tamil and Telugu blockbusters like Pitha Magan, Ghajini and Chatrapathi. In 1999, she won the National Award for her choreography in Malyalam flick Daya and is the first female choreographer to receive the honour. She has choreographed for Hindi films like Asoka, Yuva and Chup Chup Ke. She is currently working in Rajnikanth’s Shivaji, and Kamal Hassan’s Dasavatharam.