Mumbai: In a landmark moment for India’s dance and entertainment industry, choreographer Rajit Dev has become the first Indian choreographer to be associated with the official album of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The achievement has drawn attention across the Indian film and dance fraternity, highlighting the growing global presence of Indian creative talent.
Rajit Dev, who was raised in Mumbai and has roots in Kerala, worked on the track Siir Siir, one of the songs featured in the tournament’s official music album. The project features Bollywood actor and dancer Nora Fatehi alongside French singer Vegedream and music producer Sanjoy.
Nora Fatehi played a key role
Rajit Dev revealed that Nora Fatehi played an important role in helping him become part of the prestigious international project. The choreographer and actor have shared a professional association for several years, having first connected during their stint on the television reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Since then, the duo has collaborated on several music videos and international performances, building a strong working relationship. According to Rajit, it was this long-standing partnership that eventually opened the door to the FIFA World Cup 2026 album project.
The opportunity reflects the increasing influence of Indian performers and choreographers in global entertainment ventures, particularly as international music and sporting events continue to embrace diverse creative talent.
Tight timelines and challenging preparations
Despite the scale of the project, Rajit Dev said the team had very limited time to prepare the choreography.
According to him, rehearsals with dancers in India continued intensively for two days before a video recording was prepared and sent to Nora Fatehi, who was in Morocco at the time. After receiving approval, the team immediately travelled for the shoot.
The fast-paced schedule required careful planning and coordination. Rajit noted that every aspect of the choreography had to be finalised quickly to ensure smooth execution during filming.
Such projects often involve complex logistics, especially when multiple international artists and production teams are involved. The challenge was further intensified by the need to shoot at a football venue linked to the World Cup campaign.
Completing a crucial shoot in just 15 minutes
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project was the filming of a sequence on a football ground in Morocco.
Rajit revealed that the production team was granted only 15 minutes of permission to shoot on the field. To maximise the limited time available, all preparations, including choreography rehearsals, camera positioning and movement planning, were completed outside the stadium.
Once access was granted, the team executed the entire football ground sequence within the allotted time.
The choreographer described the experience as one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of the project. The successful completion of the shoot under strict time constraints demonstrated the team’s preparation and professionalism.
Opportunity for Indian dancers on a global platform
For Rajit Dev, another major highlight of the FIFA World Cup project was the inclusion of dancers from India.
He pointed out that budget limitations often make it difficult for Indian dancers to travel abroad for large international productions. However, this project allowed him to take members of his dance team to Morocco and involve them directly in the shoot.
Rajit said the opportunity was particularly meaningful because it enabled Indian dancers to showcase their talent on one of the world’s biggest sporting and entertainment platforms.
Industry observers believe such opportunities can encourage greater international recognition for Indian dance professionals and create pathways for future collaborations across global projects.
Appreciation from the film industry
Following the release of the FIFA World Cup 2026 track, Rajit Dev has reportedly received appreciation from several leading names in the Indian film industry.
The choreographer shared that fellow professionals and established Bollywood choreographers reached out to congratulate him on the achievement. The positive response, he said, has made the milestone even more special.
Rajit began his career by working as an assistant to renowned choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant for nearly seven years before establishing himself independently. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation through music videos, stage performances and collaborations with major artists.
Growing global recognition for Indian talent
Rajit Dev’s association with the FIFA World Cup 2026 album highlights the expanding role of Indian creative professionals on international platforms. As global entertainment becomes increasingly interconnected, Indian artists, musicians and choreographers are finding opportunities beyond traditional film industries.
The official FIFA World Cup 2026 music programme has also attracted major international names, including Shakira and Burna Boy, who collaborated on the tournament anthem Dai Dai.
Conclusion
Rajit Dev’s inclusion in the FIFA World Cup 2026 official album marks a significant achievement for Indian choreography. Beyond personal success, the milestone reflects the growing global influence of Indian creative talent and demonstrates how artists from the country are increasingly contributing to some of the world’s most prestigious entertainment and sporting events.