Sangeet 101: Expert Breaks Down The Key To Planning A Performance That Rocks

Indian weddings have always been a grand affair, but over the past decade, the sangeet night has evolved into a full-blown stage production. Think elaborate performances complete with props, storytelling, and even cinematic tributes, all choreographed to perfection.

Few understand this better than Umang Gupta, founder of Sangeet with Umang. Having choreographed countless sangeets, Gupta has seen firsthand how dance at Indian weddings has transformed. “It’s not just about dancing anymore; it’s about storytelling. Couples want their love stories depicted through performances, and families want their journey and emotions expressed on stage,” she says.

How To Plan The Perfect Sangeet

Traditional to theatrical

Rewind a few decades, and sangeets were intimate gatherings where women sang traditional folk songs in what was known as ratjaga or jaago in different cultures. Today, families take it up a notch with synchronised skits, special effects, and even full-fledged themes that play out like a Broadway show.

The pre-wedding events at the Ambani-Merchant wedding last year did not just feature dance performances, but fully conceptualised cinematic pieces, including a black-and-white short film tribute where Nita and Mukesh Ambani, along with their grandchildren, re-enacted iconic Bollywood moments. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s cross-cultural, colourful Udaipur wedding featured a dance-off. These aren’t just performances, but moments of building a legacy through art.

Cohesion is key

So how do you create a performance that wows the crowd and goes viral on Instagram? “The best performances have a narrative,” says Gupta. Whether it’s a rom-com-like love story, or one ridden with cinematic hurdles, or a journey through time with family memories, or a high-energy Bollywood tribute, make sure there’s a thread connecting the performances. In this bid for cohesion, song selection is key.

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Gupta recommends a mix of classic ’90s Bollywood hits (‘Bole Chudiyan’ remains unbeatable) and trending chartbusters like ‘Oo Antava’ or ‘Calm Down’. She also insists on choosing songs that mean something to the couple. “If a song holds sentimental value, it will always hit differently on stage.”

This must be followed with a carefully curated medley structure. Start with the elders to ensure they are comfortable (rehearsals must begin three weeks in advance, warns Gupta) and can enjoy the rest of the night. Keep the high-energy groups for the finale. “People are waiting to see the bride and groom, so they should ideally perform last, unless they want to start with a bang to ease their nerves,” advises Gupta.

Amp it up, please!

Think your performance is not enough to make the cut? Consider LED screens, confetti showers, or even drone lighting (yes, that’s a thing now).

“A family recently recreated the Jab We Met train sequence on stage with a moving set,” Gupta shares, after spending decades seeing brides enact Kareena Kapoor Khan’s introduction scene as Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, as a prelude to their solo performances. “These elements make performances unforgettable.”

From toddlers to grandparents, the best sangeets have a mix of generations. “It’s beautiful when a four-year-old is dancing for the first time alongside their great-grandparents,” she says. And pro tip: Give the elders an upbeat song like ‘Kala Chashma’: “Slow songs make them hesitant but beats bring out their best moves!”.

According to her, we might see more live musical elements in the coming months. “Imagine a bride singing live while performing her first dance or a groom surprising his partner with a serenade. We’re moving towards more immersive experiences.” So whether you're planning a cosy, intimate affair or a YRF-style musical extravaganza, one thing is certain—The Indian wedding dance scene is only getting bigger, bolder, and more cinematic.

How To Hack The Perfect Sangeet Playlist

The go-to throwback: “‘Taare Gin Gin’ by Devender Khannewala. It is overused, but it still is an enduring success.”

For the grandparents: “‘Hawa Hawa’ by Mika Singh, since I feel grandparents should never do slow songs.”

The parents: “Something peppy, but sentimental, like ‘Kajra Mohabbatwala’ by Asha Bhosle.”

For the siblings and friends: “Either a roaring Diljit Dosanjh number or something naughty by Govinda.”

For the couple: “No two love stories are the same, so only go with songs that mean something to you, and you have a special connection with.”

This story appears in Manifest India’s Issue 02. Subscribe here for more stories like this.