Choreographer Bosco Leslie Martis has spent decades shaping some of Indian cinema’s most defining dance anthems. However, a recent health scare brought his fast-paced creative life to a sudden pause. Following hospitalisation and a reflective visit to Mount Mary Church, the veteran artist opens up about burnout, the myth of non-stop work, and learning to put health before deadlines. In a candid conversation with mid-day, Bosco reflects on his latest track, Begum Bewafa, navigating the changing landscape of visual storytelling in the age of social media and the hard-earned wisdom that comes with surviving decades behind the camera.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Bosco shares how he wanted to take a deeply familiar emotion and turn it on its head. “The beauty of Begum Bewafa is that it is so traditionally embedded in everybody’s memories. I’m sure everybody has a feeling and emotion that goes through this, and everybody’s heart is broken. But I wanted to celebrate breakup,” he explains.
Bosco on his recent hospitalisation
Beyond his professional achievements, a recent health scare provided a pivotal moment of self-reflection. Following his hospital discharge, Bosco visited Mount Mary Church, an experience that forced him to re-evaluate his relationship with work and stress. “It was heart-related initially, but when we diagnosed it, it was basically stress-related,” he reveals.
Bosco adds, “The overload of work and the way we kind of think that if you don’t do this job, it’s the end of life, it’s not. You have to give it time to let it breathe and let it sink in, and also give time to yourself.”
Moving forward, he stresses the simple necessity of self-care and balance: “You have to really make sure that you need to give your body that kind of rest time, the way we eat, and the way we probably discipline our timing on sleep, food, and rest. That’s very important.”
Bosco on staying relevant
Reflecting on how he has maintained his edge over decades in a rapidly shifting industry, he emphasises adaptability and staying authentic. “I guess it is moving and being relevant with time, challenging your limits and making your presence felt in the most organic manner,” he shares.
He also notes how the rise of social media has drastically transformed visibility for newer generations compared to earlier eras. “We have always been behind the camera. The social media influx now is far more visible than during our time… the kids today have an upfront advantage that they can be showcased on any social media platform, and their talent is seen,” Bosco signs off.