BY A STAFF REPORTER

LOS ANGELES, CA - Yogen Bhagat, the Artistic and Creative Director of his Los Angeles based Bollywood Step Dance company, has been signed to choreograph a Bollywood dance number in Nuclear Mango Production’s next film, “The Politics of love.”

The story, a romantic comedy with a backdrop of events leading up to the Presidential election in 2008, features actors from Hollywood and Bollywood. The film is produced by Govind Menon and William Keenan and will be directed byWilliam Dear.

In keeping with maintaining a fine balance between East and West, the dance featuring both leads and local actors and dancers, will be a blend of Indian styles and western dance forms. The costumes, designed along fusion lines will be a mix of western styles with an eastern touch. Yogen says his unique fusion dance style which is very “expressive, colorful and vibrant,” is inspired by the legendary Indian classical dancer Gopi Krishna and Michael Jackson.

As one of the few Bollywood choreographers in the United States who has actually trained in India and worked with some of the top names in Bollywood, Yogen aspires to, “educate the world about the authenticity and beauty of Bollywood dancing and Indian culture.” This is demonstrated in filmmaker Rich Samuel’s new documentary on Yogen and his company which will be showcased at various Film Festivals.

Yogen has choreographed and performed in hundreds of live stage and award shows and music videos worldwide. He recently completed a short video of his choreography for Oscar winner AR Rahman for a peace concert in Australia depicting unity in diversity through dance and music.

He has appeared as a guest on many network television shows including “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and “Ellen” and has showcased at events such as “India Calling” at the Hollywood Bowl, and Planet Hollywood Theater of Performing Arts in Las Vegas and he has participated in programs in Mumbai, Europe and South Africa.