artha Graham, the famous dancer, whose technique reshaped American dance and is still taught worldwide, once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
The story of choreographer from Canacona, Tobby Fernandes bears testimony and truly justifies this quote. Hailing from a village called Shelli, located at the southernmost tip of Goa, in the jurisdiction of Loliem-Polem village panchayat, Tobby was born in a family where his mother worked for Air India and father for Indian Airlines. Coming from a family with a bold zeal for sports, no one envisioned that Tobby would go on to be a dancer of the calibre he is today. The lone son of his parents, he was showered with loads of love, which is still prominent in the family. His father, Mathew, an avid athlete who played hockey and football in his youth even went to play hockey for the Maharashtra State team, is presently residing in Seraulim near Margao . He rings his son, now settled in Mumbai, each day and makes sure that they are always in touch with each other.
Tobby’s father recalls the childhood days of Tobby, who had a penchant for airplanes toys. Everyone presumed that in the future this youngster would pursue a career in the field of aeronautics . “My wife and I had different dreams for our young son but never did we think that he would venture into such a novel and unchartered territory and achieve so much success for himself and us and for Goa.
“Today we are proud parents who believe in the Almighty and hard work”, gushed Tobby’s father.
Recollecting his journey, Tobby stated that since his boyhood he had nimble feet like his parents, although he had never pictured dancing to be his future profession. “My parents, together with my five uncles and aunts, are all lively dancers, be it Jive or Foxtrot or any other western dance form, and dancing always came to me as second nature. Even though I didn’t visualise establishing myself as a choreographer and the same as career to support my life, with hard work, a lot of practice and God’s grace, dancing not only emerged as my occupation but it also became my life and I’m living it every day and night.”
Tobby like many Goans was studying in the hotel industry and had just finished studying in a catering college and had begun working in a hotel in the bakery department.
“It all began as a hobby to participate in small dance competitions, in our locality or in schools and winning prizes in solo or group encouraged me to put in more effort. I often participated in inter- collegiate dance competitions and bagging prizes was a common and easy feat,” he says proudly.
Along with small groups, he consistently performed at various church feasts and functions. Back then, it was just an amateur obsession. He occasionally received calls to dance for events that he could only participate in during his spare time after work. However, the call from renowned Indian Film director, producer, dancer and choreographer Farah Khan modulated everything that he had planned, for the better.
“At this turning point of my career my mom, Philomena Fernandes who is my greatest fan supported me wholeheartedly,” he adds.
The film producer asked the aspiring artist to perform for Filmfare Awards 91 and thereafter to work in her first film, ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’. He then assisted her in the films ‘Oh Darling!’ , ‘Yeh Hain India ‘ and ‘Angaar’. With these achievements as a feather in his cap, he earned a commanding pay, a position in Bollywood and a job he thoroughly enjoyed. The last of Hindi films for him was ‘1942-A Love Story’, following which, he moved on from film choreography to performing stage shows with pop stars; Anaida, Mehnaz,Suneeta Rao, Shukhbir, Shaan etc and eventually dancing with actors Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Sushmita Sen, Malaika Aurora and several others on stage performances on their world tours.
Success didn’t stop flowing right there. Later, along with actress Mona Singh on the dance reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’, he was titled the coveted victor in 2006.
Tobby fondly recalls the moment as the ultimate highlight of his career.
He has also partnered with actress Bhagyashree of ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ fame, Sonali Kulkarni and now he owns a dance troupe, named, Tobby’s Dance Mechanics, with whom he travels across the world showcasing his talent.
His work has taken him across the globe from Spain and New Zealand to America, Australia and other countries.
He has attended tours with Boney M when they were in India; a tour with the Graf sisters of Germany; a nine-city-tour of USA with Amitabh Bachchan in Canada; Singapore; several Gulf countries; Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Presently, Tobby takes classes in several offices and in his studio. He not only choreographs for corporate shows, but also trains corporate staff for company functions as well as family members for the sangeet ceremonies before weddings. He is a gifted singer who doubles up as DJ, host and singer whenever the situation demands.
Tobby explains his desire to retire in Goa and teach to ensure that Goans are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge of the various styles of dance that are prevalent .
Speaking about his career, he said he is grateful to his team of dancers who have been by his side throughout this journey. He also thanked all the event organiser for believing in him.
And most of all, he says thanks to Mother of Perpetual Succour, who believes has been his pillar of strength every day of his life and has pulled him up whenever he has been down.
