The infectious dance moves of Sanya Malhotra in Diljit Dosanjh's hit music video 'Charmer' captivated millions, but the creative force behind those slick steps is choreographer Yassh Kadamm. At just 25, Kadamm has carved a niche for himself, blending styles to create a unique movement language that is now defining popular music videos.
From Viral Reels to Chart-Topping Hits
Yassh Kadamm's journey to choreographing a viral sensation is a modern success story. He first gained significant attention in 2021 when his Instagram reel covering the song 'Daaru Desi' from the film Cocktail went viral, amassing two million views. This digital breakthrough marked the beginning of his professional recognition. Fast forward to October 19, 2025, and his work on 'Charmer' propelled the video to the number one spot on YouTube within just three days of its release. The video has since garnered over 37.8 million views, a testament to the choreography's widespread appeal.
Interestingly, despite dance being a constant in his life, Kadamm was initially unsure about pursuing it as a career. He turned to dance as an outlet during difficult times, recalling, "I was bullied in school. Dance became a way to release my anger." Largely self-taught through online tutorials, he honed his skills with a three-month course at The Kings Dance Studio in Mumbai to brush up on hip-hop. His professional break came in 2015 when Mumbai's Tangerine Arts Studio invited him to conduct a workshop, a turning point from attendee to instructor.
Creating a Unique Dance Language
Kadamm's choreography stands out for its fusion of diverse styles. Inspired by New Zealand choreographer Parris Goebel, known for her work on Justin Bieber's 'Sorry', Kadamm wanted to move beyond restrictive categories. He has developed a signature style that seamlessly blends urban hip-hop and freestyle foundations with the fluidity of contemporary dance, the high energy of Bollywood, and the groove of funk. This unique blend is evident in his work for songs like 'Sirra', 'Qatal', 'Azul', and the blockbuster 'Charmer'.
"I didn't want to stick to categories. I am driven by attitude and intention," Kadamm explains. His approach involves borrowing elements from Indian dance greats like Saroj Khan and Farah Khan while infusing a global, contemporary sensibility. Working with Sanya Malhotra on 'Charmer' was a highlight, with Kadamm praising her adaptability. "Sanya did everything beautifully despite last-minute changes on the set," he revealed, noting that the iconic opening scene of her applying lotion was decided spontaneously.
The Evolving Ambitions of a New-Generation Creator
Kadamm represents a new crop of 'Covid choreographers' who leveraged platforms like Instagram Reels to build careers outside traditional Bollywood pathways, finding success in music videos, reality TV, and concert performances. A decade ago, his dream was to choreograph for A-list celebrities. Now that he has achieved that milestone with stars like Diljit Dosanjh and Sanya Malhotra, his goals have evolved.
"The more I learn about dancing, the more I want to work with people who are creatively charging. Star or no star," Kadamm states, signaling a shift in focus from fame to artistic collaboration. With a diploma in filmmaking and a rapidly growing portfolio, Yassh Kadamm is poised to continue influencing the Indian dance and music video scene, proving that powerful movement vocabulary can indeed speak louder than words.
