Farah Khan choreographs Kylie's song for free

Mumbai, March 10 (IANS) Farah Khan surprised debutant director Anthony D'Souza not just by agreeing to choreograph a song in his film 'Blue' with Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue but by insisting on doing it free for her 'dear friend'.

'We've the cheque ready. But she won't accept it. Farah won't take any money for the Kylie Minogue song, although it's a very lengthy and taxing number. She says she can't charge me because I'm a very old and dear friend,' said D'Souza.

D'Souza and choreographer-director Farah have known each other for 18 years.

'I first got to know her in 1991. I made ads and music videos. She went on to make a name for herself as a choreographer and then a filmmaker. I had decided she'd choreograph for me when I turn director. When this complicated number came my way I knew it was Farah's call. But I didn't know she'd insist on doing it for free,' he said.

Farah has become very choosy when it comes to signing on choreography assignments ever since she turned director with 'Main Hoon Na' in 2004 - one of the reasons why D'Souza was pleasantly surprised when she agreed almost immediately.

The song has been composed by Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman and D'Souza wanted it to be really special.

'The number was very intricately filmed. It starts off with Kylie, then all the other members of the cast are brought in. I'd have paid Farah any amount to choreograph it,' the director said.

Apart from Kylie, the song in 'Blue' also features Akshay Kumar, Zayed Khan, Lara Dutta and Sanjay Dutt.