Mumbai Malayali creates history becoming first Indian to choreograph World Cup song

In a historic moment for the Indian dance community, Mumbai-born Malayali choreographer Rajit Dev has officially become the first Indian to choreograph an anthem for the FIFA World Cup. Dev directed the high-energy choreography for "Siir Siir", one of the 18 songs featured on the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album. The project boasts a powerhouse lineup of global talent, including Bollywood icon Nora Fatehi, French singer-songwriter Vegedream and music producer Sanjoy.

Though born and raised in Mumbai, Dev’s roots are deeply tied to Kerala, with his family hailing from Shoranur. His foundational journey into dance began during his childhood in Mumbai, where he underwent formal training in the classical art form of Bharatanatyam—a disciplined background that heavily influences his rhythmic precision today.
Filmed on location in Morocco, his latest international music video stands as a massive career milestone. Beyond his own achievement, Dev utilized the platform to spotlight his personal crew of Indian dancers, Team RDX, showcasing their skills to a global football and music audience.

A decade of collaboration with Nora Fatehi

The monumental opportunity was born out of a deep professional bond between Dev and Nora Fatehi that has spanned nearly 10 years. According to a report by the TOI, Dev attributed his involvement directly to Fatehi’s loyalty and faith in his vision, quoting him as stating, "I have been associated with Nora for almost a decade and have choreographed all her international songs. So, when she got the opportunity to be part of the FIFA anthem, the first thing she did was bring me on board for the choreography."

Dev credited their past collaborations with constantly pushing boundaries and setting new trends within the dance community.

From childhood footballer to FIFA milestone

For Dev—who has previously delivered hit choreographies for popular music videos like Coco, Bijlee Bijlee and Baarish Ki Jaaye—the project successfully bridges his professional life with a childhood passion. Growing up as an avid football player, working on a FIFA anthem was a surreal experience. He described the achievement as a genuine "goosebump moment" that left him incredibly proud, expressing a strong desire to continue leveraging international platforms to showcase Indian culture and diverse dance aesthetics.

Beating the clock: The 15-minute stadium challenge

The production in Morocco was not without its logistical hurdles. The crew faced a massive challenge when filming a large-scale sequence inside a professional football stadium under strict time constraints. As reported by TOI, Dev revealed that the production was granted a mere 15-minute window of access to the actual pitch.

To overcome this, Dev relied heavily on his years of industry experience. He meticulously blocked and mapped out the entire sequence outside the stadium boundaries, conducting rigorous rehearsals with the crew beforehand. Because every dancer knew their exact positioning and cues before stepping onto the grass, the team executed the routine flawlessly within the tight timeframe. Dev also praised his co-star Vegedream, noting that meeting the French artist on set was a highlight due to his distinct screen presence and style.

Injecting a 'desi soul' into a global anthem

Despite the track's international appeal, Dev made a conscious creative choice to ensure India’s unique energy was felt on screen. By casting his own Indian dance troupe, Team RDX, he infused the project with an unmatched, authentic flavour. Dev explained to TOI that his creative process relies primarily on instinct and the rhythm of the music. Knowing the track was a global sports anthem, he purposely tailored the movements to demand high-octane energy and a powerful "desi soul”.

Ultimately, the milestone has solidified Dev’s conviction that Indian commercial dancers belong on the world stage. He concluded his thoughts by emphasising that executing this project alongside his homegrown team made it twice as rewarding, proving that Indian dancers possess world-class talent capable of excelling on any global platform when given the opportunity.