Renowned Indian dancer and choreographer, Dr. Terence Lewis, has captivated audiences with his exceptional talent and innovative style. From judging dance reality shows to choreographing Bollywood blockbusters, his journey is a testament to dedication and passion.

Wiki/Biography

Terence Lewis was born on April 10, 1975 (49 years old as of 2024), in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. His zodiac sign is Aries. He completed his schooling at St. Teresa’s Boys High School, Mumbai, followed by senior secondary education in Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. His academic pursuits extended to a degree in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management, Dadar, Mumbai, and further studies in Psychology & Sociology from the University of Mumbai. He also pursued a Fitness Certification Course from Progressive Fitness USA’s Mumbai branch and refined his dance skills at The Ailey School and The Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance in New York.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5’ 10”
Weight (approx.): 75 kg
Hair Colour: Dark brown
Eye Colour: Dark brown
Body Measurements (approx.): Chest: 42”; Biceps: 14”; Waist: 30”

Religion/Religious Views

Terence has publicly stated that he is not a religious person.

Family

He hails from a middle-class Mangalorean Catholic family.

Parents & Siblings

His father, Xavier Lewis, worked at Modistone Limited, while his mother, Teresa Lewis, was a seamstress. He is the youngest of seven siblings – four sisters and three brothers.

Relationships/Affairs

Terence revealed a previous 10-year live-in relationship. He also dated Sayantani Ghosh, but clarified that they never intended to marry. He prioritizes his career over marriage.

Career

Choreographer

Terence began teaching dance at 14 to support his education. A self-taught artist, he started competing at six years old. His career also included aerobics instruction (1998-2002) with clients like Madhuri Dixit, Amisha Patel, Bipasha Basu, Gauri Khan, the Ambanis, and Sussanne Roshan. He also modeled during this period. After graduating in Hotel Management, he chose teaching dance over other job offers. His choreography spans music videos, stage shows, advertisements, national and international competitions, Broadway and West End musicals, and Bollywood films such as “Lagaan,” “Jhankaar Beats,” and “Naach.” He also choreographed for events like the Lux Style Awards (2007) and the musicals “Children of the Sea” and “Finding Marina” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006. He notably choreographed Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” (2013).

Reality TV Participant

• Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 3 (2010)
• Box Cricket League 1 (2014-15)
• Kitchen Champion 5 (2019)

Reality TV Judge

• Dance India Dance (Seasons 1-3, 2009-2012)
• Nach Baliye (Seasons 5-6, 2012-2014)
• India’s Best Dancer (Seasons 1-3, 2020-2023)
• Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 (Guest Judge, 2022)

Acting

Terence’s acting credits include appearances in “Touching Evil,” “Helen,” “Alcatraz,” and “Falling Skies.” He actively participates in Mumbai theatre.

Other Work

• Music video: Badan Pe Sitare (2021)
• Sang and appeared in music video: Shaidayee (2022)
• Appeared in music video: Aao Naa (Vishal Mishra)
• Femina Miss India Jury (2023)

Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company

Terence founded the Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company and the Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute, co-founded with Mahrukh Dumasia. He also established the Terence Lewis Dance Scholarship Foundation Trust.

Controversy

Inappropriately Touching Norah Fatehi

A video showing an interaction with Nora Fatehi on “India’s Best Dancer” sparked controversy. Terence explained it as a misunderstanding during a greeting, denying any inappropriate intentions.

Awards, Honours, Achievements

• American Choreography Award (2002)
• Best Choreographer Award, Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2006)
• Guinness World Records (Largest Bollywood dance, 2011, 2012)
• Herald Global Award for Dance Education (2017)
• Honorary Doctor in Performing Arts (Dance) (2019)
• Lokmat Most Stylish Choreographer Award (2023)
• First Indian to receive a full-ride scholarship to attend ImPulsTanz, Vienna
• First Indian to be part of UNESCO’s International Dance Council (CID)

Car Collection

Terence owns a Maruti Suzuki Zen, a Land Rover Defender SUV, and a Hyundai Creta.

Favourites

• Indian Restaurants: Caravan Serai, Vrindavan, Tanjore
• Beverages: Lassi, nimbu pani, coconut water
• Recipe: Mangalorean fish curry
• Dancers: Govinda, Madhuri Dixit
• Accessory: Watch
• City: Mumbai
• Colour: White, black

Facts/Trivia

• Hobbies: dancing, travelling, acting
• Pet dog: Bruno Lewis
• Quit smoking and drinking in 2023
• Nickname: “Gyaan Baba”
• Fitness enthusiast
• Avid reader