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Ganesh Hegde is a name that has become synonymous with agile and elegant dance. Hegde is easily Bollywood's best choreographer — a status achieved after 17 years of graft, working incessantly to come up with innovative moves.
He has worked with all the major Bollywood stars, either on live events or in films, including Aamir Khan in Lagaan, Hrithik Roshan in Koi Mil Gaya and Shah Rukh Khan in Don.
Hegde is also famous for choreographing the opening sequence of Michael Jackson's concert in India. Last year, he launched his album G, after his first name, and the single Main Deewana from this album proved popular.
His latest achievement was choreographing the entire Zee Cine Awards 2008 in London last weekend which saw Shah Rukh, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Vidya Balan dancing to Hegde's moves.
Fresh from Saturday's show, tabloid! caught up with Hegde in London for an exclusive interview.
What drives you to choreograph so many stage shows and live performances?
To create something from zero and get people to be amazed about what you have done and applaud your work by calling you the best is a wonderful feeling.
I like to make everyone happy with my work by making them experience something new. I think making my audience happy is the driving force behind my choreography.
How are you inspired to continuously come up with innovative dance move in every number?
I think it is constantly trying to prove a point that inspires me to come up with something new and different.
In the process, I keep doing my homework and always worrying about my steps and that motivates me to keep thinking about how to keep up with the trends.
Do you keep the stars' image in mind when choreographing their stage performances?
Basically, I always work on a concept when I choreograph for the stars as it doesn't make sense to make a medley of a star's hit numbers, as there will be nothing new to offer.
I try to work on one concept and mould everything around it. In the process, I incorporate the star's image within the entire concept.
What was it like to choreograph the stars for the Zee Cine Awards 2008?
It was a great experience as you have some talented stars and dancers such as Shah Rukh, Saif, Kareena, Upen [Patel], Katrina [Kaif] and others who clearly understand what I am trying to convey through my dance movements.
I enjoyed every bit of doing this show and have to thank my entire team of dancers for rehearsing rigidly along with the stars.
Who do you think is currently the most talented Bollywood dancer?
I have always been in awe of stars who do around 20-odd things, unlike in Hollywood where you have specialist people. Here, the Bollywood stars are doing action, drama, romance and running around trees, singing and dancing.
This they have to prove every Friday and this itself is a big compliment. Thus I don't think I can single out any one. In fact, I end up learning from every star, who has his or her own special talent.
Were you satisfied with last year's launch of your first music album, G, and what is it like to be a full-fledged singer?
I think it was a beginning of a new life for me and it was a new dimension to my career.
I was surprised to know that I could make so many people happy and, in fact, people showed so much love towards my first album that I am already looking forward to my next album. I want to do it again and again. My next album is due in few months.
So what is the next one called?
I haven't exactly thought about it but once I am through with my album, I shall think of naming it.
Finally, have you ever thought of acting in films?
When I did my first album, I got offers to act in films but I wasn't ready for it. Currently, I am wrapping up with my next album and have started my dance school but I will shortly be working on a musical dance film.
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