Ganesh Hegde makes the right moves, all set to turn director

Ganesh Hegde who has turned a judge for Jhalak Dikhla Jaa this season is gearing up to direct and produce a movie. As soon as the script for the movie is completed, he will finalize the cast. So be sure to be enthralled musically without an iota of doubt as the man himself is an exuberant choreographer and has a knack for music too.

In an exclusive chat with Lipika Varma, he answers a volley of queries.

About getting Jhalak this season: “This season, Jhalak reloaded is different. Earlier, I was a judge on the show and was bored as I didn't have anything to do. I am an entertainer - I sing and dance, I would get bored. When Raj Naik called me and asked if I could contribute as an entertainer I was very glad. I hope it will be interesting and there are great characters. Our judges are funky, on their feet and they will have their own specialties’.

On Madhuri Dixit’s replacement: “Everyone has their own USP. Madhuri provides to the show with her own aura. No one can replace but each one has their own USP and their own shoes.”

Being the backup dancer earlier: “I am very honest and speak the truth from the heart. I am a back up dancer so I know every form of dance. When I do videos I do hope it looks good and has edge so that visually it looks magical.”

Turning director/producer for film: “My film is full of emotions. We will announce within two three months.”

On his journey: “I did choreography in dance in Malad in 10th Umeed Bhai Patel Schools. We had singing lessons and we would take part in competition. We had classes once a week. Khamoshi was my first film; I was a backup dancer. Then I became a stage dancer and later a choreographer for stage shows. I have seen Michael Jackson’s opening acts and then I did films. Now I am going to direct a film but I won’t star in it as it's too much of a responsibility. I didn't want to take the risk as it's a musical film. My journey is good and it never ends.”

Films or TV: “It depends on what you do. If you contribute and entertain then it's great. Nothing is small or big. Amitabh Bachchan also contributes and entertains.”

On his albums: “I did Main Deewana 2005, then I did my next with Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone in 2011. People who dance and are interested in dance keep a track of my albums. I did these albums’ and they turned out to be successful with big stars.”

Star power: “Khans don’t need anyone - their films will do well in every circumstance. If I direct, I need a story that is strong. It will be a new innings even though I am a veteran in my field. I am looking at my script. The film will run only if I take a strong script. Story is mine. Films run on star power but if it has a good story it becomes a big film. After the completion of my script I will approach stars.”

Support from his parents: “My parents supported me a lot and taught me values to be sincere and not to work for money. I have done 25 albums so far but not for money but to show my potential which I possess. I did Sharaabi for Happy New Year. If it’s necessary I will do it. I will put in best efforts,” he concludes.

By Lipika Varma