Behind Bollywood’s most electrifying dance numbers is Ganesh Acharya. A man who learnt to use the art to cope with grief and find the spirit of what gets the country grooving. Acharya’s is a story of resilience coupled with an unbreakable spirit. From the slums of Bombay (Mumbai) to the big screens in Bollywood, read on to know his remarkable story.

By Tsunami Costabir

Few choreographers in Bollywood have left as indelible a mark as Ganesh Acharya. With a career spanning decades, he has crafted some of the most electrifying dance sequences in Indian cinema, working with the biggest stars and creating steps that become national trends.

Acharya’s beginnings were beyond humble. His father, a dancer and choreographer, passed away when Ganesh was just 10 or 11 years old. This loss compelled him to leave school and seek employment to support his family. He chose dance as his path, inspired by his father’s legacy.

A significant turning point in Acharya’s career was his collaboration with actor Govinda and director David Dhawan. But how did he get there? In a recent interview, Acharya opened up about his story. His sister told him to meet Govinda, she saw that they had similar styles and believed they could do great work together.

Acharya spent six months outside of Govinda’s building hoping to meet him and another six to choreograph a song together. But after that, there was no looking back. Govinda introduced him to his friend, director David Dhawan who gave him the opportunity to choreograph the song ‘Tum Toh Dhokebaaz Ho’ for the film ‘Saajan Chale Sasural’. The next film he landed garnered widespread acclaim, establishing him as a sought-after choreographer in Bollywood. This was ‘Goriya Churana Mera Jiya’ and ‘Husn Hai Suhana’ for the film ‘Coolie No. 1’.

Acharya considers Govinda his ‘godfather’ and has stated that Govinda took him out of a slum and made him who he is. He has also been vocal about his dance style getting boxed into terms like ‘dehati’ (often used as a slur meaning ‘villager’ or ‘uneducated’) and ‘massy’ (for the masses, not classes).

As for Acharya, he took those terms and changed the connotation behind them. He kept doing good work, taking leaps of faith in himself and his intuition, making waves in the industry. His choreography has been essential in driving audiences to the cinema and making music memorable.

Beyond his mastery of dance, Acharya has also stepped into direction, acting, and mentoring aspiring artistes, ensuring that his legacy extends beyond just choreography. His journey — from starting as a background dancer to becoming one of Bollywood’s most sought-after choreographers — is a testament to talent, hard work, and sheer passion for the craft.

In this exclusive conversation, he opens up about his creative process, the evolving landscape of Bollywood choreography, his experience working with top stars, and his vision for the future of dance in Indian cinema. He also shares insights on how social media and digital trends are reshaping the industry.

Edited excerpts from the interview…

Has social media and OTT platforms changed the kind of choreography and steps that go viral?

Yes, of course! Simple steps can go viral very easily. Digital platforms play a major role in spreading dance movements to a wider audience.

What is your process for developing choreography, and what inspires you?

I believe I am God-gifted. I don’t follow a set formula — I listen to the song, focus on the lyrics, and understand the director’s vision. Every song has its own emotion, and I create steps based on that.

What makes an item song truly iconic?

For me, an item song is just another song in the film. It could be a festival song, a celebration song, or a commercial dance number, but it should serve the film’s story and fit the characters.

Beyond dance steps, what other elements make a song iconic?

The emotions behind the movements matter. For example, ‘Khalibali’ had to reflect Khilji’s madness, ‘Malhaari’ had to showcase Bajirao’s energy. The choreography must match the hero or heroine’s character and the film’s narrative.

Which upcoming actor do you think has the most potential as a dancer?

Today’s generation learns dance from a young age. Everyone is picking up steps and evolving, so it’s hard to name just one.

What has been your favourite film to work on recently?

‘Pushpa’, and now ‘Pushpa 2’!

You’ve undergone a major body transformation. Has it impacted your dance career and energy levels?

It’s not about being fat or slim. The important thing is to stay healthy, eat well, sleep well, and take care of your body.

Any upcoming projects you’d like to talk about?

‘Son Of Sardaar 2’, ‘De De Pyaar De 2’, and a Dharma Productions film with Varun Dhawan. Plus, a lot of South Indian films are lined up.

What would you want your legacy to be?

I want to be remembered as a grounded person and a lifelong learner.

You’ve seen massive career success, what keeps you coming back for more?

I always want to remain a student of dance. That’s what drives me.

Who are your biggest inspirations in dance?

My late gurus — Kamalji, Saroj Khan, and PL Raj. But today, I learn from young dancers, and they are my role models.

What advice do you have for aspiring choreographers?

Always be a student. Keep learning, watch others, and never think you know everything.