"I put everything I could into the song."
Ganesh Acharya began his career as a Bollywood choreographer in 1992.
In a career spanning over 30 years, he has masterminded intricate and entertaining dance sequences that fans enjoy and emulate.
Reflecting on his journey, Ganesh says: “My life began in a slum, but today I stand as a choreographer.
“I was the youngest choreographer in Bollywood, and the sole reason for this achievement was quality.
“It was the presence of quality within me that enabled me to fulfil my dreams.”
This quality is also what sets Ganesh apart from his contemporaries.
Paying tribute to this great showman, we invite you to join us on a thrilling journey of dance and Indian cinema.
DESIblitz showcases 10 captivating Bollywood dance sequences that Ganesh Acharya has choreographed.
Husn Hai Suhana – Coolie No 1 (1995)
Only three years after his first foray into choreography, Ganesh Acharya showed just what he’s capable of with this evergreen song.
David Dhawan’s Coolie No 1 is a beloved classic of Bollywood.
‘Husn Hai Suhana’ features Raju Coolie/Kunwar Mahendra Pratap Singh (Govinda) and Malti Choudhry (Karisma Kapoor).
They dance merrily and energetically onstage in a vigour that drives their onlookers wild.
Ganesh comments: “This was the song that really made my career take off.
“David Dhawan and Govinda wanted me to choreograph this song.
“I put everything I could into the song, and all my energy and enthusiasm.”
Beedi – Omkara (2006)
‘Beedi’ is the undisputed anthem of Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara.
The song is a dynamic show of dance in which Billo Chamanbahar (Bipasha Basu) takes centre stage.
Ishwar ‘Langda’ Tyagi (Saif Ali Khan) and Keshav ‘Kesu Firangi’ Upadhyay (Vivek Oberoi) join her.
Bipasha is sultry and sexy, commanding applause for her terrific execution.
In 2015, Bipasha said that she would like to do something of that scale again:
“I would love to do something like that.”
“Many offers have come but didn’t work out due to logistical reasons.
“I wouldn’t mind doing one though.”
At the 2007 Filmfare Awards, ‘Beedi’ Ganesh won the accolade for ‘Best Choreography’.
Masti Ki Paathshala – Rang De Basanti (2006)
Although Rang De Basanti stars multiple actors in leading parts, this fun-filled sequence mainly focuses on two characters.
They are Daljit ‘DJ’ Singh (Aamir Khan) and Sue McKinley (Alice Patten).
In the routine, DJ attempts to impress Sue by dancing in a carefree manner.
The choreography became a signature step of Aamir’s career.
In 2024, Aamir performed the step as part of a routine with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
The stars were shaking a leg to ‘Naatu Naatu’ at the pre-wedding festivities of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani.
A YouTube fan praises the background dancers in ‘Masti Ki Paathshala’:
“[The] background dancers nailed it with their hilarious steps.”
Chikni Chameli – Agneepath (2012)
This fantastic dance sequence underlines the genius of Ganesh Acharya.
It is also a landmark in Katrina Kaif’s career.
An item number in Agneepath, ‘Chikni Chameli’ features Katrina in a guest appearance.
She dances for Kancha Cheena (Sanjay Dutt) and Vijay Deenanath Chauhan (Hrithik Roshan).
The routine demands complex footwork from Katrina and rigorous belly dancing.
She nails the choreography with unmatched skill.
Discussing the song, Katrina says: “Physical prep is easy for me as that’s all about discipline and execution.
“I enjoyed that song – I enjoyed the dance and I enjoyed what I was doing.”
Maston Ka Jhund – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
The quintessential Punjabi routine, ‘Maston Ka Jhund’ capitalises on the energy of Ganesh Acharya.
‘Maston Ka Jhund’ is an upbeat song that shows Subedar Milkha Singh (Farhan Akhtar).
He dances with fury along with several other young men.
Promoting ‘Maston Ka Jhund’, Farhan announces:
“It is truly a very fun song and I had a great time performing it.
“It should be out very, very soon for you to hear and for you to enjoy.”
Farhan is also a director, but under the guidance of Ganesh, he proves himself to be a skilled dancer too.
Tattad Tattad – Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013)
When it comes to energetic performers of Bollywood, Ranveer Singh shines in glory.
The actor is known for his infectious and enthusiastic dance sequences.
‘Tattad Tattad’ is one of the actor’s early routines but he performs it like he is a veteran on the floor.
In Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela, Ranveer brings to life Ram Rajadi.
The sequence contains several iconic steps such as Ranveer ruffling his hair and shaking his bare chest.
In a 2019 viral video, Ranveer taught the Hollywood legend Will Smith steps from ‘Tattad Tattad’.
A Medium writer comments: “The energy is infectious and Aditya Narayan is in complete form with the vocals.”
Watch ‘Tattad Tattad’ for an exhilarating experience.
Malhaari – Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Continuing with the winning combination of Ganesh Acharya and Ranveer Singh, we come to ‘Malhaari’ from Bajirao Mastani.
As the monarch Bajirao I, Ranveer delivers the routine with zest and capability.
He is undoubtedly a force to reckon with in the field of dance.
Ganesh delves into Ranveer’s matchless abilities in ‘Malhaari’:
“Nobody can match Ranveer Singh. You ask him for 100 and he’ll give you 1000!
“Sanjay [Leela Bhansali] said, ‘This is my king, but should he dance or should we get a hero for the song?’
“[Ranveer] saw the choreography and the style and attitude of the king.
“That’s how we did ‘Malhaari’.”
Gori Tu Latth Maar – Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017)
When it comes to Holi picturisation within Bollywood music, this song is right up there with the classics.
‘Gori Tu Latth Maar’ depicts Keshav Sharma (Akshay Kumar) and Jaya Joshi (Bhumi Pednekar).
They celebrate Holi but with emotion bubbling underneath.
Jaya tries to hit Keshav repeatedly with a stick.
Ganesh dazzlingly intertwines seriousness with fun in the routine.
The choreographer divulges: “While we were shooting the song, I told Akshay, ‘This song is amazing, something should happen with it’.”
In 2018, Ganesh won a National Award for his work on the song.
It truly impressed and left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans.
Dance Ka Bhoot – Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
This cheerful routine from Ayan Mukerji’s fantasy extravaganza shows Ranbir Kapoor at his finest.
The Animal star inhabits the world of Shiva in the first instalment of Brahmastra.
Shiva is a DJ who is celebrating Dusshera with his many followers and friends.
‘Dance Ka Bhoot’, in this context, means almost getting bitten by a dancing bug.
Ganesh scores a blinder in the choreography, raising Ranbir to new elevations.
There is no denying that Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva presents an original story and stunning visual effects.
However, the evergreen music stands on its own feet.
Therefore, the film is a milestone for Indian cinema in more ways than one.
What Jhumka – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
Karan Johar’s 2023 romantic blockbuster entertained and enthralled millions when it was released.
‘What Jhumka’ is a highlight of the film. It shows Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh) and Isha Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt).
The number is a remix of Asha Bhosle’s ‘Jhumka Gira Re‘ from Mera Saaya (1966).
Reminiscing about his first collaboration with Karan, Ganesh explains:
“I have tried to keep the hook step of ‘Jhumka Gira Re’ in the old style itself and I didn’t do anything gimmicky.
“I made them mime to make it softer in energy. There were almost 600 dancers in the song.
“We shot the song in six to seven days. That is Karan’s style.”
‘What Jhumka’ evidently worked wonders with the audience.
In 2024, Ganesh won the Filmfare Award for ‘Best Choreography’ for this routine.
Ganesh Acharya’s energy, skill, and talent are second to none in the realm of Bollywood.
His unique steps and passionate fervour shines through in his choreography.
When watching your favourite stars dance onscreen, it’s easy to forget due credit for the people behind the routines.
However, the truth is that choreographers are the real driving force behind Bollywood dance sequences.
So, prepare to embrace the genius of Ganesh Acharya as you watch these songs.
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