Ganesh Hegde opens up on health struggles, loss of family members
Synopsis
Ganesh Hegde, the choreographer behind some of Bollywood's most iconic dance sequences, has broken his silence about years of health struggles and family loss — and how fan love kept him going. The Instagram post, tied to the 21st anniversary of 'Main Deewana', is a rare moment of raw vulnerability from one of the industry's most celebrated artists.
Key Takeaways
Ganesh Hegde revealed on Instagram that the past few years have been difficult due to health issues and the loss of family members.
He marked the 21st anniversary of his song 'Main Deewana' , saying fan support made the pain more bearable.
Hegde is known for choreographing the opening sequence of Michael Jackson's HIStory World Tour concert in Mumbai in 1996 .
His notable Bollywood credits include Lagaan , Ra.One , Don – The Chase Begins Again , and The Archies .
He was most recently a judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 9 alongside Jacqueline Fernandez , Karan Johar , and Farah Khan .
Choreographer and singer Ganesh Hegde has opened up about navigating a deeply personal rough patch in recent years, citing health challenges and the loss of family members, even as he marked the 21st anniversary of his hit song 'Main Deewana'. The artist credited the unwavering support of his fans for helping him cope with the pain and find the strength to move forward.
What Ganesh Hegde Said
Taking to Instagram, Hegde shared a personal note along with a photograph of himself. 'Thank you for the Kind & Lovely wishes Everyone. Main Deewana was 21yrs ago but the love I receive from you is just as if it was yesterday,' he wrote.
He added: 'Past few yrs have been tough with the health and passing of my family members and as a creative person i could not rise above the pain. But your love and affection made things better. I thank each and everyone from the bottom of my heart and promise to keep entertaining to the best of my abilities. I love you. Ganesh Hegde.'
A Career Built on Landmark Moments
Ganesh Hegde has had a career spanning decades, with credits that few in Bollywood can match. He is known for his work in the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan and for his musical contributions to Company. His choreography featured in iconic numbers including 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo' from Dum, 'Main Hoon Don' from Don – The Chase Begins Again, and 'Chammak Challo' from Ra.One. His most recent work includes 'Dhishoom Dhishoom' from The Archies.
The Stage Show Legacy and Michael Jackson Connection
Beyond films, Hegde choreographed several large-scale stage productions, including Temptations — a Bollywood rock concert that toured the United States featuring stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, and Arjun Rampal. He also choreographed the opening sequence of Michael Jackson's India concert as part of the HIStory World Tour, held in Mumbai in 1996 — a milestone that placed him on the global entertainment map.
Recent Television Appearance
Hegde was most recently seen as a judge on the ninth season of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which was hosted by Manish Paul. The season's judging panel also included Jacqueline Fernandez, Karan Johar, and Farah Khan. His candid Instagram post is now drawing an outpouring of fan support, with followers expressing admiration for his honesty and resilience.
Point of View
Music directors, art directors — rarely get the pastoral care or public platform that lead actors do when they struggle. His candour about creative paralysis during personal grief cuts against the industry's relentless positivity machine. That a figure who once choreographed Michael Jackson's India show and dressed Shah Rukh Khan's stage presence spent years unable to 'rise above the pain' — and had to draw on Instagram comments to do so — says something about how the film industry treats those who aren't headlining the marquee.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ganesh Hegde reveal on Instagram?
Ganesh Hegde shared a personal message on Instagram revealing that the past few years have been tough due to health issues and the passing of family members. He said he struggled as a creative person to rise above the pain, but that fan love and affection helped him get through it.
What is the significance of 'Main Deewana' for Ganesh Hegde?
'Main Deewana' is one of Ganesh Hegde's most popular songs, which was released 21 years ago. His recent Instagram post marked this anniversary and reflected on the enduring affection fans still show for the track.
What are Ganesh Hegde's most famous works?
Ganesh Hegde is known for choreographing songs such as 'Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo' from Dum, 'Chammak Challo' from Ra.One, and 'Main Hoon Don' from Don – The Chase Begins Again. He also worked on the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan and choreographed the opening of Michael Jackson's HIStory World Tour concert in Mumbai in 1996.
Which TV show was Ganesh Hegde recently associated with?
Ganesh Hegde was a judge on the ninth season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, hosted by Manish Paul. The judging panel also included Jacqueline Fernandez, Karan Johar, and Farah Khan.
How have fans responded to Ganesh Hegde's Instagram post?
Hegde's post has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, who have expressed admiration for his honesty about his personal struggles. He thanked each one from 'the bottom of my heart' and promised to keep entertaining to the best of his abilities.
