We have all seen him on TV and in movies – shaking a leg better than most people – and we have been entertained and amazed! We were amazed not just because he danced so well and has choreographed some iconic Bollywood songs, but because he could dance and do his job at his size! This is the story of Ganesh Acharya - the man who has lost a lot of weight and has become an inspiration to others in the process.
He is the son of choreographer Gopi. Ganesh was just 10 when his father died and he had to give up his studies early in life because of this. He assisted choreographer Kamaji and learned dancing. He started a dance troupe when he was just 12 and worked as a choreographer in his first film Anaam when he was just 21.
He received little formal training and claims to have learned a lot by observing Saroj Khan, Kamal Hasan, PL Raj and other choreographers.
Acharya’s most notable work includes Badi Mushkil from Lajja, the song Aisa Jadoo Dala Re from Khakhee and Beedi from Omkara for which he received various nominations and awards. He received the National Award for Best Choreography for the song Maston Ka Jhund in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
He has worked with top stars and most have expressed a desire to work with him. Acharya has worked as a choreographer in many of Govinda's movies in particular.
At his heaviest, Ganesh Acharya weighed 200 kgs. He had actually put on weight for his film Hey Bro in 2015, after which he decided that he had to lose the weight.
He felt that he had to show people a different side of himself. People had only seen the fat Acharya, he now wanted them to see another, fit Acharya.
He worked hard on his body for a year and a half – and managed to lose a whopping 85 kilos. According to him, he danced when he was fat as well, but having lost the weight, he now can feel the difference… his energy has doubled.
Currently Acharya is an inspiration for all those who are troubled by their size. He also plans to release a YouTube video that documents his weight loss journey. When people see how he transformed his body, perhaps they will find the inspiration to do the same!
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