'Mediocre' not an option for Ganesh Hegde

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Ganesh Hegde, who became a phenomena in the early 2000s with tracks like "Main deewana" and "Zindagi zindagi", has been missing from action for a while. The choreographer-singer, now coming in as a judge of reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded", says evading the spotlight was a conscious decision to avoid "doing something mediocre".

"Lull for you is a planned decision for me. I have been doing entertainment stuff, which you may not know about," Hegde told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

An interesting facet he shared was that he has been busy working on a film's script for the past two years.

"So, what you think is a lull is for me a planned decision to not do something mediocre," he added.

Hegde came out with an album "G: The Debut Album" in 2005 and another album "Let's Party" in August 2011. The choreographer notes that all his focus is on his script now.

"You need some preparation to come up with something spectacular. That's what used to happen before I came with 'Main deewana'... as you did not know me till then, but I worked three years to come out with 'Main deewana'. Now, I have worked three years on my film," he added, without divulging any details about the project.

"I can't divulge anything right now. It's near completion. When everything is finalised, we will make a formal call and you will be happy to know what I will do," he said.

Also known for his work in films like "Black", "Koi...Mil Gaya" and "Khamoshi: The Musical", Hegde is now geared up to be a judge for dance-reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded", alongside actor Shahid Kapoor, filmmaker Karan Johar and international dancer-actress Lauren Gottlieb.

Hegde is excited to be a part of the show, which will start beaming on Colors channel from July 11. He notes that the change in format lured him in.

"There's not much scope for reality show judges usually. It's just sitting and giving judgments. Since I have been an entertainer, a singer and a performer and so I feel the need to entertain and that doesn't happen as a reality judge. But Raj Nayak, from Colors, has assured me that this season will be different," he said.