In the world of dance, few journeys are as inspiring and grounded as that of Ashish Khichi—a passionate artist whose story is a beautiful blend of hustle, humility, and heart. From learning his first moves by watching Michael Jackson and Javed Jaffrey on TV to assisting on major Bollywood films and sharing the stage with Shah Rukh Khan, Ashish’s path has been anything but ordinary. In this exclusive interview with Puneinsight Editor Sanjay Jadhav, Ashish opens up about the defining moments of his career, the magic of mentorship, his love for teaching, and his dream of one day choreographing Hrithik Roshan—the very star who sparked his passion for dance. Through his words, we uncover not just the story of a dancer, but the spirit of someone who dares to dream, dares to work hard, and dares to stay humble.
Can you take us back to the beginning—how did your journey in dance start, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
I remember very clearly where my journey with dance began. It all started the first time I saw Michael Jackson sir performing on TV. I was mesmerized—completely in awe of his moves. That moment sparked something inside me. I wanted to know everything about dance. I wanted to learn how to move like that.
Then I saw Javed Jaffrey sir, and later Govinda sir—each one inspiring me in a new way. Their energy, their style, their love for dance—it was contagious. I was hooked. I didn’t think about a career then. I just knew that I loved to dance.
But the turning point came when I watched Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. When I saw Hrithik Roshan sir dancing to ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’ and ‘Sitaaron Ki Mehfil’, my heart shouted,
“This is it. This is what I want to do.”
I didn’t just want to dance—I wanted to be on TV. I wanted to be a star. I wanted to inspire others, the way he inspired me.
From that day on, I became serious. I started working harder than ever. I used to rehearse for 8 hours a day—every single day. I pushed myself to improve constantly.
And soon, I became one of the best dancers in my city.
This wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was a mission.”
Did you face any initial struggles or resistance while choosing dance as a career path, especially in a competitive field like this?
My Dance Journey – Not a Struggle, But a Beautiful Path
When I chose dance as my career, I always knew my heart belonged in Mumbai. And the moment I arrived in this city, my beautiful journey in dance truly began. People often call it a “struggle” — but to me, struggle is nothing but your hard work, your effort, and the passion you pour into making your dreams come true.
There are many people here who work hard, but what truly matters is how different your hard work is — how unique your journey becomes through it.
My very first audition in Mumbai was for none other than Ganesh Hegde sir — someone I looked up to immensely after Hrithik Roshan. I was full of excitement and confidence. The auditions were happening at Yash Raj Studios for a performance at the Pune IPL opening ceremony. They were looking for dancers. When I entered the venue, I saw 300 dancers — some of the best talent I had ever seen. Still, I gave it my all… and I was selected.
That moment marked the true beginning of my journey. From that point on, I decided: I’m staying in Mumbai.
I worked hard — very hard. I auditioned for several reality shows. I wasn’t selected in any of them. But life had its own beautiful plan — the same shows I auditioned for, I ended up being a part of them, not as a contestant, but as an assistant choreographer, teaching and guiding the very people who were selected.
So no, I don’t call this a struggle. This is my beautiful journey.
Later, I met Ruel Sir, who became a major turning point in my dance life. I joined his group, and he appreciated my dance style. He named the crew “I Am Hip Hop Crew.” That’s when I truly began to understand the deeper meaning of dance. I had learned to dance by watching TV as a child, but under Sir’s guidance, and alongside the crew, I gained real experience and insight.
With “I Am Hip Hop Crew,” I grew not only as a dancer but also as a person. I performed in several major reality shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Dance India Dance (D.I.D), D.I.D Moms, and D.I.D Kids, always learning and evolving.
This journey — from a hopeful dancer in a sea of 300 auditioning artists to becoming a choreographer and a part of India’s biggest dance shows — is not a struggle. It’s my life, and I’m proud of every step. I’m truly happy.
You’ve worked with several Bollywood celebrities—could you share some memorable moments or learning experiences from those collaborations?
A Moment I’ll Never Forget – Performing with Shah Rukh Khan
There are some moments in life that stay with you forever—and for me, one of the most unforgettable moments was the day I performed with Mr. Shah Rukh Khan. That day wasn’t just special. It was the best moment of my life.
It happened during the opening show of Jio, choreographed by the legendary Vaibhavi Merchant Ma’am. I was one of the dancers performing at Reliance, and Shah Rukh Khan was going to share the stage with us.
I was beyond excited—nervous, thrilled, and full of energy—but I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what he would be like in person. We were rehearsing on stage on the final day when, suddenly, Shah Rukh Khan walked in—quietly, from behind.
And then something amazing happened.
He came up to every single dancer, shook hands with us, and greeted us warmly. When he reached me, he smiled, extended his hand, and said:
“Hi, I’m Shah Rukh Khan.”
Even now, I can clearly picture that moment. That visual will forever be etched in my mind. I just smiled and said,
“Sir, who doesn’t know you? I’m your die-hard fan.”
That one simple interaction taught me something profound—true greatness lies in humility. Despite being one of the biggest superstars in the world, Shah Rukh Khan was so grounded, so respectful, so human.
From that day on, I made a promise to myself. No matter where dance takes me, I will always stay grounded. And whenever aspiring dancers reach out to me—through messages, calls, or in person—I always make an effort to respond, guide, and support them. Because this journey we call dance? It’s truly beautiful. And everyone deserves the chance to believe in it.
One day, I hope to work with Shah Rukh Khan again. That’s still a dream I carry close to my heart.
And I want to share something very close to my heart —
Years ago, I watched the movie Dhamaal, and I dreamed that one day, somehow, I’d work in a film like that. I didn’t know how or when — but the dream was planted. Years later, that very dream came true when I got the chance to work as an assistant choreographer on Total Dhamaal, the sequel to Dhamaal.
It was a dream project. I met and worked with the same legendary actors I once watched with admiration —
Javed Jaffrey sir, my inspiration from childhood, whom I got the honor to personally teach dance. I remember the day I went to his house to teach him — and when I came back, I cried. Not out of sadness, but from pure happiness. Happy tears.
Then, on set, I met Ajay Devgn sir, Boman Irani sir, Anil Kapoor sir, Madhuri Dixit ma’am, Riteish Deshmukh sir, Arshad Warsi sir, and my favorite, Esha Gupta ma’am — all of them were there. And what energy, what humility, what legends! The greatest joy was that all of them knew me by name. I can’t explain how that felt — it was like the universe saying, “You’re on the right path.”
How different is it to choreograph for a Bollywood star versus training a student in a dance class?
First of all, I love this question.
There’s a big difference between choreographing a Bollywood star and teaching a student in a dance class—and both come with their own challenges and joys.
When a Bollywood actor walks into a rehearsal hall, they come prepared. There’s no “we’ll see later.” As choreographers or assistants, we have to be 100% ready. The steps are fixed. The pressure is high. And the goal is clear: the performance must inspire millions watching.
There’s no scope to simplify. We don’t go back to basics. We go full power—advance level, clean execution, full expressions. The actor knows that the audience expects a “wow” moment, and we work hard together to make that happen.
On the other hand, when we’re teaching in a dance class, the vibe is totally different. A student might say,
“Sir, this step is too difficult—can you change it?”
And that’s completely okay.
In a class, our focus is on learning and growing, not just performing. We often break down steps, simplify movements, and go deep into the basics so that students build a strong foundation. It’s a different kind of satisfaction—watching someone who had zero confidence slowly start dancing with joy.
Both experiences are amazing in their own ways. One is high-pressure, high-energy; the other is patient, personal, and rewarding.
And honestly? I love teaching people who don’t know how to dance.
There’s something magical about seeing someone take their first steps into the world of dance—and knowing you helped them get there.
I just love my job.
Do you have a dream star you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
My Dream Collaboration – Hrithik Roshan Sir
If there’s one Bollywood actor I truly dream of collaborating with—one person I want to choreograph, teach, or simply share a stage with—it can only be Hrithik Roshan Sir.
He’s not just an actor to me.
He’s the reason I chose dance as a profession.
He’s the reason I dared to dream.
He’s the reason I live and breathe dance today.
Hrithik Sir has inspired millions—and I’m one of them. His passion, his style, his journey… everything about him has deeply influenced mine. He didn’t just inspire me to dance—he changed the direction of my life.
I believe with all my heart that one day, I will get that chance.
I manifest it every single day—that moment where I’ll work with him, choreograph him, or even just teach him one step. That moment will be a dream come true.
Until then, I’ll keep working hard, keep growing, and keep dancing—with him as my ultimate inspiration.
You also teach dance. What drives your passion for teaching, and how important is mentorship in this field?
Like I’ve said before—I love teaching dance.
Whether someone is a trained dancer or someone who’s never taken a step in rhythm before, teaching them gives me pure joy.
In fact, I especially love teaching those who don’t know how to dance. Watching their transformation—seeing their confidence grow step by step—is something I truly live for. And yes, even teaching dancers who already know the craft is fun, because we get to push boundaries and explore creativity together.
I also do wedding choreography, and that brings a different kind of happiness. I get to meet new people, new families. The energy is full of excitement, emotions, and celebration. You see brides and grooms who have never danced before but want to perform something special as a couple. You see uncles, aunties, parents—all equally excited to get on stage.
And I love that challenge:
To choreograph a story, with non-dancers, and make it shine on stage.
To take something simple and turn it into something magical. Because when they finally perform, it’s not just a dance—it’s a memory. A moment they’ll never forget.
This whole process of teaching—from the first awkward steps to that final confident performance—it’s something I deeply enjoy. And honestly, I love my job.
But one of the most important things I’ve learned in this journey is the value of a guru.
When I started dancing as a child, I had no teacher. I learned by watching TV, copying moves, and figuring it out on my own. But when I came to Mumbai, I found my guru—Ruel Sir—and everything changed.
Under his guidance, I didn’t just learn dance.
I learned discipline, direction, and how to grow.
A guru is someone who tells you what’s right and what’s not.
Who tells you, “Give this audition,” or “Wait for the next one.”
Someone who guides you through the noise—toward the right path.
And in this profession, that kind of guidance is priceless.
So to everyone out there:
Dance is a dream. Live it. Learn it. Respect it. Build your foundation strong. And if you find a guru—hold on tight. They can change your life
You’ve won several awards over the years. Which ones are closest to your heart, and why?
There are two awards that are very close to my heart. Not because they were the biggest in the world—but because they shaped my journey and helped me believe in myself.
The first one was at Channel V IndiaFest Footloose.
I auditioned from Pune and got selected. The finals were in Goa, and there were a lot of dancers there—especially in the style I love most: hip-hop. I gave it everything I had. I came second, but I wasn’t upset at all.
Why?
Because I knew I had performed from the heart.
The judges were happy. The Channel V team was happy. And I was proud of what I had done.
And the most beautiful part?
A few years later, I returned to that same competition—not as a participant, but as a judge.
For three years, I judged the same event where I once stood as a runner-up. That’s the real win for me.
The second memory is from St. Xavier’s Malhar—one of the biggest and most respected college fests in Mumbai.
I came from Pune with my college crew to perform in the group dance competition. But we didn’t do well. I was heartbroken. I was standing there, upset, when I noticed a cypher battle happening—a solo street dance battle.
Suddenly, the host announced:
“We’re going to pick someone from the crowd to battle. Raise your hand if you want in.”
There were 400 to 500 people around me. So many hands went up.
I didn’t even know why—but in that moment, the host pointed at me. He picked me.
I jumped in and started battling.
And here’s the part I still get goosebumps thinking about:
I went up against the champion—the dancer who had been winning St. Xavier’s solo battle from years .
And I defeated him.
I won.
I got my first-ever smartphone—a Motorola Gold. But more than the phone, I got something bigger that day: a reminder that even when you feel low, life can surprise you with a moment that changes everything.
I didn’t plan that moment. I didn’t chase it. But it came.
And I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that was God’s way of guiding me—telling me I’m on the right path.
These two moments didn’t just give me awards—they gave me belief, recognition, and the motivation to keep going.
They reminded me that when your intentions are pure, and your effort is real, the universe responds.
What do you think sets your style or approach apart in such a vibrant and evolving dance industry?
I think what sets me apart in the dance industry—especially as a hip-hop dancer—is my foundation, my approach to storytelling, and how I blend emotion with technique. Hip-hop is more than just steps and moves to me—it’s a culture, a voice, and a feeling.
From the beginning, I learned dance by watching TV, teaching myself, feeling the music. That raw connection stayed with me.
What also makes me different is that I’ve always focused on energy and expression. I’m not just dancing for applause—I’m dancing to connect. Whether I’m performing on a big stage or teaching someone who’s never danced before, I give 100% to the moment.
And because I’ve trained under amazing mentors and performed in both commercial shows and street-style battles, I’ve developed a style that’s rooted in real hip-hop, but still adaptable and creative. I stay grounded, but I’m always evolving. That balance—that’s what makes me, Me .
How has dance evolved in India over the past decade, especially with platforms like social media and reality TV?
Dancers Today Are Truly Blessed
When I started dancing, the biggest reality show was Boogie Woogie. That was our dream stage. Then came Dance India Dance, and it changed everything for us. But when Dance Plus came, it completely redefined the dance scene. The level, the creativity, the production—it was beyond imagination. Honestly, I believe it became one of the best dance reality shows not just in India, but globally.
But what truly amazes me now is the power of social media.
Back then, we didn’t even know how to run a YouTube channel. We were just focused on dancing, training, and trying to be seen—anywhere, somehow.
Today’s dancers are so lucky.
They have Reels, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and global access. They can upload their talent instantly, reach thousands (even millions), and even earn from their art. That’s something we never had.
And I really mean this:
If we had all this back in our time—the tools, the exposure, the platforms—maybe our struggle would have been very different. Not easier, maybe, but more visible.
We used to travel long distances for auditions, carrying bags, sometimes not even sure if we’d be seen. Now, dancers can post from home and go viral overnight.
And the best part? Many of them are training under great mentors and learning the right way.
So yes, dancers today are truly blessed.
They have everything they need—they just have to stay focused, stay original, and keep growing.
Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new ventures we can look forward to?
My New Venture: Sets on the Beach, Vasai
Yes, apart from choreography, I’ve been working on something really exciting!
I choreograph Punjabi music videos, ads, and other creative projects — and there are some amazing music videos coming up that I’ve worked on (can’t reveal too much yet, but stay tuned!).
Recently, my wife and I started a new venture very close to our hearts — it’s called Sets on the Beach, located at Kalam Beach, Vasai (Mumbai).
It’s a beautiful multi-purpose space designed for:
Dance reels
Podcasts
Music videos
Short films
Web series
Pre-wedding shoots
Advertisements
Even staycations, bachelor parties, pool parties, and family getaways!
It’s a huge beach-facing property, and we’ve even got a restaurant on-site. Whether you’re a creator looking to shoot something special, or someone planning a celebration or relaxing holiday — this space is made for you.
We wanted to create a place where art, joy, and community come together. I’m really proud of this new chapter, and I’d love for you all to come experience it.
Name: Sets on the Beach
Location: Kalam Beach, Vasai (Mumbai)
Come shoot, create, chill, or celebrate — the beach is waiting!
What message would you like to give to aspiring dancers who want to follow in your footsteps?
A Message to Every Aspiring Dancer
To all the aspiring dancers out there — to those who’ve just stepped into this world with a dream in their eyes:
Don’t stop dreaming.
Dream big. Dream fearlessly. I’ve lived it myself — I’ve seen how dreams come true when you believe in them with your whole heart.
No matter how many challenges come your way, never give up. Run after your dream with everything you’ve got — run so fast that nothing and no one can stop you. Even on the days when you feel low, remember that first moment when you said to yourself, “One day, I’ll make it.”
Stay humble.
Respect every person around you — dancer or not. Because the one who’s struggling today might be the superstar of tomorrow. Respect your Guru. Your mentors and teachers are the guiding lights in this journey. Without a strong foundation, no art can stand tall.
Even if you don’t win competitions…
Even if you don’t get selected in reality shows or auditions…
It’s okay.
What matters is that you keep going. You keep dancing. And you keep winning hearts.
Today, you have something we didn’t — social media. You can show your art to the world from wherever you are. So use that platform. Let your work speak. Let your soul dance.
Keep your basics strong. Keep your intention pure. And never stop chasing your dream.
Love you all. Keep dancing. Keep believing.
