Varsha Hegde, from a Struggling Dancer to a Reality Show Winner Varsha Hegde is the winner of the first season of “Kiss Ishq N Konnections”, a dating reality show. But her journey to fame and success was not easy. She had to overcome many challenges and hardships in her life, from poverty to divorce.

Varsha was born in Dombivali, a suburb of Mumbai, in a conservative middle-class family. She faced financial difficulties from a young age and had to work to pay for her education. She could not complete her studies beyond 10th grade and was married off at 18 in an arranged marriage. However, the marriage was abusive and she decided to end it and start afresh.

Varsha had a passion for dancing and fitness. She got a diploma from Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute and pursued courses in muscle anatomy, body anatomy, and nutrition. She started teaching Zumba and dance classes to earn a living. She said, “I’m a self-made girl. I did what I loved and what I wanted to do after my divorce. It was a tough phase, but I stood up again.”

Her life changed when she joined Diva Yoga by Malaika Arora, a celebrity fitness studio. She became a Zumba and dance instructor at Soho House, Mumbai, where she met many celebrities. They encouraged her to try acting and modelling, as they found her beautiful and unique. Varsha said, “I was very underconfident about how I looked and how I was. But they complimented me and said that I had a different and unconventional look. They sent me audition details during the lockdown and I thought, why not try it? I started getting offers, ads, and photoshoots. I felt that it was my calling.”

Varsha then got opportunities to act in TV shows and web series. She also got a call from the makers of “Kiss Ishq N Konnections”, who wanted her to be a part of their show. Varsha said, “I couldn’t believe it, because I never dreamed of doing a reality show, especially after having a child and getting divorced. I think it was the first time that a divorcee did a dating reality show. I grabbed the opportunity and did my best. I thought that it might be my calling, because people would know me as Varsha Hegde, not as a character.”

Varsha won the show and the hearts of many viewers. She said, “I was very happy because I achieved my dreams. I want to inspire other women who are going through tough times. I want to tell them that nothing is impossible if you have the courage and determination to follow your passion.”