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Prabhu moves behind camera
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After making his mark as a choreographer, dancer and accomplished actor, Prabhu Deva is all set to release his directorial venture. On his new role he speaks exclusively to Sumit Bhattacharjee at the Araku locale.
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"Directing a film was there in the mind since my entry into the film world"
A few years ago a young choreographer-cum-dancer wafted into the filmworld like a whiff of fresh air. He was deemed India's Michael Jackson.
He made the Indian audience gape at the silver screen featuring his body twists and fast footwork. 'Chiku buku chiku buku raile' and 'Muqabala Muqabala' dance sequences caught the imagination of the dreamy youth and the entertainment industry. Overnight he became a celebrity.
You guessed it right. He is none other than the dancing dude, Prabhu Deva.
Prabhu was at Araku recently to shoot for his first film as director. In this tete-a tete with THE HINDU-Metro Plus, he takes a trip down memory lane traces his career from a mere technician to a director. Excerpts:
"just give me three days and I can give you an action replay of 'chiku buku raile'..."
Metro Plus: It must have been a long and tiresome journey all the way up?
Prabhu Deva: "It was long, 18 years to be precise, but certainly not tiresome. I enjoyed every bit of it."
How did it all start?
"I was not good in studies right from my childhood. My parents also knew it. My father Sundaram was a reputed choreographer in films. It was he who actually sowed the seed in my mind that film is the way out for me. So by the time I had come to high school I decided to try my luck in films. I started off as a technician and then started assisting my father in choreography and after some time I became a choreographer myself. Later, I turned a dancer and an actor. Here I am before you as a director.
Why this sudden switch to directing?
"It did not come up suddenly. The idea was in my mind ever since I joined the industry. One should not forget that before Prabhu Deva had become a dancer and an actor he was a technician and a choreographer. Both the roles have got something to do with directing. Over the years I have watched several industry icons like Kamal Hassan and Rajiv Menon from close quarters. Being a fast learner, coupled with the will and desire to become a director, impelled me to grab this offer from M.S. Raju."
How is it like, directing a film?
"In the beginning of my career I preferred to dance since it had come to me more naturally than acting. In dancing I knew what would come next, unlike in acting, but later even acting had become easy. Today I can do any role right from comedy to a serious role and from a character role to a romantic hero. Similar is the case with directing. It took me a few days to set my house in order and then it all flowed in perfect rhythm and harmony. But one thing I would say is, directing is more difficult than acting, as one has to concentrate on every aspect and one should believe and practise the concept of teamwork. Even the absence of a light boy could disrupt the harmony, forget your understanding with the cinematographer and the actors."
Tell us something about the film you are directing?
"There is nothing confidential about it but yet we would like to maintain a certain amount of secrecy till its release. Well, that's how the industry works."
Is it something to do with dance?
Knitting his eyebrows. "It is a simple love story. Something like a city boy falling in love with a village belle or it can also be called as a musical entertainer."
The main actors?
"Sidhu (Boyz fame) is the hero, Trisha is the heroine and both Gopichand and Srihari play vital roles. M.S. Raju is the producer of the film, the music is lent by Devi Sri Prasad, story written by Veeru Potla and dialogues by Paruchuri brothers.
What's the title?
"Nuvvu vastava ante nenu vodhu anta naa".
Does foraying into direction mean curtains to Prabhu's dances and histrionics on the screen?
"Not at all! My life revolves around dance. It is everything for me. Any given opportunity I would perform a sequence. But of late, I am intentionally shying away from it, as I do not want to put too many irons into the fire."
But with you concentrating on other things how would you get back to shape, as dance needs a lot of practice?
"Just give me three days and I can give you an action replay of 'Chiku bukku raile' or 'Muqabala'."
How do you keep yourself fit?
He points to the dumbbells on the floor. "Light exercises and controlled diet."
Finally, why Araku?
"I had come to this place earlier. I do not remember the film." After scratching his scalp for few seconds, "Ya! I am able to recall; it was Nagarjuna's 'Shiva'. This is a beautiful spot and almost the second half of the film is being shot here, as the heroine is a village belle. ....That's it boss for today. My crew is waiting, got to move."
M.S Raju on Prabhu
Here are excerpts of an interview with producer M.S. Raju of Sumanth Arts, the man who dished out hit films like 'Okkadu', 'Manas anta nuvve', 'Devi' and 'Varsham' in recent times.
Right now you are one of the top producers in Tollywood then why have you chosen Prabhu Deva for directing your new film, instead of top guns like Gunashekar or Rajiv Menon?
"Why not Prabhu? I have seen him grow from a technician to an actor. And as far as his choreography and dancing skills are concerned I need not comment. He is not only multi-faceted and talented but also a dedicated worker. I am confident that he would excel in directing also."
When did you notice his directing skills?
"I have seen him choreograph various song sequences over the years but the way he choreographed the song in 'Varsham' consolidated my faith in him. The thematic display that he staged on the song was outstanding."
When do you plan to release the movie?
"January 14, 2005."
Photos: K.R. Deepak
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