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Reaching greater heights

Prabhu makes his debut as a producer in Hindi films with "Delhii Heights"

GOOD TIMES Prabhu ( left) with the cast of "Delhii Heights"

The film Delhii Heights is becoming popular for two reasons: its title and its producer, Prabhu. The latter, son of veteran Tamil star Sivaji Ganesan, is now producing a Hindi film after almost 50 years since Sivaji Productions came up with Amardeep in 1958. Prabhu, synonymous with Tamil cinema, having worked in over 140 films, was recently in New Delhi to shoot a scene for the film.

"My brother made Gauri with Guru Dutt, Nutan and Sanjeev Kumar way back in 1968. It was then that I got acquainted with Hindi films. We made Mannan in Tamil which was remade as Laadla in Hindi. But people know me better after the super hit Chandramukhi (2005). It was also shown at this year's IFFA Awards," recalls Prabhu.

He cites no particular reason for his debut as a producer in Hindi films, except an interesting script by Sanyukta Chawla and direction by Anand Kumar.

"I had been listening to many scripts over the years, but this one interested me for its newness. It talks about two lovers (played by Neha Dhupia and Jimmy Shergill) who get married. They work in two rival companies. They live in a high-end apartment in New Delhi. Hence the title. How their professional commitments affect their personal lives despite their effort to keep the two separate, is what the film is all about," says Prabhu.

Fond memories

Prabhu, whose father was venerated equally by the Hindi and the Tamil film industries, has many fond memories of Hindi film actors. He reminisces, nostalgically, "Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan revered my father immensely. He would prostrate before him wherever he saw him. My father was touched by this gesture. He would stop him and say, `Don't do this to me. You are a superstar'. Mr. Bachchan would reply, `But you are my superstar'. Such was the relationship they shared." It is not only the superstars who fondly remember Sivaji Ganesan. " After my father died in 2002, we instituted three awards in his name, to be given to the best technical artists. The awards are also meant for the old crew that worked with him during his days of struggle and stardom. Every year we give this award in Chennai in remembrance of their contribution to Tamil cinema. Last year at the award ceremony, Sunil Dutt sir was present. He talked about his Gauri days and his relationship with my father."

RANA SIDDIQUI

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