He remains as elusive as the scarlet pimpernel. He is shy and reticent. But his close coterie swears that the man has a heart of platinum, who quietly does his work and does not have a PR to ply his various achievements. He is the first choice of all superstars in Bollywood and south Indian languages to choreograph their songs. He is Prabhu Deva the ace choreographer turned actor turned director. We snag him for an interview on the eve of the release of his first Hindi film Wanted releasing worldwide on September 18. Excerpts
Are you tensed about the release?
Like any other film maker I am also tensed and am waiting to get the audience reaction. We all worked hard and Salman is going full steam with the promotion of the film. It’s for the first time that he has given almost 60 days to promote the film.
You had directed the Tamil version Pokkiri with Vijay and now the same subject is remade in Hindi with Salman Khan. What difference did you feel while directing these two heroes?
This film has a universal appeal as it is city based. So there was no need of any nativity changes. But the subject can be made believable only if a larger-than-life hero with mass appeal does it. Be it Mahesh Babu, Vijay or Salman –all have the above said qualities. But what I found is that every hero has their own signature style and body language and once, we understand that, then work becomes easier.
We’ve heard that Salman is a very temperamental person. Was it difficult to direct him?
(Laughs) All this is media made. He is such a sweet heart, very friendly, professional and above all a complete actor. We got along like house on fire and he treated me like a brother on sets. When you see the film, you will realize his involvement in the project. He is a delight real treat.
Why wasn’t Asin repeated in the Hindi verson?
First and foremost Asin was not a big star in Hindi when we finalised the film. And Ayesha fitted the bill to a T. The heroine required an innocent, sumpathetic, cute and coy look and she was perfect for the character. She has done a brilliant job.
You always make a small appearance in all the films that you’ve directed? Have you done a cameo in Wanted?
That’s suspense, watch it and tell me if you find me (smiles). But let me tell you that Anil Kapoor and Govinda has done cameo appearances. Prakash Raj plays the villain and his confrontation scene with Salman is one of the highlights of the film. Mahesh Manjerkar and Vinod Khanna are also in the cast.. Nirav Shah is the cameraman.
How do you balance your career between choreographing, directing and acting?
(smiles) It’s not as complicated as you think. I am very selective in whatever I do. The only film that I’m acting is Thangar Bachchan’s , Kalavadiya Pozhuthugal which is almost complete. It was a great experience working with Thangar.
What next?
I am directing Telugu film with Siddharth in the lead.
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