Dancing sensation Prabhudeva’s new avataar, that of the director, has been quite eventful. He answers email queries by SHAlINI SAKSENA to tell her that his first love is still dancing
You are the man who refused to join MJ. Do you regret the decisionIJ
I don’t regret it. I wanted to make my identity here in India. I was and I am still very heavily inspired by Michael Jackson. I was three when I watched his dance for the first time. In lot of my initial films I used to watch his videos and copy him. He was a true master of western contemporary dance and there is so much to learn from just watching his dance videos.
A transition from choreography to direction. How did this happenIJ
It was a smooth transition without too many obstacles. Initially, I was a little apprehensive about directing films. It is the most important job in filmmaking. But, I enjoy it now. As time passed, it built confidence in me and made me believe in myself as a director.
You have redefined how Bollywood dances today...
I would not say that I am the only one who has redefined dancing in Bollywood. After all, I am only one of the contemporary dancers in Bollywood. There are so many talented dancers, choreographers who have been doing much more work than me in the industry.
How as dance form changed in IndiaIJ
Contemporary dancing has become a part of urban India. Be it Bollywood, dance reality shows or dance performances elsewhere, western contemporary is chosen more often than not. The reason is that it is getting more visibility than traditional or classical dancing forms.
Despite controversies you manage to stay calm. What is your secret...
I don’t pay attention to controversies. I do my work with dedication and spend time with my family and friends as much as I can. Controversies are for stars not for me.
You have choreographed around 100 movies. Do numbers have meaning for youIJ
I enjoyed working on every single project and that is the best feeling. I haven’t kept track of how many but all that matters to me is how my work has been and if I did justice to the job I was asked to do.
Your take on item numbersIJ
They have become an integral part of cinema in India. They are entertaining and refreshing to watch and adds spice to a film.
One actor you would love to work withIJ
Every actor is talented in his/her own way and I would like to work with whoever I can as in when opportunity presents itself.
The best dancer in Bollywood today...And the worst dancer...
Hrithik Roshan and Chiranjivi are my favourite dancers. I also enjoyed dancing with Shahid Kapoor and Rajni sir. Bollywood has many talented dancers today and it is a treat to watch them perform.
Tell us about your dance school in Singapore...
It is situated at the Mountbatten centre in Singapore. It trains students and offers them a taste of Bollywood dancing.
Few know that you have acted in more 120 movies (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi)...
I have been working in films for over two decades and I have cherished every single one of them. I have learned something new and taken back a memory from each one.
You are known to give one-word answers. The reason for this...
I would prefer my work to speak for itself.