I watched the Telugu version of 'Pokkiri' several times. Of course, I wielded the megaphone for the Tamil version. The script is very close to my heart.
— Prabhu Deva
I became a director by accident. M.S. Raju garu asked me to direct a movie, and I said OK. It all happened in 5 minutes.
When I went to the sets of 'ABCD,' I felt younger. Surrounded by so many young dancers, I, too, became a dancer again.
I have done Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi movies, and each actor that I've worked with is different from the other.
'Ramaiya Vastavaiya' means, 'Ram, will you come?' The movie is a remake of the Telegu film 'Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana,' which was my first film as a director. So, it's close to my heart.
Till I get bored, I can eat. Suddenly one day, I will decide, 'Okay, today I will eat.' Then, I dance.
I only complained in school, as I did not like studying.
I've never really enjoyed being in front of the camera.
Before, there was a culture that said Mumbai is separate, Telugu films should be separate. Now, everyone is working together. It's cool.
While I love dancing, and even acting in 'ABCD' - 'Anybody Can Dance' - was fun, I remain, at heart, a choreographer.
I don't consider myself a trendsetter.
Everything changes when I dance... I am a taskmaster there. I am the creator. I am high on dance - my expression, body language... I am like a fire.
I think dance is my extension. There is nothing that I can imagine without dance.
'Lakshmi' is a dance film, a musical that deals with the emotional bond between the guru and his sishya.
'Que Sera Sera' had a very unusual rhythm. It was a challenge for me to pick up Rahman's beats and translate them into dance steps.
I had been choreographing and dancing for a good 12 years before I did 'Que Sera Sera' for Boney Kapoor. I did it for two reasons - one, I shared a good rapport with Boney, and the more important reason, Madhuri Dixit.
In my films, they say the action sequences are very local and not international. But why should I copy from English films?
Chiranjeevi garu is my favourite dancer.
I enjoy being a choreographer.
If I could put in 100 per cent effort to make a film, then a dance film would require that I put in 200 per cent. Making a regular film is much easier.
I want to develop women-oriented films because, in most of the films, 70 per cent of the focus is on heroes and the rest on the heroine.
To be honest, I wasn't looking at 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya' as a platform to dance again.
I love cake or any sweets.
Dance keeps me going, and it gives me the energy to remain active in cinema.
Madhuri Dixit is too good. She is too good. That's why she's Madhuri Dixit.
I am glad to be in demand as a director.
Of course I'd like someone in my life. And of course, when I go home in the evening, I wish there was someone waiting for me. But very honestly, I don't have time to be lonely. My work fills up most of my day, and when I get home, I just want to sleep.
Yes, anybody can dance. Whether it is right or wrong, that doesn't matter.
When I work in a film like an actor, I do not interfere or try to use my seniority or impose anything on the filmmaker.
It isn't easy to create a dance show, and it's different from choreographing for films... You need a lot of stamina and practice.
It is not easy for a dancer to be accepted as an actor. But I worked my way up through hard work and by God's grace.
Madhuri did the moonwalk in 'Que Sera Sera' perfectly. We didn't think it would become so iconic.
There have been so many 'James Bond' movies, 'Spiderman' films, 'Mission Impossible' series, etc. Is there any difference in the basic story? Yet, each time there's a release, people are excited.
I just feel that if people write about a film, then they should also write about audience's response.
I have no definition of life. Just be happy and don't think about the past.
I get a lot of free time between films, but I don't know why I hardly dance.
I would like to do all kind of movies, but it all depends on the producer. The director, the actor, and the producer must like it, and they must be clear about it.
I live in today and take it slowly.
I like Mysuru Palace, which is always a great place to visit.
I can easily eat 15-20 dosas or idlis at a time.
The advantage of doing away with words is that you can reach out to any part of the world.
I never planned to become a choreographer. I never planned to become an actor. I never planned to be a director. It's all good will. I did nothing.
I've heard life starts at 40. I wouldn't know until I get there... I suspect 40 would just be another number. I have never allowed myself to stop and consider my age. I've always been on the move.
The audience loves watching masala films, and I love to make what the audience likes. I also think it is easy to make a masala film.
I am very excited because 'ABCD' is India's first dance film. I am also thrilled because the film is in 3D. People will be able to see my dance in 3D.
If anyone is calling me to choreograph a dance, they know my style, and they know I am a taskmaster. They want to present themselves as a good dancer before their fans, and that is why they want me to choreograph.
As a parent, I tell my boys to keep away their smartphones and go outdoors and play. I take them to our farm where my father does a bit of farming, where they get their hands dirty. It is their digital detox.
When I was building my career as a choreographer, acting just happened.
A lot of heroines ask me to make the dance steps easier.
I make films for people to smile, laugh, and have fun.
