There are stars who are loquacious, voluble, adore the camera and the sound of their own voice. There are likewise stars who like to be highbrow, held and detached. And after that there is Prabhu Deva, a man who is the most practical superstar you can meet yet in addition the most hard to meet!
Prabhu is a man of few words. So not many that you need to think hard to make out what he says and he doesn’t state much! In a discussion with the artist choreographer and super-hit chief, he scarcely uncovers anything, wanting to substitute extensive talks with bashful monosyllables and an incapacitating grin. Be that as it may, not at all like different stars, who might be plain bumbling or annoyingly affected, Prabhu’s ‘don’t talk much’ act isn’t a put on. He is simply agonizingly modest even as he illuminates the stage and screen when he moves.
From the time he flaunted his awesome moves in Urvasi and Chik Puk Raile path back in the 90s, Prabhu’s legend has developed. He is additionally the man behind blockbuster films like Wanted and Rowdy Rathore, conveying that same masala grittiness to his movies as he does to his media communications. Faultfinders may laugh at his realistic sensibilities however there is no denying he is a film industry power to figure with. Presently, Prabhu comes back to his first love – moving – and the UAE group of onlookers will have the capacity to watch him live on April 13 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium at the Mathrubhoomi ‘Live with Legends’ demonstrate that will have him perform alongside Shankar Mahadevan, Sivamani and Tollywood on-screen character Isha Talwar. In front of the show, we figured out how to bind Prabhu for a couple of words. Furthermore, mind it, the words are extremely few! So here it is, the short sweet VIP meet where the inquiries are far more longwinded than the appropriate responses!
The concert title is ‘Mathrubhoomi Live with the Legends’. You are known to be very shy when it comes to hogging the limelight. What do you feel about being called a ‘legend’?
Yes, I feel odd. (Breaking into a goofy grin)… But somewhere I am happy too, it’s only human. But as you say… it’s a little bit…strange.
You are modest about your achievements. In the film industry, given your talent and stature, don’t you believe in publicity?
Each person is different.
But you haven’t changed in all these years. What keeps you so grounded?
That’s the way I have been brought up by my mother and father, that’s why I am like this (smiles).
Coming to the concert, what can we expect? Have you performed in Dubai before?
I have come to Dubai before but not for an exclusive performance. This is the first time.
The expectations are really high.
Expectations are always high (laughs). We need to fulfil all of them… that’s what we are trying to do.
There is a lot of nostalgia associated with your songs. A few months ago during the AR Rahman concert in Dubai, your songs with the maestro were the most popular with the crowd. Is it possible to replicate those numbers now?
See, sometimes magic happens. But to make it happen again is tough. It might happen or (it might) not. We need to work hard. On stage toh it’s tougher as it’s live. But it will be fun, I think.
This has a unique combination with Shankar Mahadevan.
Yeah, yeah.
Which was your last performance on stage that you really enjoyed and have fond memories of?
Dabangg 2 is happening with Salman sir. That is good…
Do you plan to bring it to Dubai?
No idea.
If it happens, will you come with Salman?
If it happens, we will see.
Talking of Dabangg, the third part is being made with you as director. How challenging is it to stretch a franchise?
Any film is challenging. And this (the Dabangg series) is a big film. I do the same what other directors do – sit on the script, discuss with technicians, actors and producers. Once they all agree on it, we go to the next stage. Right now, it’s in the scripting stage.
Do you get deeply involved at every stage?
Yeah, yeah, that is what any director would do.
How do you ensure everyone is on the same page as you are?
Somebody has to take a call. That’s why they call the director the captain of the ship.
Your choreography and dance movements are still awe-inspiring. How do you reinvent yourself in dance? What tips would you give to young dancers?
I don’t give advice. The kids are too good and brilliant, they know what they want. The competition is intense but they know exactly where they are going. They don’t need my advice.
But don’t you think audiences are spoilt for choice?
Yes but that’s how the scene grows. These challenges and expectations are normal.
But you appeal to everyone – from the 90s generation to the millennials. How do you strike a chord with such a wide spectrum of movie buffs?
Work hard. Whether it’s a song or film you direct, give 200 per cent. That’s the only thing we (artistes) can do. By god’s grace it will reach you (the audience).
Is the audience today more difficult to please than that of the previous generation?
Yes! It’s very difficult to please them.
But you are up for the challenge…
Not a challenge; life has to go on.
Finally, if given a choice, who would you like to perform with on stage?
Anybody who loves to dance! I never choose. I never give names.
