Over the years, this talented man has evolved from being a dancer to a good actor and now, a superhit filmmaker (Wanted, Rowdy Rathore).
However, he is not one to blow his own trumpet. `The new crop of boys are such fabulous dancers. I can learn so much from them, ` says the multi-faceted man. In a snappy interview, the soft-spoken, humble and ever- smiling Prabhu Deva opens up to CS about box office success and dance.
The 100 crore club
I was very happy when Rowdy Rathore grossed over ` 100 crores, but making a 100-crore film is not my agenda when I set out to make a film. My focus is on the content and technicalities. I feel nervous post- production when I see the first rushes.
I just pray that everything has turned out as I visualised it. My priority is always to entertain my audience. I don't lose sleep thinking whether my film will make 100 crores or not. That's not my job as a director.
Dance, dance
Dancing is not what it was in my time. Today, every home has a dancer. Fathers, brothers and grandfathers proudly show their boys/girls who can dance well. It has taken a lot of efforts from many people over the years to bring about this acceptability.
Dance reality shows have also played their part. I find it very heartening to see that this talent is getting such platform and recognition. And I am glad if people say that I have played a small part in it. Frankly, I never took the title of God of dance in India too seriously! (laughs out loud). Idol worship
I adore Michael Jackson and Saroj Khan. I so wish that she could choreograph me in a film or that if I was a part of some of her classic numbers. Even Remo D'Souza is a great dancer-choreographer. I feel embarrassed when people talk of me as 'great'. I mean just look around, the new boys are such brilliant dancers.
Straight from the heart
I trained in Bharatanatyam, so classical dance is the only form I have some knowledge about. I don't know much about contemporary, tango, street dance or other forms. For me, dance is a form of expression in whatever style. A true dancer just follows his heart. I would tell all people who want to make a career in dancing to just work hard and go by their instincts. If you are good, success will find you.