'I know nothing but acting and dancing'

In conversation with Prabhudheva 

Making a conversation interesting is as difficult as starting one. But actor-dance choreographer-producer-filmmaker Prabhudheva makes it easy. He is one of those people who likes to work round the clock. Maybe that’s why he has his own audience even today! Among the array of good-looking stars in the industry, he’s carved a niche for himself. At 42, he’s as fit as ever.

The actor, who has been directing films in the North over the past few years, is all set to return to acting with a trilingual (Tamil-Telugu-Hindi) horror-comedy titled Abhinetri directed by Vijay of Madrasapattinam fame.

The first look poster of the multilingual was recently unveiled by global icon Jackie Chan. Prabhudheva says, “I think the script and screenplay of Abhinetri are among the best I’ve listened to recently, and I share screen space with the gorgeous Tamannaah. Sonu Sood plays an important role in the film and we also have Farah Khan doing a cameo! I’m excited because it’s been long since I faced the camera for a Tamil or Telugu film - I’ve been busy directing. I’ve also undergone a complete makeover for my role. My new, casual look would be a refreshing change for the audience.”

Talking about why he took up the film, Prabhudheva says, “I didn’t want to get back to acting for the heck of it. I loved the script and wanted to be a part of it. Someone else was actually supposed to play my role! We had a blast shooting the film in three languages as three separate films. Though it is a comedy film, the horror angle has been treated in a unique way. The story is beautiful and the characters are well-defined. The film will be co-produced by my new banner Prabhudheva Studios.”

He says he enjoyed acting because it freed him from responsibility. “I play Krishna, who easily falls for modern women. The crux of the story is - there’s a modern girl in every homely wife, so don’t go behind the looks of a modern woman. Tamannaah, Sonu Sood and I will be seen in all three versions, but the supporting cast will be different as the film is culture-specific,” he says.

Talking about his experience on the sets, Prabhudheva recalls, “Thankfully, Vijay was the director. He’s amazing and open to suggestions. I just had to go on the sets, listen to him, and act. I was able to breathe after every shot. We shot in and around Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Pune and abroad and post-production work is now going on. Vijay has attempted something different with this script. This film also has a strong emotional core and will connect well with the audience.”

Ask what’s next, and he says, “I will act in a Tamil-Telugu bilingual in November. Besides this, I am directing a Hindi movie.”

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)