Prabhu Deva, born on April 3, 1973, is a multifaceted Indian artist renowned for his roles as a dance choreographer, film director, producer, and actor across Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada cinema. Over his impressive 32-year career, he has earned two National Film Awards for Best Choreography and received the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019 for his outstanding contributions to dance.
Initially gaining recognition for his acting in the 1990s and early 2000s, Deva starred in commercially successful films such as “Kadhalan” (1994), “Love Birds” (1996), “Minsara Kanavu” (1997), and “VIP” (1997). Despite critical acclaim in subsequent films like “Kaathala Kaathala” (1998) and “Vanathai Pola” (2000), his box office appeal waned. Transitioning to directing, he achieved success with the 2005 Telugu film “Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana,” leading to a string of profitable ventures like “Pokkiri” (2007), “Wanted” (2009), “Rowdy Rathore” (2012), and “Singh is Bliing” (2015) in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.
Prabhu Deva Early Life :
Prabhu Deva, born on April 3, 1973, in Mysore, Karnataka, is a renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and actor. Influenced by his father Mugur Sundar, a South Indian film choreographer, Prabhu Deva mastered Indian classical dances like Bharatanatyam under Dharmaraj and Udupi Lakshminarayanan, alongside Western styles. His debut as a child artist was in the Tamil film “Mouna Ragam” (1986). Initially a background dancer, he transitioned to choreography with the film “Vetri Vizha” (1989) and went on to choreograph for over 100 movies.
Prabhu Deva’s multifaceted career expanded to acting, and in 1999, he performed at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Munich alongside Shobhana and A. R. Rahman. Notably, he is the chairman and director of the Prabhu Deva’s Dance Academy in Singapore since 2010.
Prabhu Deva was initially married to Ramlath, who later changed her name to Latha. The couple had three children, but tragically, their eldest son passed away from cancer in 2008 at the age of 13. In 2010, Ramlath filed a petition at the family court, seeking to prevent Prabhu Deva from being in a live-in relationship with actress Nayanthara and expressing a desire to reunite with him. Ramlath even threatened to go on a hunger strike if Prabhu Deva married Nayanthara. This situation led to protests by women’s organizations against Nayanthara for allegedly bringing disrepute to Tamil culture.
Despite the controversies, Prabhu Deva and Ramlath divorced in 2011. In 2012, Nayanthara confirmed the end of her relationship with Prabhu Deva. Afterward, Prabhu Deva moved to Mumbai and took up residence at Boney Kapoor’s former property called Green Acres. Prabhu Deva’s mother, Mahadevamma, hails from the village of Doora, located approximately 17 kilometers from Mysore. He owns property in Doora and has developed a farm there.
In May 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown in India, Prabhu Deva married Himani, a physiotherapist based in Mumbai. The couple welcomed their fourth child, a girl, on June 13, 2023.
Prabhu Deva’s Artistry :
- Dance:
Prabhu Deva is often referred to as the “Indian Michael Jackson” for his exceptional dance skills. He gained fame as a dancer in the South Indian film industry before making a successful transition to Bollywood. His unique style, a fusion of traditional Indian dance forms and western contemporary dance, has set him apart in the industry. - Choreography:
As a choreographer, Prabhu Deva has worked on numerous films, creating iconic dance sequences. He has choreographed for a wide range of actors and is known for his ability to adapt his choreography to suit the style and persona of different performers. - Acting:
Prabhu Deva has also made a name for himself as an actor. He has appeared in various Indian films, predominantly in the Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi film industries. His energetic performances and natural acting skills have garnered him a substantial fan base. - Filmmaking:
In addition to his skills as a performer and choreographer, Prabhu Deva has ventured into filmmaking. He has directed several successful films, both in Tamil and Hindi. Some of his notable directorial ventures include “Pokkiri,” “Wanted,” and “Rowdy Rathore.” - Multilingual Talent:
Prabhu Deva is fluent in multiple Indian languages, enabling him to work seamlessly in various film industries. This multilingual proficiency has contributed to the diversity of his artistic endeavors. - Awards and Recognition:
Over the years, Prabhu Deva has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His impact on dance and choreography has been particularly noteworthy, and he continues to be a respected figure in the Indian film fraternity.
Prabhu Deva’s artistry reflects a combination of traditional and contemporary influences, making him a dynamic and influential figure in the world of Indian cinema. His ability to excel in multiple artistic domains has contributed to his enduring popularity among audiences.
Prabhu Deva Choreography :
Prabhu Deva is a renowned Indian dance choreographer, actor, and film director, primarily working in the South Indian film industry. He is often referred to as the “Indian Michael Jackson” for his exceptional dance skills. Prabhu Deva has contributed significantly to Indian cinema, particularly in the dance and choreography domain. Here are some key points about Prabhu Deva’s choreography:
- Innovative Dance Moves: Prabhu Deva is known for his innovative and unique dance moves. His choreography often combines traditional Indian dance forms with contemporary styles, creating a distinct and appealing fusion.
- Breakthrough in Bollywood: While Prabhu Deva initially gained fame in the South Indian film industry, he later made a successful transition to Bollywood. He choreographed several hit songs in Hindi films, earning him recognition and popularity nationwide.
- Versatility: Prabhu Deva is versatile in his choreography, adapting his style to suit various genres of music and film. Whether it’s a fast-paced, energetic dance number or a soulful romantic song, he brings his own signature flair to the choreography.
- Actor-Choreographer Combination: Apart from being a choreographer, Prabhu Deva is also a talented actor. His ability to seamlessly blend acting and choreography has made him a sought-after talent in the Indian film industry.
- International Recognition: Prabhu Deva’s dance skills have garnered international attention. His performances and choreography have been appreciated not only in India but also on the global stage.
- Influence on Dance Culture: Prabhu Deva’s contribution to dance culture in India is significant. He has inspired many aspiring dancers and choreographers with his unique style and passion for dance.
- Directorial Ventures: In addition to his work as a choreographer and actor, Prabhu Deva has directed several successful films. His directorial ventures often include elements of dance, reflecting his love for the art form.
Overall, Prabhu Deva’s choreography has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry, and his influence continues to be felt in the world of dance and entertainment.
