If ace choreographer Prabhu Deva had his way, he would never talk and just let his moves do the talking.
"It's very exciting and challenging," said Deva in an interview with tabloid!. This was his succinct response to his task of choreographing his first awards night at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) in Singapore next month.
"Taking up the choreography for an awards night is completely different from choreographing a song for a film. Here, there are no retakes and everything has to be perfect — the costumes, the back-up dancers, the props," he added.
This year at the awards presentation ceremony, the actor-choreographer-director will act as mentor to the likes of Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Neha Dhupia as they take over the stage with their colourful song and dance spectacle. But Deva, 39, isn't worried. And even if he is, he's doing a good job of hiding it.
Incredible
"I am not nervous. But this is the first time that I will be choreographing an awards night. It's an incredible and challenging opportunity. I will be making a blueprint in my head soon. In the next few weeks, I will be focusing on how to make it all come alive."
Dubbed India's answer to Michael Jackson, the Mysore-born artist took India by storm with his intricate choreography and elastic movements in the 1990s. He later dabbled in direction with hits such as Salman Khan-starrer Wanted. His next directorial venture, Rowdy Rathore, starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha, will hit theatres in the UAE on May 31.
Straightforward
"It's a big month for me. We are coming to Dubai tomorrow and after that it's all about preparing for the IIFAs."
When asked if he faced any problem communicating with Hindi-speaking peers, he said he always took the tell-all route.
"I am very straightforward. If I have something to communicate about dance steps, I just go up to the actor and tell them my thoughts. Language is never a problem," said Deva.
Meanwhile, the Bollywood fraternity is gearing up to enjoy a weekend of fun and sun in Singapore. Singularity star Bipasha Basu is already armed with a well-charted party plan.
"I have already asked the IIFA organisers to book tickets for me to visit the Singapore zoo. I have heard such good things about it."
For others, it's all work and no play. Shanghai star Abhay Deol, who's likely to fly into Singapore for the world premiere of his thriller on June 7, says he has a busy week ahead of him. His blockbuster Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has been featured prominently in the awards list, but he's there just to peddle Shanghai.
"I won't staying for the awards presentation — just Shanghai red carpet."
