Why choreography?
I landed in choreography by chance. In school, people thought I was cute and put me up on stage in front of dancing girls. Before I knew it I was dancing.
Was getting into films easy?
No, but I have been lucky. I was introduced to the industry by Ramesh Arvind, whose daughter I taught in my dance academy. My third song, Stylo Stylo, won me great acclaim.
You are solely choreographing the SIIMA Awards 2015.
Over three years of SIIMA, I was bothered by its mediocrity. This year they asked me to choreograph it all.
It seems to have become a trend—from choreography to direction....
For me, the leap came after a friend pushed me in that direction saying it was the obvious next step.
Your first directorial debut, Endhendhigu, wasn’t a hit.
It does not deter me, but only spurs me to do better. I've seen this happen to many.
Like your movie, your life is a romantic filmi tale.
I guess that is where I get my love for romance. We moved to Bangalore after my dad passed away and it was there that I met my future wife. She was training at the studio where I was assisting; facing parental opposition, we had to elope!
Choreography or direction?
My first love is choreography. But film-making is also a passion.
You say cinema has taught you diplomacy.
I am straightforward and that landed me in trouble often. Over the years I have learnt to listen to people before I give my opinion.
What’s next?
Producing.
Any plans of getting into Bollywood?
Who doesn’t want to get into Bollywood!
