Prabhu Deva, often referred to as the “Indian Michael Jackson,” is one of the most versatile and accomplished artists in the Indian entertainment industry. Renowned for his exceptional dancing skills, Prabhu Deva has made significant contributions as a choreographer, actor, film director, and producer. With a career spanning over three decades, he has worked across multiple film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. His unique dance style, combined with his talent for storytelling, has made him a household name in India and beyond.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Prabhu Deva Sundaram |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1973 |
| Age | 51 years |
| Place of Birth | Mysore, Karnataka, India |
| Profession | Choreographer, Actor, Director, Producer |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Spouse | Latha (Divorced) |
| Children | 3 (including one son who passed away) |
| Awards | National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $20 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Education
Prabhu Deva was born on April 3, 1973, in Mysore, Karnataka, into a family with a rich background in classical dance. His father, Mugur Sundar, was a prominent choreographer in South Indian cinema, and his mother was a traditional housewife. Raised in a creative environment, Prabhu Deva was introduced to the world of dance at an early age. Inspired by his father’s work, he began training in classical Indian dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak, before developing a deep passion for Western dance styles like hip-hop and freestyle.
Prabhu Deva’s education took a backseat as his focus shifted to dance. By the time he was in his late teens, he was already being recognized for his natural talent and had started assisting his father in choreographing dance sequences for Tamil films. His early experiences in the industry helped him hone his craft, and soon, he embarked on a journey that would make him one of India’s most celebrated choreographers.
Career Beginnings
Prabhu Deva made his debut as a choreographer in the late 1980s, following in the footsteps of his father. He initially worked on small projects, but his innovative dance style quickly set him apart from other choreographers of the time. His big break came when he choreographed the song “Vetri Vizha” for the 1989 Tamil film Mouna Ragam, directed by Mani Ratnam. The song’s energetic dance moves became an instant hit, and Prabhu Deva gained widespread recognition for his work.
In 1990, Prabhu Deva made his debut as a dancer in films, performing in the song “Chikku Bukku Rayile” from the Tamil film Gentleman (1993). His energetic and fluid dance moves in this song became iconic, and he soon became the face of modern dance in Indian cinema. His ability to seamlessly blend classical and Western dance styles made him a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike.
Rise to Fame as an Actor and Choreographer
Following his success as a dancer and choreographer, Prabhu Deva transitioned into acting. His first leading role came in the Tamil film Indhu (1994), where his charismatic screen presence and unparalleled dance moves garnered attention. However, it was his performance in the film Kadhalan (1994) that catapulted him to superstardom. Directed by Shankar, Kadhalan featured Prabhu Deva as a college student, and the film’s songs, especially “Mukkabla” and “Urvasi Urvasi,” became massive hits. His electrifying dance performances in these songs were unlike anything Indian cinema had seen before, earning him the title “Indian Michael Jackson.”
In the following years, Prabhu Deva continued to appear in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, building a successful career as a lead actor. Some of his most notable films during this period include:
- Minsara Kanavu (1997): A Tamil romantic musical where Prabhu Deva’s role as a charming and fun-loving character earned him critical praise. He also won the National Film Award for Best Choreography for the song “Vennilave Vennilave.”
- Kaathala Kaathala (1998): A Tamil comedy co-starring Kamal Haasan, where Prabhu Deva’s comic timing and dance moves were highlights of the film.
- Premikudu (1994): The Telugu version of Kadhalan, which cemented his popularity in the Telugu film industry.
Despite his success as an actor, Prabhu Deva’s first love remained dance. He continued to choreograph iconic dance sequences in several films, becoming one of the most sought-after choreographers in India.
Venturing into Direction and Production
In the 2000s, Prabhu Deva expanded his career by venturing into film direction. His directorial debut, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2005), a Telugu romantic comedy, was a blockbuster and earned him critical acclaim for his storytelling and directorial skills. The film’s success marked the beginning of his career as a director, and he went on to direct several successful films in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.
Some of Prabhu Deva’s most notable films as a director include:
- Pokkiri (2007): A Tamil action film starring Vijay, which became a major hit and was later remade in Hindi as Wanted.
- Wanted (2009): A Hindi action thriller starring Salman Khan, which was a massive box-office success and played a crucial role in reviving Salman Khan’s career.
- Rowdy Rathore (2012): A Hindi action-comedy starring Akshay Kumar, which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
As a producer, Prabhu Deva has also been involved in producing films under his banner, Prabhu Deva Studios, focusing on projects that highlight unique storytelling and entertainment.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Prabhu Deva has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian cinema. Some of his most notable awards include:
- National Film Award for Best Choreography for Minsara Kanavu (1997) and Lakshya (2004).
- Multiple Filmfare Awards South for his choreography and acting.
- Padma Shri in 2019, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the field of art and dance.
Prabhu Deva’s influence on Indian cinema, particularly in the realm of dance, is undeniable. His innovative choreography has inspired countless dancers and actors across generations.
Personal Life
Prabhu Deva was married to Latha, and the couple had three children. Unfortunately, their eldest son passed away in 2008 due to cancer. Prabhu Deva and Latha eventually separated in 2010. Despite the personal challenges, Prabhu Deva has remained committed to his work and continues to balance his personal life and professional responsibilities.
Known for his down-to-earth nature and simplicity, Prabhu Deva often prefers to keep his personal life away from the media glare. He is known to spend time with his family and close friends when not working.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Prabhu Deva remains active in the entertainment industry as a director, actor, and choreographer. His recent films, including Dabangg 3 (2019) and Radhe (2021), have continued to showcase his skills as a filmmaker. As of 2024, Prabhu Deva is working on multiple projects in both Tamil and Hindi cinema, and his fans eagerly await his upcoming ventures.
Conclusion
Prabhu Deva’s journey from a choreographer to a multi-talented icon in Indian cinema is a testament to his passion, dedication, and talent. Whether as a dancer, actor, or director, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in Indian entertainment. His contribution to dance, in particular, has inspired a new generation of performers, and his legacy continues to grow with each passing year.
