What do you like to be referred to as — an actor or a choreographer?
I began my acting career playing villain in Kalloori Vaasal, starring Prashanth, Ajith Kumar and Pooja Bhatt, in 1994. Then I did Manbumigu Manavan which featured Vijay in the lead. I entered the field of choreography in 1996 and have so far done dance direction for nearly 200 films. I have worked with almost all the major stars and directors such as Selvaragavan, Venkat Prabhu, Vishnu Vardhan, Dharani and Priya V.
What do you enjoy doing the most — acting or choreography?
Being a choreographer for more than ten years is really an achievement. I've worked as an assistant under various masters such as Chinni Prakash, Thara, Tharun and Puliyur Saroja. Though choreography brought me fame, I love acting; it gives me a face. Look out for Kattrathu Kalavu which has Krishna as the hero and me as the villain.
These days dance routines look like exercises. Do you agree?
To some extent, I agree with you. I feel dance sequences these days are devoid of emotion. Here I don't talk about the technique but the performers — they don't approach it like an art. I wish choreographers don't compromise on quality in the face of deadlines.
Do you feel picturisation of dance sequences has improved?
The technical aspect has improved in Bollywood and also on the small screen. People in the Hindi movie industry are more professional. The Southern, especially the Tamil film industry, could learn a thing or two from Bollywood.
