Prabhu Deva Biography

Early Life & Background
Born in Mysore, Karnataka, Prabhu Deva is the son of renowned South Indian choreographer Mugur Sundar. Influenced by his father and inspired by Michael Jackson, he trained in Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Western styles such as breakdance and hip-hop. This unique combination later defined his iconic choreography style.

Rise to Fame as a Choreographer
Prabhu Deva began his career as a background dancer in the 1980s and soon rose to prominence by choreographing songs in Tamil films. His innovative moves and energy made him one of the most sought-after choreographers in India. Over his career, he has choreographed more than **100 films** in multiple languages, working with top stars such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Allu Arjun.

Acting Career
Prabhu Deva made his acting debut with *Indhu* (1994) and achieved massive popularity with *Kadhalan* (1994), where his dance number “Muqabala Muqabala” became a national phenomenon. He went on to star in hits like *Minsara Kanavu* (1997), *VIP* (1997), *Alli Thandha Vaanam* (2001), and *ABCD – Any Body Can Dance* (2013). His natural charm, comic timing, and magnetic dancing made him one of the most unique leading men of his time.

Transition to Direction
In the mid-2000s, Prabhu Deva successfully transitioned to direction. His debut film *Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana* (Telugu, 2005) was a blockbuster, earning him the Nandi Award for Best Choreographer. He followed it up with Hindi hits like *Wanted* (2009) starring Salman Khan, *Rowdy Rathore* (2012), and *R… Rajkumar* (2013), which cemented his place as a commercial filmmaker capable of delivering mass entertainers across industries.

Awards & Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Prabhu Deva has received numerous accolades, including **two National Film Awards** for Best Choreography and several Filmfare Awards South. In 2019, the Indian government honoured him with the **Padma Shri** for his contribution to Indian dance and cinema.

Personal Life & Legacy
Known for his humility and passion, Prabhu Deva continues to inspire generations of dancers and filmmakers. Beyond his cinematic achievements, he remains an icon of perseverance and artistic innovation. His signature dance style — a blend of Indian grace and Western energy — redefined how movement is portrayed on screen.