I try to re-invent myself with every number: Prabhu Deva

Prabhu Deva refuses to look back to the misfortunes of life and says
the only thing that matters to him now is his movies.

# Unlike your previous films, Ramaiyya Vastavaiyya doesn't boast of
A-listers like an Akshay Kumar or a Salman Khan.
You are introducing Kumar Taurani's son Girish Kumar. Are you worried
about the box-office reception?

I am quite tensed as we are launching a newcomer. It's a question of
his career. As much as the box-office reception of the film is
bothering me, the buzz created is something that has made me
optimistic. Thankfully, the promotions are going well, and even the
songs seem to have caught up.

# Your films, which are generally formulaic, almost never get any
critical acclaim. Does that bother you?

So what? Everybody from actors to producers to technicians who work on
my films are extremely happy with me, and that's what matters the
most. It is their hard work and faith, which gets rewarded at the
box-office. Critics are entitled to their opinion, but they rarely
affect the way I approach my work.

# In comparative terms, where do you think Bollywood scores over the
Southernfilm industry?

Well, both the industries are growing at an exponential pace. I'm glad
to be a successful part of both. In Bollywood, we've started
announcing the release date way in advance; something that doesn't
quite happen in the South. It reflects a disciplinary attitude, which
is a very healthy trend.

# What's this fascination for grabbing the sleeve or the collar of
your shirt while dancing? Is that your signature move?

(Laughs) Honestly, it is not a very conscious move. You are pointing
out the collar and sleeve, but there are many more things I hold on
to! There's nothing as a 'Prabhu Deva signature move'. I try
to re-invent myself with every number.

# Your marriage wasn't successful. Your relationship with Nayanthara
went kaput. How has that affected the artiste in you?

There are ups and downs in everybody's life and mine is not an
exception. You have to move on, keep the focus on your work and try to
be as happy as you can be despite the personal troubles. As long as my
films are working, I am more than happy.

# But does immersing yourself in work really help you forget your
personal upheavals?

Honestly, it doesn't. But it is perhaps the best alternative. I love
my work more than anything, but is that an answer for my problems? No,
it isn't. Whenever something personal bothers me, I tell myself to
take it easy, keep smiling, and be happy. So far, this mantra has
worked.