Recently well-known director S S Rajamouli who was in Bangalore for the promotion of his latest film Eega, and was in awe of actor-director V Ravichandran and disclosed how his films were smuggled into Chennai and was seen by well-known directors of Tamil and Telugu. What does he have to say about it? Here are some excerpts from his interview.
It was very sweet of Rajamouli to compliment you on your work?
Definitely! It's very touching when somebody recognises your work. The other day Jackie Shroff recognised me as Ravichandran of Prema Loka. It's good to see other language stars recognise and applaud you, even when people from your own industry don’t appreciate you.
Is it really so?
Not many people know that two top songs from Jaana and Annayya were my ideas. The directors of both films approached me to do the songs for the film. The infrastructure and budget were less for both the songs. Yet I choreographed the two songs and both of them went on to become super hits. But no one appreciated me for that. The industry must cultivate the habit of appreciating. I also don't bother and think of the film as a whole. Doing good business is important.
Do you consider compliments as a tonic for doing more good work?
Yes. When I was doing Shanti Kranti, choreographer Chinni Prakash and a fight master could not turn up on time. I choreographed a song which had 5000 children and an action block with many children. The teachers from various schools who had escorted the children told me that I was the best teacher. Such things inspire us to do more work and accept huge tasks.
Many directors accuse you of not being involved in the film’s making these days?
Why should I? Many directors come to me with an attitude of shut your mouth and do what I say. If I involve in those films, then they will accuse me of interfering with their work. So, I just ask them what my job is, and what remuneration they would pay me. Some directors really want my involvement in their films and I help them in my way.