When you strike a conversation with Prabhu Dheva, you don't feel that you are talking to a celebrated artiste who has spent decades in the industry, juggling several talents - acting, choreographing and directing - effortlessly. You have a tough time believing he is the same man who defies laws of gravity with his footwork when he confesses that he is worried about letting down the audience with his dancing skills in films. His humility is for real and he is a simple man of few words, but clear in his thoughts. Ahead of the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Tutak Tutak Tutiya, he opens up about his journey in the industry and why he thinks life is all about giving oneself a chance...

You are playing the lead in a film after quite a few years. What excited you about this project?
It's the genre. Bollywood filmmakers have rarely explored horror comedy. So, we thought it would be interesting for the audience. This film has humour, emotions and horror in equal measure. It was quite challenging as well because we shot it in three languages simultaneously - Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. We would deliver each dialogue thrice over. Though we enjoyed the process, it was difficult for technicians, especially the director, because they had to sit through each scene thrice.

We hear initially, you were supposed to just produce the film.
Yes, director Vijay approached me with the story and I was under the impression that he wanted me to produce it. So, I listened to the script and told him I was in. When I asked about the lead actor, he told me he wanted me to essay the role. I was unsure, but I decided to take the plunge anyway. In the last few years, I've been busy directing. Though I'd done significant roles in films like ABCD and ABCD 2, I was looking at doing a film again as an actor. For that, I needed to start somewhere, and this one seemed apt.

You have done cameos in your own movies, but you are doing full-fledged dance numbers in a film after a while...
To be honest, I wasn't looking at this film as a platform to dance again. But Vijay told me that the audience would expect me to go all out and dance. I was still unsure because I didn't know if I could live up to people's expectations. It's been a long time, and I was worried. But luckily, no song in the film looks forced. In fact, all the tracks lent themselves to situations beautifully. The numbers were peppy and I got into the groove. Unfortunately, while filming one of the songs, I suffered temporary paralysis. It happened due to a severe muscle pull and I couldn't move for five hours. I thought I would never be able to walk again, let alone dance. But slowly, the pain reduced and I was back on the floor with full josh.

Buzz is that you suggested Sonu Sood's name for this film.
Vijay was looking out for an actor to play an important role and I told him about Sonu. He was shooting with Jackie Chan when I called him to tell about this film. He didn't even ask me what the story was and said he would do it. But I insisted that he should listen to the plot. He liked it so much that he even decided to produce it. This is also the first time I'm working with Tamannaah. She is an amazing actress and dancer. She is so dedicated that she allocated 20 days just to rehearse for her role. She could have easily finished shooting for a film in that much time.

Did you teach them any of your signature steps?
I don't think I have any trademark moves. But I did teach Sonu my tapori-style fun movements. During rehearsals, I gave him simple steps to work on. But he was adamant that I give him difficult ones. He practised each step so hard with childlike enthusiasm and showed me what he has learnt. I also like his discipline. Irrespective of when we report on set or when we pack up, he ensures he goes to the gym. He never misses his routine. I don't think I can follow him, but I admire him.

Since you've also directed films, did you give Vijay any inputs?
No, he is an established director in the South. He has mastered his craft. Also, I'm an actor in the film, and I stuck to doing my job. Once my work was done, I would get out of the set (laughs).

Actor, choreographer and director - if you had to pick one role that's inseparable from you, which one would it be?
Choreography. It's my lifeline and I will never abandon it for anything. Direction is my passion.

In a career spanning three decades, have you made any mistakes?
Oh, thousands of them. I think committing mistakes is my job. We do so many films and put in the same kind of hard work for all. If it becomes a success, we've done something right. If it doesn't click, then we know that something has gone wrong.

If you can go back in time, would you want to rectify some of them?
No, because in the process of correcting one mistake, I will make another one. I think everyone should make mistakes, there's nothing wrong in learning from them. That's life.

Your biggest achievement?
When I first came into the industry, I wanted my work to speak for myself and my aim was to earn a good name. Over the years, my priorities changed and I wanted to make more money. But in the last four years, I'm back to square one, my character certificate became important for me. I think going back to where I began is a big achievement.

Your character in the film is obsessed about marrying a modern woman. If life gives you another chance, what kind of a woman would you fall for?
I don't know. Many things happened to me in the past, and there's no point in revisiting it. Life is all about giving yourself a chance. Whatever is destined to happen, will happen.