[HedgeYourBets]

Raju's interview in Idlebrain.

How do you think songs should be choreographed?
I feel that expressions and feel is more important while choreographing the song than the body movements in terms of steps. The songs choreographed with right expressions would look fresh even if you watch the song after 5 years. But the songs composed with just steps would be ignored by the public in no time.

How do you compose dances for any song?

I come to the sets and listen to the music. As per the music I compose the steps instantaneously. I get the best work out of me through that way.

Don't you do any rehearsals?

I don't prefer to do rehearsals. I believe that dance should come out spontaneously as per the music. But a few directors make it a point that I rehearse for their songs.

Are there any rehearsed songs that got you tremendous applause?

Yes. Harerama (Okkadu) and Dum Dumare (Arjun).

Your brother Prabhudeva made it big both in terms of choreography and direction. How do you feel about it?

Prabhu Deva is an excellent dancer and excellent director. He has strong technique, does hard work and is brilliant. I am really proud of him.

Being a brother, don't you want to compete with him?

No. I know that Prabhu Deva is the best. I could never be equal to him. Hence, I would strive achieve next level.

You have three choreographers in your house (Sundaram, Prabhu Deva and Raju Sundaram). How do you differentiate with each other?

Let me give you the example of Bombay film. Father choreographed Kannanule song. Prabhudeva choreographed Hamma song and I choreographer Kuchikuchi Kunamma song. You can observe that each one of us have our own style and signature. Hence we never need to compete with each other.

Do you have any suggestions for the upcoming choreographers?

I would suggest them to use technology effectively in order to enhance the choreography. Depending on the music, using the movements of camera, lenses, trolleys, cranes, costumes, locations and sets etc, a choreographer can add a lot.