Actor, director and choreographer Prabhudeva had a health scare last week when he was struck by temporary paralysis while shooting a song for the horror-spoof, titled Devi(L) in Tamil. Speaking in a lighter vein, Prabhu says, “Other actors get injured while doing action. I got hurt while dancing!” On a more serious note, Prabhu recalls, “I was completely paralyzed. I don’t know what happened. During one of the dance movements, I felt something give way in my back. And before I knew it, I was down on the floor.”
His condition was so serious that he thought he would never walk again. “Forget dancing, I thought I was not going to get up on my feet again. I was rushed immobile to the hospital by my co-star and producer, Sonu Sood’s friend.” In the hospital, Prabhu was told he had a severe muscle pull, although a temporary condition. “I was really relieved to hear that. But for five hours, I was in unbearable pain. I couldn’t move at all. I was thinking about what life would be like without movement... it was scary,” he confesses.
Prabhu has now taken a decision to be careful about his dance movements. “I’ve always been pushing the boundaries of dancing, trying out new steps and moves all the time. No style was taboo for me. Maybe now, I need to be more careful,” he says. Though back on his feet, Prabhu’s body movements took time to become normal — “I was back on the sets because we had to complete a song. But my hands wouldn’t go up to where the dance steps required them to.”
Prabhu says his predicament is a warning to all the actors who push themselves beyond their limits. His advice? “Whether it is a fight, dance or emotional scene, please don’t overdo it. Nothing is worth one’s health. When I was on the floor, my life flashed through my mind. I thought of my two sons’ future. That’s when I decided I will be careful in the future.”
