Allu Arjun is my friend, he likes me too
Ganesh Acharya talks about his choreography and his foray into acting
Choreographer/director/producer Ganesh Acharya is a personality to reckon with in both Tollywood and Bollywood. Not many know that Allu Arjun and Ganesh share a wonderful relationship, and that the latter has choreographed the actor’s dances in Duvvada Jagannadham and Sarrainodu besides Pushpa. In fact, Ganesh’s choreography for Oo Antava Mama added greatly to the stupendous box office success of Pushpa. He talks about his choreography and his foray into acting.
Excerpts from an interview:
Your Oo Antava Mama song in Pushpa created waves!
(Laughs). I have always tried to work on my talent and display it in my songs. I was born in Bollywood and am proud to be here. Though I am a Tamilian, I belong to Bollywood. I love and respect every industry, be it the South, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Punjabi or Bollywood. I don’t differentiate between any. But yes, expressive entertaining emotional films will do best at the box office. The public needs to love the soul which is being presented to them through the content.
You are known for sexy, foot-taping dance numbers. How did you choreograph Oo Antava Mama number?
Allu Arjun is my friend. I call him by his pet name, Bunny. I love him very much. And he loves me too. He knows Masterji will come up with unique steps and mannerisms. I did Tako Tako Megha in Rajahmundry when shooting for the film started. Oo Antava Mama was the second song.
Samantha and the dance number were very appealing. How co-operative was she?
Usually, whatever steps we give the artistes, they follow to the best of their ability, they don’t fuss. I did it in Tollywood just as I do it here in Bollywood.
Will your film Dehati Disco be releasing in Tamil and Telugu?
Yes, it will be releasing in both Tamil and Telugu on May 27. As I felt this content belongs to India, I dubbed it in Tamil and Telugu. Also, pan-India ka zamana chal raha hai. We want our films to reach far and wide. Dehati Disco is based on father-son relationships and conveys the message to both parents and children that the best choice is the middle path of friendship and respect for each other.
South actors and technicians at one time felt Bollywood films have a global reach but now it’s South films that enjoy that standing. What do you have to say?
South films are doing well. I’m happy. Our Bollywood films too are doing well. South is not different from Bollywood. It’s a part of the film industry. We are Indians. Even Bhojpuri films do well at times. We should not divide Tollywood and Bollywood. All are Indian films.
What are your upcoming films?
Brahmastra is all set for release. I have done Akshay Kumar-starrers — Cinderella, Ram Setu, OMG-2. I am also doing Raju Hirani’s film with Shahrukh Khan, titled Dunki. The choreography for Cinderella is complete. It has lovely songs, wait and watch. The Prabhas-starrer Adi Purush directed by Om Raut will also be out shortly. I have been busy.