The choreographer directs the praise entirely to the combination of Rajamouli, Keeravani and the actors. “I would call it magic, because I have choreographed so many songs. This is the first such song of mine that made this sort of a mark.” But the ultimate realisation of this madness was when his idol Prabhu Deva wished him. “I have worked with him under his group. So, I have always wanted to be like him. So, when he congratulated me on Twitter, I just broke down.” While recognition for choreographers has strengthened in the industry over the years, Prem hopes for the Academy, too, to award dance masters someday.
Sitting in his house in Hyderabad today, Prem is overwhelmed about the win. But the win also brings with it another question. “I keep thinking ‘so, what next?’ Bayamadhan iruku (it is scary), but let’s go.”