Naatu Naatu’ choreographer Prem Rakshit: I will be working with SS Rajamouli once again in a month or two – Exclusive! – Times of India

“Thank you so much! I have no words to express my happiness. Life has been so kind to me,” expressed an elated Prem Rakshit who was on his way to Tirupati when ETimes reached out to the choreographer. After the historical win of the ‘RRR’ song ‘Naatu Naatu’ under the Best Original song category at the 95th Academy Awards, the choreographer, who designed the spectacular dance steps is being equally appreciated for his hard work and craft. In an exclusive conversation with the famous choreographer, he opens up about his joy, his next projects, his Oscar experience and much more.
On being asked whether the win has brought any changes to his life Prem says, “Life hasn’t changed for me since ‘Naatu Naatu’ got the Oscar award. It’s the same, I am on my way to Tirupati. I also wanted to visit to Shirdi to seek the blessings of Sai Baba but before that, I have to finish a small project for which I am off to Tirupati now. My family is extremely happy after the win. My wife and my brother-in-law, Hari hugged, praised, and congratulated me when I returned home. I am yet to meet my parents. So soon I will plan a trip to Chennai and visit them once.”

Prem Rakshit accompanied the ‘RRR’ team (SS Rajamouli, Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, MM Keeravani, Chandrabose, Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava) who attended the Oscars. Recalling the memorable moments, he shared, “We all enjoyed the Oscars’ win. We all were together and overjoyed during the event.” Divulging some more details, he quips, “We reached the US on March 11 and did some rehearsals and on the 12th we won the award. I don’t know what to say as being at the Oscars was a huge experience in my life.”
Not just winning the award under the Best Original Song category, the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ was also performed on the stage of the Academy Awards with Prem’s original choreography. “After seeing my choreography being performed on the Oscars stage, I have no words left to express my feelings ” expressed an overwhelmed Prem Rakshit.

Praise is being showered on the dance choreographer from all corners of the nation. Recently Prabhudheva surprised him with a video, where the ‘ABCD’ actor’s team is performing the signature step of ‘Naatu Naatu’ as an honour to the winning team. “I literally fell short of words, I am so happy. I want to thank Prabhudheva sir and Shiamak Davar sir for praising me and appreciating my choreography. I am so honoured. Prabhudheva sir is known as the God of dance and when he planned a surprise with his team for me, it was just overwhelming.”

Shedding light on his next important project, he informs, “I will be choreographing Jr NTR’s ‘NTR30’ next and will once again direct some dance moves for him after ‘Naatu Naatu’.” Prem also divulged details about his next collaboration with SS Rajamouli, he says, “Within a month or two, I will be working with SS Rajamouli once again. He will call me and I have to go. Something is in plans for which discussions are happening,”