Prajwal On The Go

• 23 May 2015
• Maria John
• Features

Text: Maria John           Images: Suneesh Suresh


We are laughing. Apparently it tends to happen a lot when you hang around Prajwal Prasad. The young actor and dancer has done what many would give anything to do; act with the legendary big Ms of Mollywood. Prajwal is learning the walk of fame, as he gets recognized invariably as the differently abled Sunny from Spirit and the young Anand in Varsham. But he takes it all in stride. Prajwal talks to Wtzup about turning the big 18 and making Dharmendra cry.
The shoot was immense fun as Prajwal’s parents made us feel at home and plundered us with hot pizzas. The Chelsea fan was expressive with his answers, sometimes answering just like a high school kid and sometimes with a wisdom that blew you away. If in one moment he talks about being pragmatic, the next he is explaining how he got his hair cut just like Dulquer Salman in 100 Days of Love.

You have starred in three big dance reality shows. What is your first memory of dancing?

I remember dancing with my sister around the house. My mother says i have been dancing since I was three years old. Then there were a lot of dance classes and i absolutely loved it. I enrolled in the Gulf chapter of Boogie Woogie and there was no looking back. My family moved to Kochi when i was 10 and i appeared in Super Dancer and India’s Got Talent. I had so much fun.

We cannot believe you made Dharmendra cry!

I Know! It was a great moment for me, that my dance could move him so much. I performed a song from Mera Nam Joker for India’s Got Talent. Sonali Bendre was so encouraging and i got a rose from Kirron Kher. It was unbelievable.

So how did you start acting?

The dancing led to a lot offers. My first movie, contrary to popular belief, was ‘Myavoo Karimpoocha’ in 3D which did not get released. But my first breakthrough movie happened by chance. I was part of a performance in school. I was not able to make it for all the rehearsals due to my schedule and i was upset about that. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I still made it on stage. Director Renjith’s sister saw me and recommended me for the role in Spirit. I was sent to St.Clare’s to learn sign language (which he remembers) and had a tutor. It came naturally to me as it was very similar to mudras in dancing.

How was it acting with Mohanlal?

When i was told that the role was with Lal uncle, i thought it was going to be Siddique Lal. It was my mother who broke the news to me. Lal uncle is such a great person. He immediately made me comfortable. I learnt so much from him.

What about Mamootty?

Mammotty uncle is very focussed. He would always give me tips and run lines with me before the shoot. He taught me a lot about dialogue delivery. I know you might not believe me if i tell you that he is a lot of fun. Him and Asha aunty were really like my parents. I even called her Amma, which confused my own mother a lot. She was scared i would go off with her (laughs). The character of Anand (Varsham) came easily to me as he was very much like me as Renjith uncle (director) had mentioned.

Do you consider yourself lucky?

I believe that everything happens for the best. If you have two things in your hands, God will take away one, so he can replace it with a better one. You can’t have more when your hands are full.
My parents have been extremely supportive. My mother is my PR agent (his mother smiles as she fusses over us and makes us feel at home).

What would you do if you had all the money in the world

I want to buy a big mansion for my family. I promised my mother that i will buy her a Hummer when i make it. I love cars and would splurge on a Lamborghini Murcielago and  an old Benz.

Your idea of a perfect summer vacation

We travel as a family. So a lot of travelling and a lot of football. This is the first time i am spending so much time in the city.  I hang out with my friends. I go to Lulu a lot with my mother. Kochi actually has a lot to offer, it is just that people are not aware of it.

QUICKIES

Birthday
May 12

First thing when you turn 18
Get my driving license and Tomorrowland!

So dancing or acting?
I want to act but one should never forget their roots.

First song you danced to
Aashiq Banaya

Favorite Dancer
Hrithik Roshan