Upendra's directorials have always stunned me: Nagendra Prasad

Actor-choreographer talks about his directorial debut, Lucky Man, working with Puneeth Rajkumar, Krishna, and more
Upendra's directorials have always stunned me: Nagendra Prasad

Choreographer-actor Nagendra Prasad, who is making his directorial debut with Kannada film Lucky Man, is elated and says its extra special to helm a film in his mother tongue.

Stating how he followed his instinct to venture into direction, Nagendra says, “When I watched Oh My Kadavule, I wanted to recreate it and that’s how the project started. The film is extra special for me as I made it in my mother tongue. I grew up listening to my mother speak Kannada, and I’m glad to have made a film in that language.”

Nagendra, who has earlier assisted Prabhudheva in direction, shares how choreography paved way for him to become a director. “My journey as a choreographer has helped me to understand cinema. The vision to create a song has extended to make a full-fledged film, and the responsibilities just got bigger as a director,” says Nagendra. As someone who does not like to compare choreography and direction, Nagendra mentions, “Cinema is a creative art, and I like to enjoy the process. Whether it is choreographing a song, or directing a film, I’m my own guiding force.”

Speaking about actor Krishna, who plays the lead in Lucky Man, Nagendra says that he is an intelligent and cooperative person. “I liked his journey in cinema and was delighted to know the efforts he has put to come here. I wish more success,” says Nagendra.

Lucky Man will also feature late actor Puneeth Rajkumar in a cameo appearance. Nagendra Prasad shares that Puneeth was a turning point in his life to becoming a director. “Growing up, I had sweet memories of meeting him at his home, and we have even played together. However, we got disconnected as we grew up. The next time I met him was on the sets of my Kananda film, Manasella Neene, where he came as a guest and clapped the board. Lucky Man brings us together for the third time. His presence in the film as God in Lucky Man lifts the plot to a whole new level. He is somewhere out there blessing this film.”

Adding to this, Lucky Man will also feature Prabhudheva in a dance number. “I have assisted him in films like Vedi, and Rowdy Rathore, and I’m glad that he is part of my directorial,” Nagendra says. When asked if he has plans to direct Prabhudheva, he says, “I do have plans, but I want to go with the flow.
I have a lot of ideas in store. However I want to focus just on Lucky Man now.”

Nagendra Prasad states that he is a big admirer of Upendra’s work. “His direction has always stunned me. His films Om, A, and Upendra, got me amused about his thought process. He is someone who inspired me to become a director. I consider him to be my guru,” he signs off.

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