Prabhu Deva refuses to look back to the misfortunes of life and says the only thing that matters to him now is his movies Unlike your previous films, Ramaiyya Vastavaiyya doesn't boast of A-listers like an Akshay Kumar or a Salman Khan. You are introducing Kumar Taurani's son Girish Kumar. Are you worried about the box-office reception? I am quite tensed as we are launching a newcomer. It's a question of his career. As much as the box-office reception of the film is bothering me, the buzz created is something that has made me optimistic. Thankfully, the promotions are going well, and even the songs seem to have caught up. Your films, which are generally formulaic, almost never get any critical acclaim. Does that bother you? So what? Everybody from actors to producers to technicians who work on my films are extremely happy with me, and that's what matters the most. It is their hard work and faith, which gets rewarded at the box-office. Critics are entitled to their opinion, but they rarely affect the way I approach my work. In comparative terms, where do you think Bollywood scores over the Southernfilm industry? Well, both the industries are growing at an exponential pace. I'm glad to be a successful part of both. In Bollywood, we've started announcing the release date way in advance; something that doesn't quite happen in the South. It reflects a disciplinary attitude, which is a very healthy trend.

What's this fascination for grabbing the sleeve or the collar of your shirt while dancing? Is that your signature move? (Laughs) Honestly, it is not a very conscious move. You are pointing out the collar and sleeve, but there are many more things I hold on to! There's nothing as a 'Prabhu Deva signature move'. I try to re-invent myself with every number. Your marriage wasn't successful. Your relationship with Nayanthara went kaput. How has that affected the artiste in you? There are ups and downs in everybody's life and mine is not an exception. You have to move on, keep the focus on your work and try to be as happy as you can be despite the personal troubles. As long as my films are working, I am more than happy. But does immersing yourself in work really help you forget your personal upheavals? Honestly, it doesn't. But it is perhaps the best alternative. I love my work more than anything, but is that an answer for my problems? No, it isn't. Whenever something personal bothers me, I tell myself to take it easy, keep smiling, and be happy. So far, this mantra has worked.