Prabhas unsure about Sardar look in Kalki 2898 AD song.Choreographer Pony Verma, known for her dynamic dance numbers, recently shed light on the challenges and inspirations behind the "Bhairava Anthem" from the epic sci-fi film "Kalki 2898 AD." The song features superstar Prabhas in a unique Sikh avatar alongside Punjabi actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, a look that was met with immense praise from fans.
Verma revealed that Prabhas initially hesitated about portraying a Sikh character due to concerns about his large South Indian fanbase. However, inspired by Diljit Dosanjh's stylish appearance at the Coachella music festival, Verma envisioned a similar look for Prabhas.
"I thought he will look amazing as a sardar," Verma shared. "I told my producers about it but they were like, 'This is the promotion of Kalki, why are you making him a sardar?'" However, Verma was convinced that the look would be a perfect addition to the film, bringing a unique element to the "Bhairava Anthem."
Despite initial reservations, Diljit was immediately on board with the idea. However, convincing Prabhas required a different approach. "Prabhas was like 'Are you sure?' Then there was a thought that South people shouldn’t feel bad. So I said they won’t. This is a culmination. This is a positive approach that North and South are coming together," Verma explained.
Verma, who is married to actor Prakash Raj, was the ideal choice to choreograph the song, given her ability to communicate with both Diljit in Punjabi and Prabhas in Telugu. "Diljit was laughing on set because I was talking to him in Punjabi and giving instructions to Prabhas in Telugu. Diljit told Prabhas ‘You South guys took our Punjabi girl’," she remarked.
Verma also addressed the biggest challenge: ensuring that both Southern and Northern audiences would appreciate the song without favoring one star over the other. Her ability to navigate cultural nuances and create a dance sequence that celebrated both Prabhas and Diljit's unique styles is a testament to her talent and understanding of the industry.