Prabhu Deva birthday special: 'Muqabala', ‘Urvasi', ‘Kay Sera Sera’- Iconic songs choreographed by the dance maestro

As Prabhu Deva turns 53 on April 3, his legacy as a dancer and choreographer continues to influence generations. Often referred to as India’s Michael Jackson, he has redefined dance in Indian cinema. From Tamil to Hindi films, his work stands out for its originality. Beyond choreography, he has also directed and acted in several projects. His songs remain timeless crowd favourites.

‘Muqabala Muqabala’ from the 1994 Tamil film ‘Kadhalan’, directed by Shankar, remains one of Prabhu Deva’s earliest breakthrough choreographies. He starred in the song alongside Nagma, blending his acting and dancing seamlessly. Music by A. R. Rahman elevated the track, making it a nationwide hit. Prabhu Deva’s signature spins, jumps, and body isolations created an electrifying effect. The choreography set new standards for dance in Indian cinema. Audiences still celebrate this track as a cult classic.

Another hit from ‘Kadhalan’, ‘Urvasi Urvasi’ features Prabhu Deva in a fun, quirky performance that became instantly iconic. Shankar directed the film, while A. R. Rahman composed the catchy soundtrack. Prabhu Deva’s playful expressions and rhythmic moves brought the song to life. The song’s energy and choreography transcended language barriers, reaching audiences across India. It remains a popular number at dance competitions and cultural events. His steps in this track are studied by dancers even today.

In ‘Pukar’ (2000), directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, Prabhu Deva paired with Madhuri Dixit for the energetic song ‘Kay Sera Sera’. The film starred Anil Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor in lead roles. Music by A. R. Rahman set the tone for one of Bollywood’s most memorable duet tracks. Prabhu Deva’s choreography highlighted precision, chemistry, and synchronization with Madhuri Dixit. The song’s moves became trendsetters, influencing countless Bollywood duets thereafter. Fans still celebrate their combined performance as legendary.

In the 2013 dance film ‘ABCD: Any Body Can Dance’, directed by Remo D’Souza, Prabhu Deva showcased his signature street and hip-hop styles in ‘Psycho Re’. He starred alongside Ganesh Acharya and Kay Kay Menon, performing a high-energy dance-off. Sung by Mika Singh and Udit Narayan, the track became a chartbuster. Prabhu Deva’s dynamic moves, spins, and footwork brought freshness to contemporary dance in Indian cinema. His choreography influenced a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

‘Main Aisa Kyun Hoon’ from the 2004 film ‘Lakshya’, directed by Farhan Akhtar, remains a landmark in Bollywood choreography. Prabhu Deva choreographed Hrithik Roshan in this offbeat, robotic-style dance sequence. Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan played pivotal roles in the film. Sung by Shaan, the song’s quirky movements gained massive popularity. Prabhu Deva’s innovative approach influenced modern Bollywood dance. Even today, this performance is celebrated for its originality and style.