‘I knew I MIGHT be in films’

Vikram Prabhu has a legitimate academic background, has assisted director Vishnu Vardhan for Sarvam, and took charge of production for Asal; and then he decided to chase his dreams of changing into an actor and approached Prabhu Solomon.He underwent two weeks of coaching — learning to tame elephants for his debut film Kumki. Despite belonging to Tamil cinema’s leading filmy family — he's Sivaji Ganesan’s grandson and Prabhu’s son — Vikram Prabhu chose the right kind channel.

He started his career in films by taking one step at a time, acquiring all-round knowledge. “I always knew that I MIGHT be in films, but I NEEDED to move throughout the right process,” says Vikram Prabhu.

Surprisingly, he says that his grandfather, the legendary Sivaji Ganesan, had always insisted on education in preference to films. Vikram says, “My granddad didn't speak much about films with us.

He always insisted at the best schooling and better studies. As he missed out on his education, he was very particular that we finish our studies after which get into films.”

Vikram’s roots are in theatre. He has a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from the San Diego State University, USA. “I have studied everything to do with theatre — from production to costumes.

My work experience with Vishnu in Sarvam helped me to be informed the working style here down South. After I handled production for Asal, it was again a possibility for me to understand all about films.”

In his debut film Kumki, Vikram plays a mahout and shot with an elephant named Manikkam for 53 days. He says, “It was a gut feeling that made me soak up Kumki.

I spent an out of this world 53 days with the elephant. Once I first saw him, I ASSUMED he was huge. As days passed, I didn’t find him that gigantic — I DO KNOW him really well now and he's very just about me,” says Vikram.

Kamal Haasan and Rajini launched the audio of Kumki. “They have always been part of my family. I felt at home once they both attended the audio launch,” states Vikram. Hailing from a legendary family, does he feel the pressure now?

“Yes, I THINK the pressure the instant people address me as Sivaji’s grandson and Prabhu’s son,” he admits. “But, I'M confident about my work and right now,” he signs off.