When choreographer Jeffrey Vardon of The Hot Shoe Dance Company says it was just like a paid holiday for him to act in Poda Podi, one might think he has been out of his daily routine for the two months, he was shooting for the film. But Jeffrey has a different story to narrate, “I know Varu (Varalakshmi) for 10 years.
I’m her dance master, fitness trainer and a good friend. I accepted the film offer for her and the character I play in the movie, I didn’t have to do anything, but be myself. All we did was dance, dance and dance. And what more, all this happened in London.” However, Jeffrey seems to have made sure that his students back in Chennai never missed his presence. “Only with their permission, I said yes to the film and I remained in touch with them,” he says.
Jeffrey’s is not a blink-and-miss role in Poda Podi, as he says he would be seen throughout. “I appear as Varu’s dance partner in the film and it’s not a small role. I was sporting mohawk when I met director Vikki (Vignesh Shiva) and he said my character really requires it.
Vikki was a good observer and got what he wanted from us by citing things we did off-shooting. I was very particular about my look and costumes” he says. Jeffrey is not new to filmdom. “I have worked in Valli (the film Rajinikanth produced) and I have choreographed for Kamal Haasan’s Aalavandhan. I have done many ads as well,” he says.
Jeffrey is not surprised by Varalakshmi’s acting skills. “Varu is a born actor. Even when all of us would be lying on floor after working out, she would stand up and start imitating others. So I didn’t find any difference between working with before the camera and on stage. In fact, it’s a coup of sorts for Vikki in terms of casting as everybody naturally fits into their character,” he says.
Jeffrey heaps praise on Simbu, the hero of the film, as well. “Simbu was more than a friend while shooting. I was floored by his talent,” he says. Jeffrey says Simbu never compromises on his work. “During the last days of shooting, he could perform both ballet and Koothu. He is a performer,” says Jeffrey.