Dancing start for Yuva Dasara

Mukkala… Mukkabala… Laila… sets the stage for Prabhu Deva

Mysuru: A sea of people, cool breeze, colourful lights and music set the mood at the sprawling grounds in Uttanahalli on the outskirts of Mysuru yesterday evening, as thousands of fans waited eagerly for their favourite star. When the familiar beats of “Mukkala… Mukkabala… Laila…” rang out, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Actor and choreographer Prabhu Deva, fondly known as ‘India’s Michael Jackson’, made a grand entry to inaugurate the Yuva Dasara 2026 cultural extravaganza organised by the Yuva Dasara Sub-Committee. It was his first appearance at the Mysuru Dasara festivities.

Rising from a specially arranged ‘P’-shaped chair, Prabhu Deva appeared in a Mysore silk shirt, traditional panche and cap. True to his reputation as a dancer who blends Western styles with Indian rhythms, he kept the audience on its feet with his signature moves. Every step was greeted with applause, whistles and cheers, as the crowd swayed to the music.

Fans disappointed

While Prabhu Deva’s grand entry had sent the crowd into a frenzy, many fans were disappointed when he did not perform any more dance moves during the programme. Despite repeated requests from the audience, he did not return to the stage, leaving fans disappointed.

Speaking after the performance, Prabhu Deva said that he was delighted to be part of the celebrations.

“This is the first time I have seen so many people gathered together in Mysuru for a programme. Coming here feels like coming home, like attending a family celebration. The stage is magnificent, and I am eager to watch the events unfold. Thank you for inviting me. Let us celebrate the first day of performances with joy,” he said.

He said, Dasara was not just about Palaces, royalty and festive lights, but also about celebrating youth, art and culture across Karnataka. “It is heartening to see the entire State come together for this festival,” he added.

More than 1,000 Police personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Traffic management, parking arrangements, measures for women’s safety and Police checkpoints along the route from Mysuru city to the Uttanahalli venue drew public appreciation.

District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLAs G.T. Devegowda, Tanveer Sait, K. Harishgowda & D. Ravishankar, MLCs C.N. Manjegowda & Raghu Kautilya, State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Vice-Chairperson Dr. Pushpa Amarnath, Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil; DC G. Lakshmikanth Reddy; ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar; Zoo Authority of Karnataka Chairman N. Rangaswamy; Ganiga Development Corporation’s Ananth, IGP (Southern Range) Dr. M.B. Boralingaiah, Mysuru District Congress President Beerihundi Basavanna, SP & Yuva Dasara Sub-Committee Deputy Special Officer Mallikarjun Baladandi and Sub-Committee Working President G.S. Somashekar were present.