From a street dancer who danced his way out of obscurity to a name that now electrifies stages and screens, Sandy Master’s inspiring journey is the kind that Tamil cinema loves-raw talent sharpened by relentless hustle. First spotted for his firecracker energy on Maanada Mayilada, he quickly became the choreographer who could turn any beat into a crowd‑roaring moment. His viral Monica number from Rajinikanth’s Coolie only amplified what fans already knew…Sandy doesn’t just create steps, he creates sensations. A proud protégé of the legendary Prabhudeva, he has since grown into a cultural force, from choreographing chart‑toppers like Pathala Pathala to winning the Kalaimamani and charming the nation as Bigg Boss 3’s beloved runner‑up. No wonder then that he has built a massive, devoted fan base that follows him with the same enthusiasm he brings to every stage. Wherever he goes, crowds gather, cheer, and claim him as their own and for good reason. Today, whether he’s crafting movement or stepping into the frame himself as both a protagonist and an antagonist, Sandy stands as proof that passion, when pursued fearlessly and with pure passion, can rewrite destinies.

How did your dance and acting journey start? What have been some of the biggest highpoints of your journey?
I began as a street dancer when I was barely five, spinning and stomping my way through local festivals. I was around 12 when I started performing at the Kovil functions. Back then, I didn’t know any techniques and didn’t have any formal training. It was only my rhythm, instinct, and the thrill of performing. People around me would joke that I danced like I’d been doing it for decades. After that I met Kala Master and joined her dance group. We were about 60 to 70 boys and I was in the last row. Then afterwards when Kala Master saw my moves, she said -this boy is good and asked me to move to the front. And then soon I got my first show Maanada Mayilada when Kala Master asked me to do choreography. I was then welcomed into the professional dance fraternity, where senior choreographers began trusting me with bigger stages and film sets.

I then choreographed the song Thaaru maaru for the film Vaalu in 2015, which starred actor Silambarasan TR (STR). I was around 25 that time. I started doing reality shows again after that. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj watched me and appreciated my work. Many Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film opportunities also started coming after that. Several Hindi movie offers also came my way, but I wasn’t interested in moving to Bollywood at that time. I also got my breakthrough as an antagonist later in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s film Leo in 2023. I’m now 39 and next year on July 5th I will celebrate my 40th birthday. I’m really looking forward to the new year, as a lot of great projects are lined up.

Did Lokesh Kanagaraj ask you to isolate yourself and listen to the horror music during the Leo shoot to set the mood? What was going through your mind during those moments?
I adapt myself to all the characters I play. For that film, I sat in silence and went into isolation. I listened to the music and tried to get into the crux of the soul of the powerful psycho character. I got a lot of respect and compliments for that role.

Leo opened more doors for you in terms of acting. You’ve said that both Lokah: Chapter 1 and Kishkindhapuri offers came after people saw you in Leo. Kishkindhapuri sees you play a villain with powerful expressions. What drew you to that role, especially given your choreography background?
I like to take up challenges. I really liked the concept that I was approached with, so I took it up and the fans reaction was proof enough that everyone loved it. My role in Kishkindhapuri was very tough but I followed the director’s vision. I go with the flow and how the director moulds me. I go with a blank slate and try to adapt completely to the director’s plan. I observe, absorb and whatever the director tells me, I follow.

How was your experience playing Inspector Nachiyappa Gowda in your first Malayalam film, especially since you said a lot of acting was “through looks and gestures”?
I stepped into the role without any preparation. When they told me about it, I was a little apprehensive at first, especially since I had a lean frame that made me unsure of how I’d fit the role of an Inspector. But the team instilled great confidence in me. Though the role was subtle, it demanded a lot of depth. Much of the performance had to be carried through expressions and body language instead of lengthy dialogues.

You have worked with Pa Ranjith. Can you talk about how his support has shaped your acting journey, especially as you continue to take up more nuanced roles now?
When my first Malayalam release, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, was announced, Pa. Ranjith was among the prominent filmmakers who celebrated my success. He expressed his appreciation for my journey from choreographer to actor, and I could sense his genuine respect, not just for my dance, but for my evolution as an artist. His support has meant a great deal, and I’m currently in post-production for another of his films. While I cannot reveal the title yet, I play the lead in an emotional drama. Ranjith also offered invaluable advice. He told me as more offers come your way, you must choose carefully, signing only those roles that feel right for you. He cautioned against accepting every project, and reminded me that even when considering to portray negative characters, I should analyse them deeply to avoid being typecast as a villain. Personally, I also enjoy playing fun, light-hearted characters that reflect my own personality.

The “Monica” song from Coolie has become very popular, and you recently thanked fans for their love. How did you conceive the choreography for that song?
I would give the credit to all the hundreds of people on the set who worked under the hot sun to shoot that song. I was just sitting there in the covered tent and teaching them. They’re the ones who worked hard on the sets. I just gave them the steps.

You’re being too modest.
The music itself was so much fun that the choreography flowed naturally. When Anirudh sent me the Monica track, the rhythm struck me even before the melody. I didn’t sit down to ‘plan’ the steps; instead, I kept listening to the song on loop and let my body respond. Every beat carried swagger, every pause carried attitude, and I wanted the movements to come from that energy. It was almost as if the music itself was guiding me. I heard the track about seven times in full, but I kept replaying the ‘Monica’ refrain until the hook step revealed itself. At home, I noticed my son instinctively doing the hook step, and I added my own twist to it and that’s how it was born. I always listen to songs at home first, fix the choreography there, and only then take it forward to teach the artists.

What was the most challenging part of putting together the dance piece and working with Anirudh Ravichander, Pooja Hegde, and Soubin Shahir for the iconic Monica track that has taken the world by storm?
Once I had perfected the Monica choreography at home, I called in my assistants. We rehearsed it once and felt it was fine. I then travelled to meet Pooja Hegde for her rehearsals, which took two days. Soubin Shahir mastered it in one day. The only real challenge was managing the crowd, synchronising the steps for more than 500 people on set, but we pulled it off successfully.

There was a viral moment when Soubin Shahir kissed you in appreciation?
Yes, I love Soubin from my heart. He’s a very humble soul. We both like each other a lot.

Your expressive eyes help you as an actor. How do you balance that expressive performer alongside a family? How supportive is your family with all your busy schedules?
I don’t like to smile much on screen when I’m portraying intense characters. I prefer my rugged look. Even during photoshoots and avoid smiling. I give full credit for my success to my family, especially my wife and my mother-in-law. Their support has been immense. While I’m constantly away for shoots, they take care of my home and family. They are truly my backbone.

You have a fond admiration for Prabhudeva and NTR Jr. What qualities of theirs do you love and how have they influenced your own choreography style?
I’ve always admired the dance styles of Prabhudeva Master and NTR Jr. Prabhudeva Master, in particular, is my role model and greatest inspiration. I first met him as a child, and since then we’ve collaborated on songs like Starlight from Musasi and Telugu tracks such as Master Oh My Master from My Dear Bootham. Audiences love the electrifying energy we bring together, whether on stage or in films. One of the most memorable experiences was shooting the high-energy song Thaar Maar Thakkar Maar from Godfather with Chiranjeevi and Salman Khan, choreographed by Prabhu Sir and me. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years. We continue to collaborate on upcoming projects, and with several films lined up, I feel fortunate to have him not just as a mentor but also as a brother.

Your career transition from choreographer to actor is very inspiring. What were some of the hardest turning points?
I never studied seriously during my childhood, but today I’m grateful to have a long list of shoots lined up, both in choreography and acting. In the acting world, I’m still taking baby steps, learning my dialogues and growing with each project. Dancing and choreography remain my greatest passions. I admire Manikandan’s acting, along with many other talented performers. They feel like college students, while I see myself as just beginning school.

What’s your process, when you decide to accept a role (either as actor or choreographer), ? Do you visualise the character’s “dance,” or first imagine the character’s emotions and backstory?
I watch a lot of movies, including good English films and emotional dramas. I keep practising my acting skills and would love to continue exploring both villain roles and strong, positive hero characters.

Do you want to do more lead roles, character roles, or perhaps even direct films?
I would love to do more hero, villain and good character roles. Eventually, I would like to get into direction sometime later in life.

You recently judged Jodi Are U Ready (Season 2). How has being a judge changed your perspective on dance, especially when you’re watching young talent?
It has been super fun. They’re all like family. Rambha and Sridevi Vijaykumar are good friends. I love to see how the young talent is coming up.

As someone who has worked across choreography and acting, what advice do you give to dancers who want to break into acting?
Hard work never fails. Be serious about your work, but at the same time enjoy life and stay positive. You only live once. When you put in consistent effort, success and money will naturally follow.

You were one of the most loved contestants in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3, winning hearts with your fun-loving personality, dance, and emotional openness. It is also the least toxic and the least dramatic season so far. Tell us more from your experience?
Bigg Boss Season 3 was a very fun experience for me. I realised you must have good teammates and go with the flow in order to have a good game. A lot of family audience have shown love and tell me that I’m a person of good character.

Tell us about your wife and how did you both meet?
My wife Sylvia and her sister Cynthia were huge fans of mine. Their mother once invited me to surprise her on her birthday, telling me how grateful she would be if I came and wished Cynthia. When I arrived, Cynthia was overwhelmed and cried tears of joy on seeing me in person. That day, I also met my wife, Dorathy Sylvia, for the very first time.

Was it love at first sight?
It really was love at first sight. The moment I saw her, something in me just knew that she’s the one. There was a certain grace about her that drew me in instantly. Honestly, I really liked her figure (he winks). We spent about six months getting to know each other, and somewhere along the line, I realised she was the person I wanted to build a life with. I made sure her parents saw how serious I was, and once I won their trust, we took the next step and got married.

Tell us about your dance schools?
I now run five dance schools in Chennai, which I started over a decade ago. Back then, I didn’t have the money to begin, so my mother-in-law supported me financially to launch my first dance academy. In those early days, I personally taught the students, and from the very first day we had 100 enrolments. A few years later, my choreography career took off to a new level. With my busy shooting schedules I don’t get as much time to visit the academy, but I still try and make it a point to go to the academy at least once a month. The students there are always eager to meet me.

What are the current projects you’re working on?
I’m doing two films in Tamil, one of them is with Pa Ranjith and another with Pandia Raj. and we are starting two more Tamil film in January. I’m also acting in two Malayalam films. I’m a hero in one of them and a villain in the other. Apart from these I’m also acting in a Telugu film.

Rapid-Fire

1. Morning person or night owl?
Night.

2. Horror music or upbeat pop?
Both.

3. Your favourite dance style?
Western dance.

4. A choreographer that you secretly admire?
Prabhudeva.

5. The most memorable compliment you’ve ever received on your choreography.
Following the success of Chikitu, the opening song in Coolie, Rajinikanth reached out to me with words that still echo. He admired my work greatly and assured me that I would one day be celebrated widely and rise to great heights. Prabhudeva Master always tells me that he loves my dance style and choreography.

6. If you weren’t a choreographer or actor, you’d probably be…?
Probably selling tea and just dancing for my passion.

7. Go-to comfort food after a long shoot.
Chapathi and chicken.

8. One song that always gets you in “dance mode.”
Muqabla by Prabhudeva.

9. Craziest fun experience on a film set.
Working with Rajini Sir, Nagarujuna and Upendra and teaching them the clock dance steps and other dance moves on the sets was super fun.

10. Your mantra (or motto) for staying motivated.
I don’t have any mantra. Every morning I wake up, sip on my black coffee and finish the tasks for the day. My calendar is really full for the next few months and I’m grateful to God for all his blessings.

11. Religious or spiritual?
I believe there’s a supreme power guiding us all.

12. Tea or coffee?
Black coffee.

13. Beach or mountains?
I really have no time for holidays, forget beaches or mountains. I’m always working. My wife plans holidays now, and hopefully we’ll travel together soon. For the past few years, I’ve been in full work mode. Whenever I get a day off, I simply use it to catch up on sleep.

14. Books or movies?
Only movies. I feel sleepy when I see books.

15. Dogs or cats?
Dogs.

16. A superpower you’d love to have?
To fly like Superman.

17. Your style statement?
I love to dress up in casuals and black is my favourite colour.

18. Fitness mantra and diet?
Dance keeps me fit. For my diet, I alternate between only fruits and nuts, juices and coffee and only protein on other days. I avoid carbs and eating after sunset.