Chennai, July 14 (IANS) Tamil thespian Kamal Hassan and well-known dance director S. Raghuram re-lived their years-old friendship once again when the actor launched his friend's dance school 'Narthanashala' here and reminisced about their carefree youth.

Kamal and Raghuram are childhood friends and have worked together as choreographers early in their career.

Speaking to reporters at the function Monday Kamal said: "Raghuram and I worked as joint dance choreographers for a few films. One of the factors that united us was that both were disinterested in studies. Raghuram would leave for school from his home and would land up in Panagal Park (in T. Nagar, the heart of the city). We regret that despite the academic background of our respective families, we didn't study well," he said ruefully.

"Fortunately, like the Eklavya in 'Mahabharat', whatever we missed out academically, we managed to learn it on our own. I feel honoured to be part of the occasion today. We had played at this very place in our younger days," he added.

The dance school is located in Mahalingapuram, two km away from Kodambakkam where the Tamil film industry is based.

Kamal also showered praise on Prabhu Deva, who was also present.

Raghuram thanked Kamal and Prabhu Deva for attending the event.

Embarrassed by the senior's gratitude, Prabhu Deva said: "A master should not thank his students at all. The achievements of Raghuram Master might never be matched by anyone. I consider it as my own school."

Raghuram's daughters Suja Manoj and Gayathri are competent dancers. While Suja runs a dance school in the US, Gayathri is pursuing a career in the southern film industry as a choreographer.