Remembering Sridevi: A Tribute to the Icon on Her 62nd Birthday

Celebrating Sridevi's Legacy

On August 13, the late Sridevi would have celebrated her 62nd birthday, a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

Sridevi had the option to marry anyone she wished, yet like her Southern counterpart Hema Malini, she chose to be with a married man who had children.

Once she made her choice, Sridevi never looked back. She once shared, 'It was Boneyji and no one else. I felt safe and cherished in his presence. He cared for me even before we wed, and I was confident he would continue to do so after our marriage.'

Following her marriage and the arrival of her daughter Janhvi, Sridevi starred in Judaai, which initially faced harsh criticism and was deemed subpar. However, her performance in this film is often regarded as her finest work.

In Judaai, she portrayed a greedy wife and an indifferent mother with such flair that it seemed she was satirizing the typical loud and rude housewife roles seen in earlier films.

Over time, Judaai has become a film Sridevi disliked, despite her performance being one of her most celebrated. A day after Janhvi's birth, I was with the esteemed filmmaker Yash Chopra when he received a call from Sridevi. I was thrilled to realize who was on the line.

After finishing his call, Mr. Chopra remarked, 'I told Sri after Judaai that she cannot retire. No one can match her talent.' He was keen to cast her in Veer-Zaara.

I concur with Mr. Chopra, a true aficionado of talent, who revitalized Sridevi's career with Chandni. This film transformed her into a quintessential Yash Chopra heroine, showcasing her refined skills and stunning presence, which propelled her to stardom.

Chandni, while often considered overrated, featured Sridevi in a captivating role, although Rishi Kapoor's performance was equally noteworthy. In Lamhe, she outshone Anil Kapoor, demonstrating her versatility.

Sridevi's beauty was undeniable in Mr. India, and she continued to impress in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, despite its lack of success. In Army, she delivered a powerful performance, sharing the screen with Shah Rukh Khan in a memorable sequence that showcased her exceptional acting range.

Her roles in Chaalbaaz, Sadma, and English Vinglish were engaging, but her performance in K Vishwanath's Jaag Utha Insaan was particularly remarkable. Although Himmatwala launched her into Bollywood fame, it was this lesser-known film where she truly shone as a temple dancer.

Reflecting on my first conversation with the legendary actress, I remember calling Boney Kapoor at his hotel. When Sridevi answered, her gentle laughter was unmistakable. We spoke many times after that, and she recalled our first chat, though I suspect she was just being kind.

Sridevi had a unique ability to touch hearts, leaving many to wonder why her life was cut short so tragically.