A heart to heart with the Hawa Hawaii girl

She took the nation by storm with her doe-like eyes, mischievous smile and graceful dance moves. Sridevi was not just an actress; she was a phenomenon that India had fallen in love with and how. Years later, we realise the aura has not diminished one bit. She is still the diva she always was…

For us you are a superstar, but what is the real Sridevi like?
My kids, my husband, and my home are my world. It’s a full-time job. I am still working in the middle of my interview. If my daughter needs me, she calls for me. And no matter what I am doing, I have to attend to her. No, they are not spoiled brats, just dependant on me for everything. And I like it that way.

Are you possessive or protective of your kids?
Possessive, no. Protective, most definitely. Like every other mother, I worry about the where and what. It’s the times we live in.

Born and raised as a Tamilian, you married into a Punjabi family. How did you bridge the cultural difference?
It was easy as my husband became a South Indian. He is the only one who has idli, dosa, and sambhar. My children enjoy it occasionally, but I avoid it for dietary reasons. I am a Tamilian in my thinking, my pooja, my food and my lifestyle. At the same time, we celebrate all the North Indian festivals. It’s about a healthy balance.

How difficult is it to be yourself with social media making it so easy to judge?
You can’t be yourself. You will find me in track pants all the time because I am comfortable in them, but I can’t step out in them. I don’t think about myself so much as I have dealt with the media glare but I am worried about the kids. They get clicked every day. There is too much exposure.

We keep reading about Jhanvi. Tell us about Khushi.
She is way more mature than Jhanvi and me. Independent with a mind of her own, she is very clear about what she wants. You should see her with her dogs. So caring and she takes them regularly for their vaccinations. I always tell her that she will be a great mother. Jhanvi, on the other hand, is a dreamer, a child who lives in a fantasy.

Are you happy about the fact that Jhanvi is getting into films?
Whatever makes her happy, as parents you must gracefully accept their choice and believe that their destiny will bring them to it. I rather support her than not.

How do you deal with Jhanvi’s link up rumours?
She was quite upset the other day. They mentioned she was chasing someone at an event while the truth is she spent that evening with Gauri Shinde. And I know it because I am with her most of the time. I’d understand if it were the truth, but at least verify what you print. That’s when I told Jhanvi, ‘welcome to my world’. I told her she has to be ready for all this as such things will happen. She was in shock, but I hope she learns to deal with it in time.

Would you allow your kids to live independently like other star kids?
No, I can’t even begin to imagine that, and my kids are aware of it. It scares me no end. There is nothing wrong with it, but it’s up to each parents’ thought process. I am old fashioned that way and feel till you are married it is appropriate to be with parents.

Do you regret not doing Baahubali?
First, I hate talking about roles I haven’t done. Someone else has already done it so why sit and discuss it. Secondly, I am upset because people are speculating about what I might have said, done or asked. I am a sensible actress with a work experience of 300 movies. If I were that unreasonable, I would not have lasted this long. I didn’t do the film because Jhanvi was in grade 10 and I wanted to be there for her. It was my choice. I don’t understand why such a big issue is being made of it.

Why did you take so long for your next film post English-Vinglish?
I don’t want to do a film just for the sake of it. I want to enjoy whatever I am doing. After English Vinglish, I got busy with my children and was wrapped in my world till Mom happened. We have been working on the script and casting. Hence it took time.

First Gauri Shinde and now Ravi Udyawar, you seem to enjoy working with new directors.
I treat myself as a newcomer, and that’s how I look at it. Every film is like my first movie. I respect my director’s vision and surrender to them.

There aren’t many scripts for women of your calibre unlike the West
It’s getting better. The writers are coming up with different stories. The producers are planning to produce women-oriented films, and they think it's bankable, so it’s a real change. I always consider a positive side of it.

Do you still get nervous facing the cameras?
No, not at all. There is a lot of excitement in going to the sets, facing cameras, the lights and the team. There is so much happening that it’s a joy standing in front of the camera.

Being a mother yourself, how was it shooting for Mom?
Apart from the fact that I am a mother, it wasn’t relatable in any way.  You will understand when you see the movie.

How has the journey been so far?
It has been great so far and very satisfying personally, but as an actor, it’s never-ending so, you keep learning every day.

What’s life without cinema for you?
I can’t even imagine a life without films. I live and breathe cinema. It made me who I am. People look forward to watching movies as a refreshing experience. And to be a part of that experience is a wonderful feeling.

Is Khushi also interested in acting?
Well, truth be told, I am waiting for the next shock of my life.