On Sunday, thousands of Indian film fans woke up to the heartbreaking news of actress Sridevi’s sudden demise. Among those who are shocked is this reporter, who had recently met Sridevi at her Mumbai residence ‘Green Acres’ for a heart-to-heart with the legendary actress.
Close to nature
Though she gave off the impression of being a recluse, she loved the outdoors. She said, “I am totally an outdoors person. I love to take a stroll in and around my garden and love long walks. In the rainy season, this is not possible at all so I go to the gym and do some yoga to keep myself fit.”
Famous rain dances
Those who follow her movies can vouch for the many songs in the rain. Of that, she said, “It’s been a huge torture. For all the sizzling I have done in films, I was actually running a temperature. But I still had to give my hundred per cent.”
Her mother’s daughter
Whenever she took on mom roles, Sridevi reminisced the sacrifices of her own mother. She said, “I was a child star. I never remember a day when my mom would have said ‘she is unwell’. I carry innumerable memories of her, both personal and professional. Mujhe hamesha yaad hai …chahe baarish ho dhup ho… my mother would keep standing there smiling and giving me the much desired support. A mother’s love is selfless.”
Her mother’s support was integral in turning Sridevi into the actor she was. She added, “She was never a strict mother. But she inculcated all the important values in me. She told me to be disciplined, punctual and to respect my elders. She made me work hard and always give my 100 per cent to my profession.”
Best friend to her children
She was very proud of her children Jhanvi and Khushi Kapoor. On motherhood, she had said, “I cannot expect my kids to behave in the same manner that I behaved with my mom. They are the next generation. I am happy that my children are aware of ‘where I come from’. They are both loving and we are more like friends. There is a dialogue in my recent film Mom, which is Unko samjhane se achcha hai hum unse samjhe. We as parents have to change with the times.”
Growing with each film
Despite being an actor par excellence, she had never placed much value on stardom. She explained, “I never took success as if I have attained the stardom. I am just an actor. I am a greedy actor and always wish to give my best to any character. As an artist, I feel I am growing with every film of mine.”
Embracing hard work
Looking back at her older films like Himmatwala, Devta and others, she recalled the struggles of those days, “We never enjoyed great facilities in those days. I remember even having changed behind trees. It would be a little difficult for female artists to shoot in open spaces and there were no proper facilities. This is how I developed the habit of not drinking much water.”
