Interviewing Sridevi is never easy. As an ardent fan, my voice trembles and my questions collapse in her presence. While she tells me to calm down her husband Boney Kapoor laughs at my visible discomfort. She asks me to address her as Sridevi, minus the ‘ji’ with casual grace that she exudes effortlessly. I shoot my first question.
Q: Sridevi, at this juncture of your life and career, a film has to be really special for you to do it, right?
Sridevi: Absolutely and Mom is that special to tempt me to go back to the studios.
Q: Yes, I was wondering if you’d want to leave your domestic paradise for the hot sticky studios?
Sridevi: I don’t mind the heat or the hard work in the studios at all, as long as the film is worth it. I’ve been doing it since the age of 4. I’ve spent more of my years growing up in the studios of Rajahmundry, than doing what other girls that age enjoy doing. If I didn’t love the studios, I’d have given up by now. I don’t need to work any more.
Q: I wonder how you managed to be so enthusiastic about the south films you did in the 1980’s made by K Bappiah and T Rama Rao?
Sridevi: (laughs) I can’t say. I believe in giving my best to whatever I do. Of course, during those times, the style of acting, dressing, and even walking and talking were different.
Q: What do your daughters think about your old films?
Sridevi: They haven’t seen much of my old work. Once in while, they catch a glimpse of me on television. And they really like me in my old films. Jahnvi and Khushi know that those times, and the fashion during those times, were different. Even in those films that you are referring to, I made sure my clothes and makeup were a little more subtle than what was in fashion.
Q: What is the secret of your youthful looks?
Sridevi: Well, you know, it is not just about eating and exercising properly. It’s about being happy from within. I’ve always believed that your state of mind determines how you look. That’s why I choose to be happy from within. Agar aap andar se khush nahin ho to kitna bhi makeup laga lo, gym chale jao, woh dukh nazar aayega (if you are not happy from within, no amount of makeup and working out can help). I lead a very very disciplined life. In fact, my husband, Boney ji, sometimes pulls my leg saying, tu toh sadhu hai’ (you’re an ascetic).
Q: Don’t you cheat eat at all?
Sridevi: Oh, I do. Sometimes, both Boney ji and I go crazy over ice-cream, caramel custard and tiramisu. We both have a sweet tooth. Of course, I indulge myself sometimes. One has to, otherwise one will go mad. But the next day I balance it out with extra exercise. I also burn it out for him (laughs uproariously). Yes! He wants the world to know I control his diet.
Q: Is Mom the darkest role you’ve played so far?
Sridevi: It isn’t a dark character at all. That’s a misconception. It’s a very emotional film and I got to work with such great actors - Akshaye Khanna, Nawazuddin, Sajal Ali, Adnan Siddiqui - they’re wonderful!
Q: Sajal Ali, who plays your daughter became very attached to you?
Sridevi: Yes, absolutely. We were close from the start. Then, during the schedule in Georgia, Sajal and my two daughters and I bonded beautifully. Sajal’s mother’s death shattered her. It is very unfortunate she isn’t there now to see her daughter’s film. But Sajal is like my third child. Now I feel I have one more daughter.
Q: Akshaye Khanna has said that you take being reclusive to another level. Do you agree?
Sridevi: Look, Mom is not the kind of film where I could sit and joke around with my co-stars. It isn’t a comedy or love story where I could be constantly talking. Mom is a very intense drama. I wanted to be in that frame of mind, where I felt isolated from others. It wasn’t a conscious decision on my part to be aloof during Mom. It was just the way my character had to be. It was our director Ravi Udyawar who did all the talking on this one.
Q: Nawazuddin thinks you are the best actor in the world.
Sridevi: Coming from him, that’s a huge compliment! I am overwhelmed. I am a huge admirer of Nawaz. I love all his characters - in Badlapur, Gangs Of Wasseypur, Raman Raghav. Sajal Ali will surprise everybody and Akshaye Khanna also. Such a strong performer. He doesn’t have to do anything. He just has to stand in a frame and the audience won’t look at anybody else.
Q: We had to wait three years after English Vinglish to see you in Mom. Why?Sridevi: After English Vinglish I was under no compulsion to do another film. Mom grabbed my attention. I know it will be compared with English Vinglish. That film made such an impact. Everybody, from children to old people, identified with my character. I don’t know how much of an impact Mom will make. But, as an actor, it really satisfied me. I am lucky to have worked with Gauri Shinde in English Vinglish and now Ravi Udyawar in Mom. He is so passionate about his work. He made everybody’s job easier.
Q: Can you tell us about the controversy around you turning down Baahubali?Sridevi: Once and for all, there’s nothing to talk about. It’s over and done with. I have turned down so many roles in the past. It isn’t nice to talk about the films that you don’t do.
Q: Finally, what should we expect from Mom?
Sridevi: I don’t know how successful it will be. But this much I can say - when people leave the theatre they will take something valuable away with them from Mom. Just like they did from English Vinglish.
(The love of Lata Mangeshkar's voice and Hindi movies - in that order - has propelled Subhash K Jha to the pursuit of journalism for over 30 years.)
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