Shefali Shah, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in projects like 'Jalsa', 'Darlings', and 'Delhi Crime', recently revealed the profound influence the late Sridevi had on her early aspirations. In a candid interview, Shah confessed to being "obsessed" with Sridevi, admitting that she even tried to imitate the iconic actress after being told she resembled her.
"I didn't ever think that I would become an actor," Shah shared in an interview with Indian Express. "It was not on the horizon. However, I must add that my biggest inspiration, actually I was just obsessed with Sridevi ji." The 'Waqt' actress further added, "I was also told that I looked like her and then slowly I started imitating her."
However, this phase of imitation was short-lived. Shah realized the futility of trying to replicate someone as unique and irreplaceable as Sridevi. "Thankfully, wisdom came knocking one day and I was like what am I doing?" she recalled. "There can't be another Sridevi, so stop it. That way it wouldn't have become my calling as I was trying to be somebody else." This realization marked a turning point for Shah, allowing her to develop her own distinct identity as an actress.
Sridevi, who started her career as a child actor at the age of four in the Tamil movie 'Kandhan Karunai' in 1967, achieved wider recognition in Hindi cinema with 'Himmatwala' in 1983. She went on to star in numerous memorable films, including 'Mr. India', 'Chandni', 'Sadma', 'ChaalBaaz', 'Lamhe', 'Khuda Gawah', 'English Vinglish', and 'Mom'.
Besides Sridevi, Shah also admires Smita Patil. Both actresses hold a special place in her heart.
In other news, Shah is currently receiving praise for her role as a gynecologist in the recently released film 'Doctor G', where she stars alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. She also shared the best compliment she received from her son after 'Delhi Crime 2', when he compared her to Iron Man, saying that she has become irreplaceable, like the actor who played Iron Man. The actress was so touched that she wanted to print that on her walls.
