Shekhar Kapur, the director of the iconic 1987 film Mr. India, has recently shared insights into his experience working with the legendary Sridevi, revealing the profound impact she had on the film and confessing to having a "huge crush" on her. In a recent conversation, Kapur emphasized Sridevi's exceptional talent, professionalism, and the unique qualities that made her a star, stating that Mr. India was truly "Sridevi’s" film.
Kapur reminisced about the first day of shooting with Sridevi in Mahabaleshwar for a song sequence. He recounted how Sridevi's dance captivated the entire crew, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. "When she started to dance the world stopped for all of us, the only thing that moved was Sri Devi dancing," Kapur shared in a social media post. He admitted that he was so mesmerized that he even forgot to call "Cut!".
Beyond her mesmerizing presence, Kapur also highlighted Sridevi's unwavering loyalty and protective nature, especially during challenging times in the making of Mr. India. He revealed that Sridevi would "take any chance she got to protect me, speak about how incredible I was, she took it upon herself to fiercely protect her Director". Kapur also noted that behind her stardom and incredible talent lay innocence and vulnerability, which she fearlessly expressed through her performances. According to Kapur, Sridevi's willingness to reveal her inner self to the camera is what truly made her a star.
Kapur recalled an instance where Sridevi shot the popular song "Kaate Nahi Katte" while battling a high fever of 103 degrees. Despite her condition, she maintained her energy and grace, a testament to her dedication and professionalism. Kapur only learned about her illness later through the choreographer. He also lauded Sridevi's embrace of unconventional ideas, such as the Charlie Chaplin-inspired comedy sequence in Mr. India. He suggested the idea of Sridevi donning a moustache, and she wholeheartedly embraced it, even studying Chaplin's videos to perfect her act. Sridevi revealed that initially, the Charlie Chaplin sequence was supposed to be a minor scene. However, impressed by her performance in costume, Kapur expanded it into a major comedic highlight.
Mr. India, starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, was a commercial success, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1987. The film tells the story of Arun Verma (Anil Kapoor), who can become invisible with a special device, and Seema Sahni (Sridevi), a journalist who falls in love with him, as they battle the villain Mogambo (Amrish Puri). Sridevi's performance in the film, especially in the song "Hawa Hawai," remains iconic.
Sridevi considered Mr. India her personal favorite film because it allowed her to showcase her acting skills beyond her glamorous image. In an interview with Colors Cineplex, she said, "It was my best film, I can say. Because that's the first film which was different from a glamorous role. People started talking, of course, I think she can also act".
Shekhar Kapur's recent reflections provide a glimpse into the magic Sridevi brought to Mr. India, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest actresses in Indian cinema. Kapur's admiration for Sridevi extends beyond her talent, encompassing her loyalty, dedication, and the unique vulnerability she brought to her roles.
