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Shekhar Kapur recalls Sridevi’s dedication and talent in Mr. India, saying “Mr. India is her” and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.
Shekhar Kapur remembers Sridevi’s iconic energy and professionalism while filming Mr. India.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for only seven feature films, still finds Mr. India (1987) to be one of his career’s defining works. Starring Anil Kapoor in the titular role and produced by Boney Kapoor and Surinder Kapoor, the film’s enduring magic, Kapur insists, came largely from its leading lady, Sridevi.
In a recent interview with Filmfare, Kapur revealed the remarkable dedication Sridevi showed while filming one of the movie’s most popular songs. “Sridevi was running a high fever of 103 degrees. Yet, she didn’t reveal her condition and continued to perform with her usual energy and grace,” he said. Kapur only learned about the extent of her illness later from the choreographer.
Sridevi’s comic timing and fearlessness were also pivotal in making Mr. India memorable. Kapur credited her for the legendary Charlie Chaplin-inspired sequence. He confessed that he developed a deep crush on her, drawn by her fierce loyalty and unwavering trust. For Shekhar Kapur, Sridevi was not just an actress, she was the very heart and soul of the film.
“Mr. India is her. It’s actually Sridevi.” The filmmaker recalled suggesting that Sridevi don a moustache for the quirky scene — an idea she embraced fully, studying Chaplin’s performances to perfect her act. The result became one of the most iconic comedic moments in Hindi cinema.
Mr. India not only became a milestone in Indian cinema but also enjoyed international success, including in China. Sridevi’s performance won her a Special Award at the 58th Filmfare Awards, further establishing her as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and cherished actresses.
Reflecting on the film decades later, Shekhar Kapur emphasizes that while the movie had a strong ensemble cast and a compelling story, it was Sridevi’s charisma, talent, and professionalism that made Mr. India timeless.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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