Shekhar Kapur says Sridevi was almost in denial of her stardom, calls her director's best friend: ‘She was a gift’

Sridevi worked with Shekhar Kapur in his film Mr India, which also starred Anil Kapoor. The director said that the film wouldn't have been possible without her.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur remembered late actor Sridevi on her 63rd birth anniversary with a throwback picture taken when they worked together for the first time. He directed her in the 1987 science-fiction film Mr India, which is often considered one of the best films in her iconic career.

Shekhar Kapur penned a heartfelt note for Sridevi on her birth anniversary.

Sridevi, who died in 2018 aged 54, began her career as a child actor and went on to become one of the most celebrated female stars in Indian cinema, working across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films.

Shekhar's note for Sridevi

Shekhar wrote a long note in the caption of his Instagram post to remember the actor. He said, “The earliest pic I have of Sridevi and myself. Her face never changed. Her eyes flashed startlingly in this pic from the film ‘Joshilay’ as much as they did later in ‘Mr India’ .. and while the world remembers the Star .. Sridevi .. on her birth yesterday I was remembering Sri Devi as the Director’s best friend.”

“Mr India would not have been possible without the amazing collaboration between Sridevi and myself. I still remember my excitement and urge to get to the set when Sri Devi and I were doing Mr India ..because you never knew how Sri Devi would surprise you that day. .. and she never failed to do so,” he added.

Shekhar recalled, “When the camera was not in her .. she would be quietly sitting in her chair .. almost in denial of her stardom (unlike actors today she would not disappear into her trailer). When in front of the Camera it was as if magic happened .. it was a different Sridevi.. her energy not only radiated out of her for the camera .. everyone on the set felt it .. it was electric. So much that at times ( especially in a dance sequence) we would forget to switch off the camera ! For I would forget to say ‘Cut’ .. I doubt there’ll be another Sri Devi .. she was a gift to us ..So wherever you are Sri .. Happy Birthday.”

About Sridevi

Born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in 1963, Sridevi was known for her iconic roles in Hindi movies such as Chandni, Lamhe, Mr India, Chaalbaaz, Nagina, Sadma, and English Vinglish, among many more. The Padma Shri awardee had also made a mark with her performances in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films. Her last film was Mom, for which she also received the Best Actress National Award, posthumously.

Sridevi died in Dubai at the age of 54 on February 24, 2018 in a Dubai hotel bathroom. The autopsy report called it an 'accidental drowning' in the bathtub. She was in the United Arab Emirates for the wedding of actor-nephew Mohit Marwah.