Exclusive: Shekhar Kapur Recalls Sridevi’s Dedication and Magic While Filming Mr. India

Sridevi, a cinematic legend, was known not just for her stunning performances but also for her professionalism and dedication. Director Shekhar Kapur shared an interesting story about their collaboration on the film Mr. India, showing a glimpse into her fierce commitment.

In an exclusive chat with Filmfare’s editor Jitesh Pillai during his chat show, In The Ring With Filmfare, Shekhar Kapur recalled the making of the iconic song Kaate Nahi Katte. He revealed that during the shoot, 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. Shekhar Kapur only learned of her illness later from the choreographer, which was a proof of her professionalism and work ethic. This was a clear sign of the immense support she extended to her directors and the passion she had for her work.

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Shekar Kapur also spoke about Sridevi’s immense trust and support, which were instrumental to the success of the film’s famous Charlie Chaplin scene. When he approached her with the quirky idea of wearing a moustache for the scene, Sridevi embraced it fully. She spent hours studying videos of Charlie Chaplin to perfect her impersonation, a dedication that resulted in a flawless and memorable performance.

He admitted to developing a huge crush on her because of this fierce loyalty and trust. For Shekhar Kapur, Sridevi was more than just an actress, she was the heart and soul of the film. He stated, “Mr. India is her. It’s actually Sridevi,” emphasizing her irreplaceable contribution. Shekhar Kapur’s direction combined with Sridevi’s sheer brilliance, led to the making of a film that would go on to become a cult classic. The film’s action, comedy, romance, and science fiction, all put together by Shekhar Kapur’s vision, impressed an audience of an entire generation and the film continues to be celebrated.

This  love and respect for Sridevi was beautifully showcased recently on her 62nd birth anniversary on August 13, where apart from her family, the entire film fraternity lovingly remembered and celebrated her illustrious career and, more importantly, the person that she was.

Also Read: Shekhar Kapur to be Questioned in the Sushant Singh Rajput Suicide Case