Shekhar Kapur recalls Sridevi’s off-screen simplicity and on-screen magic from the sets of Mr India on her birth anniversary: ‘You never knew how Sridevi would surprise you that day’

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur remembered the late actress Sridevi on what would have been her 63rd birth anniversary. The filmmaker revisited his experience working with the legendary actress on the 1987 science-fiction superhero movie ‘Mr India’.Shekhar Kapur shared a black-and-white photograph featuring himself and Sridevi from their time working together. “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,” His note read.

Shekhar Kapur recalls working with Sridevi on ‘Mr India’

Shekhar Kapur described his professional relationship with Sridevi as an important part of making ‘Mr India’. He recalled the anticipation he felt before reaching the sets because the actress could bring an unexpected quality to her performances each day.“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.”

Sridevi remained grounded away from the camera

Shekhar Kapur also drew attention to the contrast between Sridevi’s off-screen demeanour and her presence during a performance. Despite her enormous popularity, she would reportedly remain quietly seated on set between takes.“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.”

Sridevi’s memorable role in ‘Mr India’

‘Mr India’ became one of the most popular Hindi films of the 1980s. Sridevi played journalist Seema Sahni in the movie, while Anil Kapoor portrayed Arun Verma. The story followed Arun Verma, who discovers a device that can make him invisible. Sridevi’s character became an integral part of the movie’s comedy, romance and dramatic moments. Sridevi died in 2018 at the age of 54. She worked across several Indian film industries during a career that began as a child actor and developed into one of the country’s most successful acting careers.Her filmography includes prominent Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada movies.