During 80s Sridevi was the top actress in Hindi film industry. And therefore, finding time to meet her was a difficult task. But, if you were willing to do legwork, it wasn’t much difficult to catch up with her during shooting schedules. Upper Goregaon is not approachable through various transport services available. But, during 80s visiting Film city was a big task. Even if you owned a four wheeler or two wheeler, you had to pass through jungle, which is no more existing.
Sridevi with Amitabh Bachchan during the muhurat of the film ‘Khuda Gawah’
So, to meet Sridevi I had to travel on a Saturday afternoon, sometime in 1988 to attend her shooting for the multi starrer film ‘Gair Kanooni’. And, I found her totally engrossed into her character with full preparation. In short she clearly indicated how versatile she was while doing every new scene. The next time when I met her was at the launch of Mukul Anand’s big banner film ‘Khuda Gawah’ opposite Amitabh Bachchan. It was a grand muhurat and though Mr. Bachchan impressed the invitees with his dialogues, Sridevi invited all the attention with her special looks and costumes dressed for the occasion.
Third time when I met Sridevi was at the felicitation function on the final day of FICCI –Frames at The Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Powai, where Sridevi was to be conferred with Lifetime Achievement award along with her former co star Rishi kapoor. This time she walked in with her husband Boney kapoor and said hello to all those present with a gentle smile. In spite of being away from limelight for a long time, did not diminish her popularity , as photographers and TV cameramen were eager to have glimpse of the super actress of 80s seated in the front row. In her short but sweet speech she thanked the organisers for remembering her on this occasion.
Indeed, Sridevi had ruled Bollywood during 80s with her spontaneity while performing variety of roles in 300 films. It is a big shock received by her admirers with her untimely sad demise. But, she will always be remembered for entertaining the film lovers through all her films. May her soul rest in peace.