Simply Sri

“I want to settle down abroad so that I can have ice-creams and milk-shakes and watch movies. But my mom does not like the idea.” Yes, she actually said that decades ago! During an interview in 1987, she shared, “I’m someone very simple. I'm an ordinary person. Nothing very interesting. Just another parents' daughter. Even ordinary girls have style. I don't think I've got that. You see the real Sridevi in the house. I hate to go out for parties. I like being at home with my parents. I'm a very shy person and difficult to get along with."

Acting Secrets

Asked about the secret relationship that she shared with the camera, she replied, “I think it has to do with the fact that I started acting when I was too young to even realise what it was.”

Sexy? Noooo
In an early interview, she spoke about her issues with the ‘sexy’ tag. “I feel very bad. When people come and tell me how beautiful I looked in a film, I don't react. But when they tell me I acted well I feel proud. If I look sexy just wearing a sari, can I help it? There are so many girls who reveal much more but they don't look anything.”

Self-Secrets
“Those close to me tell me that I’m witty. I have a sweet tooth. I’m obsessed with shopping. I’m extremely religious and sensitive. Boneyji once said that you enjoy doing simple things like going to the market to buy fish for the family...To be honest, I don’t enjoy going to the market to buy fish or anything else. It’s just out of concern. When they’re having seafood, I like to make sure that it’s fresh. Especially, Boneyji, is finicky about food. But I enjoy feeding my children, oiling their hair, picking out what they should wear... It gives me so much of happiness doing these things for them.”

Mom Returns

On returning to films after her long hiatus, she said, “I don’t mind the heat or the hard work in the studios at all, as long as the film is worth it. I’ve been doing it since the age of 4. I’ve spent more of my growing up years in the studios of Rajahmundry than doing what other girls that age enjoy doing. If I didn’t love the studios, I’d have given up by now. I don’t need to work anymore.”

Looking Back

Asked how she had managed to be enthusiastic about her Eighties South films, she laughed, “I can’t say! I believe in giving my best to whatever I do. Of course, during those times the style of acting dressing and even walking and talking was different… Even in those films that you are referring to, I made sure my clothes and make-up were a little more subtle than what was in fashion.”

Choosing Work

“I was a good student. For a while my parents did make me cope with school and films simultaneously. When we'd go on outdoor shoots, a teacher would accompany us. But after a point, this wasn't practical. I had to choose between studies and films. I chose films.”

Looking Ageless

“Well, you know, it is not just about eating and exercising properly. It’s about being happy from within. I’ve always believed that your state of mind determines how you look. That’s why I choose to be happy from within. Agar aap andar se khush nahin ho to kitna bhi makeup laga lo gym chale jao woh dukh nazar aayega.”

Inner Balance

“I am a very centred person. I am deeply religious and it helps me stay focussed. I have always been like this. I have never felt the need to get agitated or hyper about anything in life.”

Daughter Talk

“I cannot expect my daughter to be the way I was with my mother at their age. Both my daughters have been brought up with certain ethics and values and know where to draw a line. I am a cool mom, but, there is always a but! Yes, there are more professional managers and crew and filmmakers, but there is absolutely no substitute for hard work. It is not something Janhvi can take for granted. And also luck. And my daughters know where I came from and they know where to draw a line.”

Cooking Skills

“I don’t go to the kitchen; I cannot cook, forget making laddoos. It is something I learnt during the film (English Vinglish). You know, turning them this way and that.”

Family Equations

“I’m closer to Janu and Khushi is closer to Boneyji. But we’re honest with each other and extremely close. Khushi is far more independent than Jhanvi. Till today, every morning when Jhanvi wakes up, the first thing she says is ‘Mama chahiye!’ But Khushi will say ‘Koko chahiye!’ Koko is her pet. Khushi and Boneyji gang up against Janu and me all the time.”

Silent Sort

“I’ve always believed in letting my work speak for me. It really isn’t me to be much of a talker. Of course, when I’m with people who are close to me, I’m more at ease. I remember at the beginning of our relationship Boneyji used to beg me to talk more. And now it’s the opposite!”

Loyal Leo

“Yes, I’m fiercely loyal to Boneyji. But I don’t think of any of this is a big deal… He’s an honest person, he’s emotional, he can always make me laugh. He’s always there for me. We’re always there for each other.”

Past Regrets

“I wish we had not taken my mother to New York for her treatment (the late Rajeswari Ayyappan underwent surgery in the wrong side of her brain there).

Fan Adulation

“Well, I have really worked hard for that. I literally slogged. So I am happy if they go crazy, I want that.”

Directors Special

“(Directors who brought out the best in her) Many directors like Shekhar Kapur (Mr India). He is the best for an actor; he gets the best out of them. Of course, Yash Chopra (he directed her in Chandni and Lamhe). And in Tamil, Balu Mahendra (who directed her in Sadma, Moondram Pirai, Nireekshana) and K Balachander (he directed her in Moondru Mudichu, Varumayin Niram Sigappu, Aakali Rajyam). Then, there is Gauri (Shinde, who directed her in English Vinglish) and now Ravi (Udyawar, Mom).

Daily Fitness

“Being health conscious is like second nature to me. My body doesn’t respond well when I skip a work out, or when I have a late night, or when I binge. I don’t feel good doing any of that. I take pride in taking care of myself… I lead a very, very disciplined life. In fact, my husband Boneyji sometimes pulls my leg saying, ‘Tu toh sadhu hai’.”

Cheat Days

“Sometimes both Boneyji and I go crazy over ice-cream, caramel custard and tiramisu. We both have a sweet tooth. Of course I indulge myself sometimes…One has to. Otherwise, one will go mad. But the next day, I balance it out with extra exercise.”