As the film fraternity and fans across the globe remember the iconic actress Sridevi on her death anniversary in 2024, it’s a poignant moment to revisit the heartfelt memories shared by individuals whose lives she has touched. One such individual is the acclaimed Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar, known for his influential talk show ‘Koffee With Karan’. On a special episode featuring Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, Sridevi’s daughters, Johar reminisced about his profound admiration for Sridevi and recounted the unforgettable moment he first met her.
Sridevi’s multifaceted acting career spanned across several Indian film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada cinemas. Her remarkable performances, undeniable charm, and exceptional beauty made Sridevi a household name and earned her a special place in the hearts of countless movie enthusiasts. It was this very essence of Sridevi that left Johar utterly mesmerized when he first encountered her.
During the interview, an episode particularly tinged with nostalgia, Karan Johar expressed the magnitude of his affection for Sridevi. He recalled how her partnership with actor Jeetendra and their celebrated films largely influenced his early cinema experiences. For Johar, the advent of VHS technology meant unfettered access to Sridevi’s work, which he consumed with great enthusiasm, eventually leading to an admiration bordering on obsession.
The premier of ‘Mr. India’, a film where Sridevi delivered one of her most acclaimed performances, marked a turning point for Johar. However, it wasn’t until 1993, during the production of ‘Gumrah’—a film Sridevi was cast in for his father’s production company—that Johar had the esteemed opportunity to meet her in person. The experience, as Johar described, was nerve-wracking, leaving his knees rattling from the overwhelming excitement and nervousness that accompanied meeting his idol.
Illustrating the quaintness of the moment, Johar recounts his speechlessness and the comical exchange he had with the esteemed fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who he met for the first time on the same occasion. Malhotra’s indifferent response to Johar’s praise of Sridevi’s look is an anecdote that Johar remembers with a touch of humor.
The episode was a meaningful tribute to Sridevi’s enduring legacy, allowing viewers to see beyond her vast filmography and understand the profound impact she had on one of India’s most prominent filmmakers. As a part of her tribute, Johar’s revelation showcased the universal admiration and love for Sridevi, transcending professional boundaries and highlighting the emotional connections many have formed with her over the years.
As the film industry continues to celebrate Sridevi’s unforgettable contributions to cinema, these personal narratives underscore her significance not just as a star, but as an eternal muse and inspiration to many. Karan Johar’s cozily candid revelation served as a testament to Sridevi’s lasting influence on her fans and colleagues alike.
The conversation served as more than just an amusing recount for the audience. It was a moment of affection and reverence, weaving memories and respect that spanned decades. The legacy of Sridevi, encapsulated in Karan Johar’s words, reaffirmed not only her status as an exceptional artist but the deep personal connections she had formed with her work and the lives of those she touched.
As Johar shared his fanboy moment, it bridged the gap between celebrity and admirer, bringing to light the genuine human connections that art cultivates. This heartfelt episode was a fitting homage to Sridevi on her death anniversary, celebrated in a way that perfectly mirrored her radiance—a blend of earnest affection, shared histories, and the timeless bond she created with her audience. It underscored the notion that legends, like Sridevi, live on through the stories told by those they’ve inspired, ensuring that the luminance of their legacy never fades.
