In an era where the glitter of Bollywood often overshadows personal lives, the late legendary actress Sridevi remains an emblem of not just cinematic brilliance but also profound personal influence. Bollywood film producer Boney Kapoor, amidst the promotion of his upcoming sports biopic ‘Maidaan’, shared glimpses into his life with Sridevi, a woman who touched many with her on-screen charm and offstage persona.
During a heart-to-heart interview with Zoom, Boney Kapoor opened up about the depths of Sridevi’s impact on his life, particularly highlighting how she drew him into the fold of spirituality. “Sridevi was more religious than I was. I started believing more in it because of her,” he revealed. It is well-known that Sridevi had a strong spiritual inclination, often paying visits to the Tirupati Balaji Temple, a legacy that her daughter Janhvi Kapoor, an actress in her own right, continues.
Recalling Sridevi, Boney spoke of the unusual actions she took, such as when she stepped forward to perform the traditional role of lighting the fire on her mother’s pyre—a task customarily undertaken by men. This act stands as a testament to Sridevi’s unique approach to life and her readiness to defy societal norms.
Sridevi and Boney Kapoor’s union in 1996 unfolded as a tale of love celebrated by many, leading to the birth of their daughters, Janhvi and Khushi. Sridevi’s untimely demise on February 24, 2018, in Dubai shook the film fraternity and fans worldwide. Sridevi, born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in 1963, was revered for her diverse and powerful roles in iconic Hindi movies such as ‘Chandni’, ‘Lamhe’, ‘Mr. India’, ‘Chaalbaaz’, ‘Nagina’, ‘Sadma’, and ‘English Vinglish’, stamping her mark on Bollywood’s history. She not only enthralled the Hindi film audience but also earned laurels in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinemas. Her final portrayal in the film ‘Mom’ garnered her a posthumous Best Actress National Award, affirming her enduring legacy.
Away from the past and looking ahead, Boney Kapoor’s latest venture paints a different stroke on the cinematic canvas. Following his appearance in the romantic comedy ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’, which featured Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Dimple Kapadia, Boney is now immersed in the pre-release phase of ‘Maidaan’, a film that traces the journey of football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, a pivotal figure in Indian football history, portrayed by Ajay Devgn. The film’s ensemble includes accomplished actors like Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh, and is further elevated by a soundtrack from the acclaimed composer AR Rahman.
The journey to ‘Maidaan’ was not without hurdles. The initial film set was disassembled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Following that, the reconstructed set faced the wrath of Cyclone Tauktae in May 2021, leading to further delays. Despite the setbacks, Boney Kapoor’s resilience mirrors the persistence of the football players depicted in the film, and ‘Maidaan’ is now slated for release on April 10, 2024.
Boney Kapoor’s candidness unveils facets of his life heavily influenced by Sridevi, a source of spiritual awakening for him and a beacon of unconventional wisdom. As he continues to honor her memory through shared stories, the producer aims to carry forward Sridevi’s legacy through cinema that resonates with her dedication and excellence.
Sridevi’s remembrance in Boney’s narratives, and her enduring charisma that transcends cinematic boundaries, remind us of her eternal presence in the hearts of those she touched. As Boney Kapoor helms projects that tell stories of courage and passion, one can glimpse the spirit of Sridevi guiding his endeavors from a realm beyond.
