When Kamal Haasan and Subhash Ghai remembered Sridevi: 'Her astonishing talent was not mere luck'

Kamal Haasan, who shared the screen with Sridevi in many of his films, relieved nostalgic memories of the late actress, recalling her phenomenal journey and talent. "Mrs. Sridevi Kapoor's astonishing talent was not mere luck; it was well deserved and earned through hard work from a young age," he said in an old interview. Haasan had first met her as a child when she worked under the mentorship of the renowned director K. Balachander,Haasan remembered that he was tasked with developing her acting skills and her dancing too."When she came to us initially, she was not as polished. But the eagerness to learn was there. She kept wishing to be more of a learned artist. I was constantly in awe of her because she wished to learn continuously."
Haasan spoke fondly about their bond. He said, "Our professional relationship often overshadowed her personal life, but her dedication mirrored my own, creating deep mutual affection." He recalled a recent meeting with her, where they hugged, something that does not happen too often to those two hot-headed personalities. "The song from 'Sadma' plays in my mind now; it is a beautiful lullaby for the talented and enchanting Sridevi," he said, offering condolences to her family and especially to her daughters, whom he saw she loved so much.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recalled his fondness for Sridevi and described their work together in the film "Karma" in 1985. He called her an immensely talented actress, saying she was "a pure magical screen presence." Her talent, according to Ghai, is unique which cinema surely is going to miss. "We can never see another Sridevi on screen. Her loss is profoundly felt," he said.

Though being introverted in real life, Sridevi has a different on-screen presence. "She shocked directors with her performances, whether in dance, drama, or romance," he said. He also underlined traditional values and describes her as a devoted mother and gracious host. "She kept her dignity and integrity as an actress and as a person, which is a rare quality in this demanding industry," he concluded. Her legacy of outstanding performances in movies like "Sadma" and "Mom" will certainly be celebrated for many more generations to come.