When she was growing up, Sridevi was a 'mommy’s child'. Today, she’s a 300-film veteran but when she watches an old Tamil film playing on TV, she thinks about her mother who used to accompany her to the shooting spot.
So it comes as no surprise that she’s starring in a film titled Mom, due for release soon, that talks about the mother-daughter relationship. In an interview in Chennai, the actress – who is said to be over 50 but hardly looks it – chats about her most powerful roles and why she won’t do a film for the sake of it.
Mom is about a bittersweet mom-daughter relationship. Since you're a mom, did you connect better with it?
Being a mother has certainly helped me understand the character’s pain. I could relate to Devki and what she was going through. But the film is not only about the mother – it’s about a daughter, what teenagers go through. I feel it’s for all.
Are you at that stage where it's your connection with the particular character that matters the most? Shashi from English Vinglish was like that and we're sure Devki too will be the same.
Every character is special to me. I’d like to give credit to my directors for giving me such wonderful roles.
What was it about Mom that attracted you the most?
It was the plot. It touched me. It moved me. I had a good feeling about it – and I always go with my instincts.
Would you describe yourself choosy, in a positive way, of course?
I don’t want to do films for the sake of it. That’s one of the reasons I picked up Mom.
Female-oriented films are doing quite well irrespective of language…
Well, the producers and filmmakers are taking on new subjects. Heroine-oriented films like Piku , Kahaani , Queen and of course English Vinglish are doing well. It’s a wonderful time to be in the industry and I’m lucky that I am still able to part of some great projects.
Is it better off being a leading lady now than it was say, 20 years ago?
Even back then, I remember doing female-oriented films. Chaalbaaz , Chandni and Nagina , for example. Many other Tamil films, including Gayathri , also had me in strong roles. That era had its own beauty. But now, times have changed; better subjects are coming along and things are good.
CHENNAI: TAMILNADU: 22-06-2017: Actress SRIDEVI.
PHOTO: L_SRINIVASAN
சென்னை: தமிழ்நாடு: 22-06-2017: நடிகை ஸ்ரீதேவி. படம்.எல்.சீனிவாசன்.
You've seen success at a very early age. When failures come your way, how do you deal with it?
CHENNAI: TAMILNADU: 22-06-2017: Actress SRIDEVI. PHOTO: L_SRINIVASAN சென்னை: தமிழ்நாடு: 22-06-2017: நடிகை ஸ்ரீதேவி. படம்.எல்.சீனிவாசன்.
Once you’re in the film industry, you should be ready to face both success and failure.
Mom is your 300th film. When you watch your older films, what goes through your mind?
There are some beautiful memories. The first person that comes to my mind is my mother, who was present in many a film set.
Is there one favourite character from an old Tamil film that you think about with fondness?
Director K Balachander gave me a film when I was just 12; I am grateful that he gave me Moondru Mudichu . Moondram Pirai is special too.
When can we see Sridevi do Tamil films more often?
If anything good comes up, I’d be glad to take it up.
‘Mom’ means Amma in Tamil. And Amma in Tamil Nadu refers to only one person – Jayalalithaa. If there's a biopic on her, would you like to play her?
It’s a big responsibility to play such an icon. I feel it’s too early for me to do justice to such a role. Of course, when I was a child star, I admired her as a goddess, and I have some really sweet memories of the interactions we have had.
