They Didn't Start The Fire Again
When Raghavendra Rao's blockbuster JVAS became a mega hit, it did not just set a new landmark on the Telugu socio-fantasy scene, but have also brought the sizzling pair of Chiranjeevi and Sridevi together in a memorable pairing. The stars outclassed each other in the film and danced their way into the Telugu audiences hearts. The combination virtually set the silver screen afire. The fire has long since cooled and there is yet no sign of the stars coming together again to set the sparks flying. Many a Telugu viewer waits in breathless anticipation for the starry combination. With quite a few new films on the cards, fans do hope Chiranjeevi teams up with the gorgeous Sridevi at least this year. (Cine Blitz, June, 1996).
Cat's Crown
Awarded this month to the queen bee to beat all queen bees - queen Sri. With an author backed script like Army as a back up, the lady proved once again that she is the best actress on the Indian screens in years and that there is still no rival to her in histrionics department. The film's mind boggling initial draw proved that the lioness is unbeatable when given a good set up. Probably no Madhuri, Juhi, Kajol or Manisha could do what Sridevi did. She made people laugh, gasp and cry. That's what great performances are all about. And with that one film she's bettered anything anyone else has or can do this year. Kudos to the queen. This is aptly her crown. (Stardust, Aug, 1996).
30 Hot Stardust
Sridevi: Her baby doll expressions never betray the havoc her body movements unleash . Nobody can quite wear a sari the way she does. In it she is more erotic than anybody else in a teeny-weenie itsy-bitsy nothing. Everyman's fantasy come true. (Stardust Annual, 1997).
Pativrata
Sridevi has become a typical pativrata wife now. Every morning when Boney leaves for work, she stands in the balcony with her baby girl, waving goodbye to hubby. "bye bye.... bye bye" She goes on " See baby is saying bye...." If only the baby was old enough to talk. I'm sure she would have some pretty interesting things to say. Like "bah.... bah" for instance. (Stardust, July, 1997).
Queen Bee
Once a queen, always a queen. Sridevi in spite of her low profile status after the Boney - Mona imbroglio still generates more stream than all the sizzling sirens in the industry put together. and this was more than obvious at a recent trial show of Virasat where La Devi made a proud entry, regally escorted by hubby Boney. Needless to say, the crowd was more interested in watching Sri than the movie playing on the screen, this in spite of the fact that Virasat is quite an engaging film in its own right. I guess that's what star power is all about. (Stardust, July, 1997).
Top 10 Erotic Songs
Kaate nahin katte (Mr India), Saroj Khan's choreography, Sridevi's brilliant clockwise dance movements in that clingy blue chiffon saree and Alisha Chinai's little girl vocals contributed to making Kaate nahin katte the ultimate sex fantasy song. The emphasis had shifted from tight close ups of Sadhana's Khol de pyaar de eyes and heavily lined trembling lips to Sridevi's physically overt though by no means vulgar gestures of sexual desire. Vulgar, needless to say, isn't sexy. (Filmfare, July, 1997).
Answering Ma(n)chine Of The Month
Call up Sridevi's residence these days and don't be too surprised if, instead of an answering machine, a man answers the phone. Who? Hubby Boney Kapoor of course. "Hi, Im Boney. Sri isn't free at the moment, can I take a message?" Now if the idea is to screen out prospective, likely, abusive calls from Sattee Shourie then we must say Boney sure is brave, brave man machine indeed. (Stardust, April, 1997).
Walkie Talkie
It's something about her that makes tongues go bak, bak, bak. Yeah, we're talking Sridevi. But while the nudge nudge brigade insist that there's trouble brewing with Boney, our newshounds report otherwise. Apparently a friendship has blossomed between Ms India, Sunita Anil Kapoor and Manila Raj Santoshi. It seems the trio with brio even go for long walks. On one such jaunt, Sunita made a hurried call on her cell to husband Anil. Ditto Manila who remembered that she had something urgent to tell Raj. Not to be outdone, Sri baby dialed Boney pronto. The husband enquired if all it was well and she sallied, " Since these two were talking to their husbands, I didn't want to feel left out". Meanwhile, Sunita in tandem with Sridevi even organized a bash to usher in Boney's birthday at the Leela Kempinski's disco Cyclone. News is that Boney is about to produce an ambitious project starring almost all the top artistes of showbiz, including Sridevi!. Great , we'd love to see her make magic before the camera all over again. (Filmfare, Jan, 1998).
That Was 1997
At a jam-packed press conference in Chennai, Sridevi and Boney Kapoor tell all. It's admitted that they were married on June 2, 1996 in Mumbai's Shirdi Saibaba Mandir. The actress is seven months pregnant.
Sridevi delivers a baby girl on March 6. She's named Jhanavi. (Filmfare, Jan, 1998).
Sridevi delivers a baby girl on March 6. She's named Jhanavi. (Filmfare, Jan, 1998).
Love Is In The Air
Take a look at Sridevi and Boney. The man risked the warmth of everybody and gave it all up for his bubbly south Indian love. He married her, he gave her a beautiful baby. Yes darlings in some cases as I've said before love defies logic and definition. Catch them at any public function and they are holding hands as if they are afraid to let go. and in case the electricity at any of these venues failed, Sri's glowing smile could light it up. (Cine Blitz, Feb, 1998).
Back with The Past, Present And Future
1978: Amol Palekar is all praise for his Solva Saawan co-star Sridevi. He calls her the most accomplished actress he's ever come cross. The start of something big?.
1988: Sridevi is the uncertified queen of the marquee with huge hits like Nagina and Mr India.
1997: Judaai is reportedly Sridevi's swan song. Way to go.
2008: Sridevi sends her producers a notice that she's finally retiring making way for beti Jhanvi who's debuting as a child star in Boney Kapoor's production No.100. (Filmfare, Feb, 1998).
1988: Sridevi is the uncertified queen of the marquee with huge hits like Nagina and Mr India.
1997: Judaai is reportedly Sridevi's swan song. Way to go.
2008: Sridevi sends her producers a notice that she's finally retiring making way for beti Jhanvi who's debuting as a child star in Boney Kapoor's production No.100. (Filmfare, Feb, 1998).
Plaster
The way Sridevi clings to Boney's arm at every function, they're calling her plaster now days. (Movie, Sept, 1998).
Sridevi: Supermom
Sridevi is a firm fixture now in Boney Kapoor's life, whether Mona likes it or not. The south Indian actress was present at the mahurat of Boney Kapoor's new film, starring Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai. The superstar rani sat firmly ensconced at Mr.Kapoor's side throughout the ritual pooja, beaming like the cheshire cat who got the cream. Incidentally, she may be the other woman but when 'ask mommy' Sridevi turns mommy herself, She is most devoted. It is known to all that Sridevi is an ardent believer of Tirupathi Balaji and she makes a trip to the holy place at least once a year on her b'day. She has inculcated this tradition into little Jhanavi too, who was made to go through the mundan ritual where she sacrificed all her hair to the deity as mamma had vowed. That's probably baby Jhanavi's first step in her illustrious mom's footsteps. (Stardust, July, 1999).
July 86
Sridevi sizzled on screen in a blue saree, proving that even if you have 104 degrees fever, it can be used to your advantage! 'kaate nahin katte' had a lusty and very sexy Sri, managing to make an invisible Anil Kapoor grovel in excitement. But when we asked her about it. the actress giggled "The thought of seducing anyone was never there!" Sri fooled the nation!. (Cine Blitz, July, 1999).
Mommy's Day Out
Doing mom's remind me of Sridevi. So sincere is Mrs.Kapoor No.2 in her newly found motherhood duties that baby Jhanvi's first day at school was an acid test for no, not the lot, but for Sri. The glamma'm of the previous generation sat at the rear end of the class and lovingly watched her daughter cope with the curriculum. This one was Mother's Day Out. (Stardust, Oct, 1999).
Encore
Hello, Hello, could it be true? you bet your precious rubies, it's true. Sridevi's making a comeback to the movies with a remake of the Sally Field weepie, Not Without My Daughter. The film's to be directed by southern director Vasmi . Meanwhile, Sri's also busy endorsing tea and jewellery. She even shot for the jewellery ad in Delhi recently. On the home front, daughter Jhanavi is quite a handful and was recently seen running amok on their Green Acres Iawns with Sri in hot pursuit. Reason: beti didn't want to take off her silk pavada-choli while mumsie wanted her to get into something more casual. Hey, what's more, Jhanavi's mahacrazy about the movies and Sri encourages her beti's love for matinee masala. (Filmfare, Oct,1999).
Couple Hi Couple
A couple who never fails to catch the attention is Boney and Sridevi. You know darlings, say what you want, but fact remains that Sri is head over heels in love with her husband and with little Jhanvi to second that fact, I don't see anything tearing these two apart. And for that itself is a lovely thought. (Cine Blitz, Dec, 1999).
Back with a bang
Sridevi's ready for the lights, cameras and action. After a brief hibernation when she was content to play a haus frau, shopping snacking and supervising lil' Jhanvi's schedule, Sri's ready to return to her first love. Hubby Boney will reportedly be producing a film for his biwi with director Krishna. As for Adi Chopra's Mohabbatein, according the grapevine, she may still be romancing the Big B in the film. The lady sure seems intent on returning with a big bang. (Zee Premier, Oct, 1999).
Party
Sridevi who broke her Karwachauth varth before she arrived at Lata's party and was late. not because of her patidev, but because of her baby and last but not least, there was Preity Zinta who insisted on her cup of tea, before any part of the function began. Wonder how many of these celebrity guests would be wearing not Estee Laudr or Elizabeth Arden or Gucci but Lata at the next party they walk into. (Stardust, Dec, 1999)
Papa Razzi
Last heard Boney Kapoor wanted Shah Rukh Khan to play one of the leads opposite Sridevi in the remake of Not Without My Daughter. Seems Sanjay Dutt was also approached to play the role, but he turned it down because it had negative shades. While on Sri, she recently made a succulent fish curry for hubby Boney which he happily gorged on and let his calorie count go for toss. And beleive it or faint, as a term of endearment she calls Boney "Papaji" while Boney addresses her as "Jaan". Cuuuuuuuuuuuuute. (Filmfare, Jan, 2000).
Diamond
I simply had to go and watch that huge rock that Inter Gold have introduced as the Diamond of the Millenium. Darlings, it's huge and even Sridevi, who they invited as the star of the Millennium, couldn't blank out the sparkle in her pupils. Boney and Sri are finally looking like a well settled and happy couple. (Cine Blitz, Jan, 2000).
Complete Housewife
So unlike Sridevi darlings, who turned into a complete housewife! That too, when just about everybody insists that she's returning to films. Her favorite serial is "Hum Sub Ek Hain" on Sony. She doesn't miss t for the world. In fact she almost made Mohini (the girl who plays protima in the serial) go into therapy, when she stopped her on the road and told her how much she loved the Bengali character she played. Needless to say add darlings, Mohini is wearing the longest eyelashes in the serial right now!. (Cine Blitz, Feb, 2000)
Comeback
What in the world has happened to Sridevi's comeback vehicle?? Here is the latest. Though Boney Kapoor wants to produce the film, the rights of the original are with competitor Subhash Ghai. And Ghai is only too keen to produce the film since he's sure that Sridevi will make a fabulous comeback with this venture. Precisely Boney's sentiments which is precisely why he'd like to walk away with the credit. Moolah? Don't be so crass, dearie!. (Movie, Feb, 2000)
Claws
The gall of the Ghai! He offered splutter splutter the role of Kareena's mother to Sridevi!!. Of course the stunning looking lady said 'Illay po' to that. She'd rather wait for Boney to relaunch her as leading lady as soon as Shah Rukh agrees to play the hero. Meanwhile, Sri's playing another role to the hilt as a mother hen to Esha Deol. Sri's taken Esha under her wing ever since Boney got the green signal to orchestrate dharamputri's debut film. Sri was seen clucking over Esha even at special trail of Pukar. Also at the show was future star Jhanavi Sri's ravishing looking 3 year old daughter. (Movie, March, 2000)
Country
Sridevi and Boney are busy touring the country, inaugurating shops. No sweets, it isn't to further political aspirations, it's apparently for the MOOLAH! Reportedly Sri gets quite a hefty fee for chopping up ribbons. (Cine Blitz, March, 2000)
Overheard
Hema Malini and Sridevi exchanging notes in Tamil. For all you know they were discussing the recipe of rasam. (Stardust, June, 2000).
Same Time
Sridevi and Gauri Khan are due at almost the same time. I hear that both have chosen to have their babies at the Breach Candy Hospital. Imagine the stars and the flowers pets, all getting ready to dash? (Cine Blitz, June, 2000).
Not Without My Daughter
Ajay Devgan has made another exception and allowed Kajol to sign a film opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film is Boney Kapoor's Hindi version 'Not Without My Daughter' Initially the role was supposed to be Sridevi's comeback masterpiece but her pregnancy has made the devi indisposed and so her loss is Kajol's gain. Not without having my baby seems to be Sridevi's thumb down to every comeback venture. And yeah last heard Shah Rukh was taking tips from Sridevi on girl child rearing, her professional life might be facing a delayed take off but Sridevi's personal life is definitely zooming. Apparently Boney is so enarmoured by his Sri that he cannot bear any separation from her. In fact he had gone to Delhi for the shooting of his Anil - Ash starrer when he missed his Biwi No.2 so much that he summoned her within 24 hours of judaai. (Stardust, July, 2000)
Shree Mati
Met a cutely preggers Sridevi on the sets of the Boney Kapoor production, Hamara Dil Aap Ke Paas Hai in Hyderabad. Looking radiant in black dungarees, she's also set for motherhood, come November. "When Boneyji's shooting outdoors, I have to wake up in the morning at 7.30" She smiled. "Once im done with organizing his things and packing him off, I promptly go back to my snooze. Ha ha ha". Well news also hath it that the couple are moving out of their Green Acres flat in Versova to a more commodious bungalow in Juhu to make space for their second baby. When we exhorted that she just had to come back to the movies, she giggled that famous giggle of hers some more. Sigh, they don't make 'em like Sri anymore. (Filmfare, Aug, 2000).
Sridevi Production
At the outdoor location for Boney Kapoor's latest venture 'Hamara Dil Aap Ke Paas Hai' Boney and Sridevi of course looked blissful together clutching hands tightly during take off and landing " Sridevi is turning producer" announced Boney. And that too in more ways than one, dears. She does have a baby due in November but besides that, she is announcing a film under her banner 'Sridevi Production'. The film has Kajol in the lead. Boney clarified, "Sri was originally supposed to be playing the part till she got in the family way. (Stardust, Aug, 2000)
Gain + Loss
But it's not just the patter of little feet that troubles a cash starpped producer, It's the pregnancy itself that is a real pain to the producer. Subhash Ghai's nerves were apparently twanging like a techno guitar. I hear he woke up with nausea every morning, thinking about Sridevi's pregnancy. He had cast her as the mother in his film Yaadein ,starring Hrithik and Kareena but her pregnancy came in the way of playing her part. So while Sridevi gains a baby, she loses a film to Rati Agnihotri, but these are short term worries, when Sridevi's baby gets into Tinselville he/she will be a force to reckon with, by the look of today's star sons and daughters turned stars. The best investment a successful actor can have is a child to follow in his/her footsteps. (Cine Blitz, Aug, 2000).
Baby Room
When the ultimate showbiz diva Rekha met up with Boney Kapoor , she enquired about Sridevi's second baby. Boney revealed that like him his little one too would be a Scorpio baby. In a manner of speaking Boney is actually Rekha's jijaji. Why? jog your memory cells. In the good old days Sri would call Maya Memsaab, "Akka" which means elder sister in Tamil. So there. Yakkin of Sri reminds us that she was offered to anchor a chat show for a dizzying price of Rs 5 crores. And guess wot?? She coolly turned it down. She'd rather store up on the nappies for Jhanvi's sister or brother to come. (Filmfare, Sept, 2000)
Yeah, Without My Daughter
While baby Jhanvi's sleeping, mama Sridevi's partying. But the dutiful Sri steps out of her home only after putting her darling daughter to bed. No, she doesn't do likewise with Boney. (Stardust, Sept, 2000).
Gola Baroda
Anil Kapoor was recently in Vadodara to celebrate the success(!!!) of Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hain. The Holiday Inn Convention Centre played host to the stars. He was accompanied by brother Boney Kapoor, sis-in-law Sridevi and Satish Kaushik. His heroines Aishwarya Rai and Sonali Bendre were conspicuous by their absence. When he was asked where his heroines were, he pointed out to Sridevi and said," hamne bhi bahut picture saath mein kiye." Meanwhile Sri is due on November 24. Beti Jhanavi incidentaally is a die hard fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. (Filmfare, November,2000).
Sridevi, Shilpa waxed!
Bollywood beauties Sridevi and Shilpa Shetty needn’t lose heart that they lost in the competition in getting a place at Madame Tussaud’s to the ethereal Aishwarya.
Sculptors, who have carved wax mannequins at the London’s famous wax museum, have been hired by an upmarket jeweller of New Delhi to carve out mannequins of Sridevi and Shilpa. This new experiment will definitely raise eyebrows and interest in India and the jewellery showroom is bound to get publicity.
The wax mannequins are ready and will arrive any moment to New Delhi from London. A showroom employee reveals that the mannequins will be kept in an air-conditioned room so that they do not melt.
As it appears obviously, placing wax mannequins of film stars in shops are mere gimmicks to attract customers, but thanks to the gimmick, India gets its first wax mannequins of its favorite matinee idols. (November,2000).
Sculptors, who have carved wax mannequins at the London’s famous wax museum, have been hired by an upmarket jeweller of New Delhi to carve out mannequins of Sridevi and Shilpa. This new experiment will definitely raise eyebrows and interest in India and the jewellery showroom is bound to get publicity.
The wax mannequins are ready and will arrive any moment to New Delhi from London. A showroom employee reveals that the mannequins will be kept in an air-conditioned room so that they do not melt.
As it appears obviously, placing wax mannequins of film stars in shops are mere gimmicks to attract customers, but thanks to the gimmick, India gets its first wax mannequins of its favorite matinee idols. (November,2000).
Dad Man Walking
Boney Kapoor was in a bit of a hot spot recently. Wifey Sridevi was down with a bad attack of chicken pox. So the kids Jhanvi and Khushi had to be kept away from mommy for a while. So papa Boney was baby-sitting for a bit. By the way, Sri has said nahin to Yash Chopra's next opposite Amitabh Bachchan since she has her hands full with her bachalog. And Boneyji has heaved a sigh of relief ever since Shah Rukh Khan consented to a special apperance in Wapsi, the remake of the Sally Field weepie Not Without My Daughter. (Filmfare, August,2001).
Meet the Kapoors - Sridevi and Boney!
Actress Sridevi sure has a great sense of humour, and an even better sense of comic timing. In fact, she's been one of the very few female actresses who could bring the house down with her hysterical, in-your-face histrionics. Even her 'Mr. India' co-star and now bro-in-law, Anil Kapoor once complimented her, saying, "Sridevi is India's Charlie Chaplin."
And this weekend was proof that the lady loves watching comedy as much as she enjoys tickling the audiences' collective funny bone. We caught the Kapoor couple - Sridevi and Boney - at a late night show of 'Meet the Fockers' at a suburban multiplex. Seated in a comfy corner that gave them quick access to the entry and exit doors, the duo was cracking up with laughter from start to finish. Now whether this was simply 'weekend entertainment' for them, or whether there is something more cooking up in Boney's businesslike brain, we don't know. But we sure would love to watch an Indian version of the film. 'Meet the Kapoors', hey Boney? (Filmfare, March, 2005)
And this weekend was proof that the lady loves watching comedy as much as she enjoys tickling the audiences' collective funny bone. We caught the Kapoor couple - Sridevi and Boney - at a late night show of 'Meet the Fockers' at a suburban multiplex. Seated in a comfy corner that gave them quick access to the entry and exit doors, the duo was cracking up with laughter from start to finish. Now whether this was simply 'weekend entertainment' for them, or whether there is something more cooking up in Boney's businesslike brain, we don't know. But we sure would love to watch an Indian version of the film. 'Meet the Kapoors', hey Boney? (Filmfare, March, 2005)
Lambuji
Rishi distinctly felt the difference in stature during a photoshoot with Sridevi for the cover of Star & Style many years ago.
Sridevi had turned up in a flowing, white dress and three-inch heels. On spotting the look of dismay on Chintu's face, Sri loudly whispered, "Sorry," and embarrassed him further by making a big show of kicking off her shoes before sitting on the steps. Predictably, the photographers had composed shots of Rishi sitting a step higher than Sri just to make him sit tall.
If Rishi had a trying time with Sri who was just about his height, imagine his plight when he found Tabu opposite him in Pehla Pehla Pyar. Tabu is 5'8" but she never takes advantage of her height. "Poor Tabu is so conscious of her height that she sort of crumples into herself and never poses standing proudly erect," observes dress designer Simple Kapadia who has been doing all of Tabu's costumes since Darmiyaa.
Sridevi had turned up in a flowing, white dress and three-inch heels. On spotting the look of dismay on Chintu's face, Sri loudly whispered, "Sorry," and embarrassed him further by making a big show of kicking off her shoes before sitting on the steps. Predictably, the photographers had composed shots of Rishi sitting a step higher than Sri just to make him sit tall.
If Rishi had a trying time with Sri who was just about his height, imagine his plight when he found Tabu opposite him in Pehla Pehla Pyar. Tabu is 5'8" but she never takes advantage of her height. "Poor Tabu is so conscious of her height that she sort of crumples into herself and never poses standing proudly erect," observes dress designer Simple Kapadia who has been doing all of Tabu's costumes since Darmiyaa.
Briyani Buddies
Suna hai Tabu and Sridevi exchange recipes when they meet in the elevator of their building, Green Acres, in Lokhandwala. Sri insists Tabu's mom makes the best Hyderabadi biryani... and that she's going to master the recipe. And you thought actresses didn't talk about anything beyond lip gloss, false eyelashes and filmi fundas. (Filmfare, March, 2005)
Sridevi: The Empress
Yash Chopra may have named Rekha, Chandni in ‘Silsila’ and Farha in ‘Faasle’ but noone lived the role and became eponymous with it, more than Sridevi as the empress-in-white in Chopra’s ‘Chandni’. Sri bought a never-before sophistication to the screen – whether it was her white chiffon salwars or her off-shoulder tops. Gone were the dark lipsticks and crazy wigs, associated with film actresses. Instead, she advocated pastel shades, straight hair and a more natural look. Credit goes to her designers like Leena Daru and directors like Chopra who helped her along the way. Manish Malhotra still swears by her grace and poise and Neeta Lulla claims there will never be another ‘Sri’. Hmmm…something to ponder over?