I feel like a newcomer: Sridevi said last year

The news of Sridevi’s death on Saturday night was a massive shock for the Hindi film industry and legions of fans. We met the star for a freewheeling chat around the release of her last film, Mom (2017). Here is an excerpt from the same interview.

Does a new film release still make you nervous?

To put it in one word, I still feel like a ‘newcomer’, as if [Mom] is my first film. With every film, an actor feels that. So, I am excited as well as tense, and many other feelings put together.

There have been talks about your daughter Janhvi’s debut. Are you excited?

It’s too early for me to talk about her debut, but Janhvi has chosen her career, and I am supporting her for the same as a mother. I have to support and encourage her, just like how my mother supported me.

These days, when you do a film, there are a lot of expectations. Is that too much pressure?

For me, the idea of doing a film comes very naturally. So, if I like a subject and it touches my heart, I want to be a part of it. But when I see things becoming bigger, I’m always left wondering.

I loved the script of English Vinglish (2012) so, I did it. Before that, I had no plans of returning (to films). I was in my own world, busy with my kids (her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi, with producer Boney Kapoor). I didn’t plan that I would do that film; it just happened.

A number of newage heroines are big fans of yours…

I admire new-age heroines as they are all doing an amazing job. I love to watch their movies. For instance, I’m a big admirer of Vidya [Balan]. She’s outstanding in whatever she does. I like the expression and the innocence in her face. She’s very talented.