Jhanvi knows what she is getting into: Sridevi

“LET ME TELL you, I feel like a newcomer,” Sridevi asserts, breaking into a giggle almost reminiscent from her ahead-of-times 1991 film Lamhe, even as she prepares to let her elder daughter loose in the Bollywood world. She says nothing comes easy in life, and she is sure Jhanvi is ready to face the challenges.

Jhanvi, who is frequently followed by the paparazzi in Mumbai, will reportedly foray into films with a remake of Marathi hit Sairat.

Steering clear of divulging details about Jhanvi’s debut, Sridevi said: “She has chosen this path and profession, and I have been in this industry for long. So I am mentally more prepared than her. She has been watching me, and knows what she is getting into.”

“Nothing is going to be a cakewalk in any profession. So you have to work hard, and there will be challenges. I’m sure she is ready for it.”

As her last project Mom, which will soon release in Russia, nears its world television premiere on &Pictures on Saturday, Sridevi spoke about her worries as a parent.

“I’m of course worried when they go out, but luckily, they know their limits and they are very responsible children. When you have responsible children, half the battle is over. So, you don’t have to worry. But you are concerned. The concern will never go, and you’ll always be conscious about them,” said the 54-year-old.

While most women actors in India complain about lack of roles for older actresses, Sridevi retorted: “Let me tell you, I feel that my career has just started, (giggles). I feel like a newcomer; I feel my career is going to start now.”

She is also unlike many others - even much younger actors - who are putting their life story into books.

“I haven’t achieved anything, where I write about my story or my book. There’s a long way to go,” she said.

Over the years, Sridevi has changed. “Look, with the time, I have definitely opened up. I’ve definitely been shy, but thanks to my children, I have opened up. Somewhere, you have to change with the time.

“You can’t be like what you were... It doesn’t work that way. And do that (change) within your comfort, not by going out of it.”

Besides that, she says a positive frame of mind, helps her look forward to what life has to offer.

“Be in a positive frame of mind, be happy, fulfil your goals, work hard... It never goes to waste.”