Sridevi reacts to comparisons between daughter Jhanvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan

Sridevi is like any other apprehensive parent as she awaits the commencement of her daughter's acting debut. "But, the excitement overrules the nervousness," the actor tells mid-day as Jhanvi's Bollywood film, the Karan Johar production Dhadak, is set to kick-off next month. Sridevi admits that as a mother, she "can't help but give her tips about everything - from how to dress to what she eats". Yet, the actor wants her elder daughter to chart her own trajectory in the industry. "Children have their own mind. When it comes to her work, I don't want to advise. She must cultivate her craft all by herself, make her own choices and chart her own path."

Sridevi and Jhanvi Kapoor

In an industry that is quick to pit actors against each other, parallels are already being drawn between Kapoor junior and Saif Ali Khan's daughter, Sara, also set to make her debut next year.

Inside Photos: Sara Ali Khan, Jhanvi Kapoor at Deepika Padukone's 'Padmavati' bash

Talking about the two aspiring artistes, Sridevi says, "Competition can never be eliminated from this industry. There is nothing wrong with it. It keeps you on your toes, making you work harder. But, the biggest challenge lay in bettering your craft, and faring better than you did the last time."

Jhanvi already finds an aide in Khan, a friendship that doesn't seem particularly peculiar to the veteran actor. "You don't have to turn your face away from each other just because you are pitted against one another at work," she says.