Poonam Dhillon: Sridevi's loss will be acute and traumatic for her children

Poonam Dhillon

Although I've worked with her in over five films, including Karma (1986) and Sone Pe Suhaga (1988), apart from also having had special appearances in her films like Paththar Ka Insaan (1990), I would still describe Sridevi as a quiet, introverted person. I enjoyed a healthy working relationship with a majority of my other co-stars, even striking a friendship, but Sri was rather reserved. She was warm and friendly. She wasn't stuck up. But she had her reservations and boundaries. But, the moment the cameras would roll, she would magically transform into a vivacious, bindaas person, one that's quite at odds with her persona off screen.

Sone Pe Suhaga

It was a dichotomy of personalities - on screen and off it. I don't think any actor could pull off the roles that she could with ebullience, and yet be so quiet in real life. I think, for her, work was probably the most important thing. Then, it became her family. I have seen how involved she was as a mother and wife. We all have kids, but we don't take them out everywhere. But she always had her kids with her. She was probably their best friend, and they, hers.

Her loss will be acute and traumatic for her children. She was the closest to them, and that is heartbreaking. At this time, when they are vulnerable and only starting their career, they need their mother the most. I was an admirer of Sri, both on and off screen. She was magical. I don't think there was any role that she couldn't pull off. She was a director's dream actor. The loss is irreplaceable.

Also, this is not an age for one to go. I have done a few films that were originally meant to be hers, like Red Rose [Tamil] and Nishana. I admired, respected her for her dignity. I met her a couple of weeks ago at a Delhi wedding, and more recently, at an awards gala. She was as sweet and quiet as ever. I have never seen her behave poorly, or misuse her stardom. Sri was proper, in every way. She now joins the league of actors immortalised by their craft, like Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Smita Patil. They all died in their prime, when young, and rather tragically. Sridevi will be remembered in the annals of film history forever.

Poonam and Sridevi worked in films like Karma, Sone Pe Suhaga, Patthar Ka Insaan and Judaai

Also Read: Sridevi's body to reach Mumbai by afternoon

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