Satish Kaushik: I called her madam, never Sri or Sridevi

Satish Kaushik

I was part of Sridevi's landmark film, Mr India (1987). She came to be known as Miss Hawa Hawai after it. And I, as Calendar, the character I played in Shekhar Kapur's directorial venture. For us, Mr India was a special film, and we struck a bond ever since. We teamed up again for Joshilaay (1989). It was initially directed by Shekhar.

Apart from acting in it, I was also the assistant director. I would call her 'madam', because I was the AD. I continued to do so even after she married my buddy, Boney Kapoor. I could never call her Sri, or Sridevi, even though she would often tell me to do so. She was humble, quiet and extremely dignified. Initially, she grappled with Hindi, but ensured that she eventually learnt the language. She was guided by a Delhi theatre artiste, named Sushma Ahuja, who was settled in Chennai. In fact, Mr India (1987) was the first film that she dubbed in her own voice.

When she agreed to be part of my first directorial venture, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993), I considered it an honour, because, at that time, she was a top star. I remember, for the track, Dushman Dil Ka Jo Hai Mere, choreographed by Saroj Khan, she had to descend a flight of stairs while staying in character. And she did it without even glancing at the steps. It was commendable. Amitabh Bachchan had sent her a truck full of flowers, and a note of appreciation after seeing the scene. He wondered how she managed to descend the stairs to the tune so smoothly. In fact, he even tried to do so at home, but was unable to get past a few steps.

I was rendered speechless was she took my name among a list of I4 people, who, she said, had impacted her. It was part of her interview to The Illustrated Weekly Of India. The list included the likes of MG Ramachandran, Yash Chopra and K Balachander. I was touched.

When my daughter Vanshika was born in 2012, she was so happy. Boney and she gifted me a beautiful painting. She told me that she wanted to share my joy. She was glad that, though late, I had found happiness in my life. I know she genuinely meant it. Boney and I have shared a close bond. After news of the demise, I called him. He was bawling, I had no words that could comfort him.

Co-actor in Mr India (1987), Kaushik directed Sridevi's highest budget film, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993)

Also Read: Sridevi's final hours - What transpired before the veteran actress passed away

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