November 13, 2017
"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 her 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 told IANS over phone from Mumbai: "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."
The charismatic actress made a powerful comeback of sorts with "Mom" earlier
this year -- five years after her delightful plain Jane avatar in "English
Vinglish".
As "Mom", which will soon release in Russia, nears its world
television premiere on &Pictures on Saturday, Sridevi -- who also has daughter
Khushi -- 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.
Sridevi has been a big screen delight since her Bollywood debut with the 1978
movie "Solva Sawan". But acting is something she started when she was all of
four. In Hindi cinema, "Himmatwala", "Mr. India", "Chandni", "Sadma", "Nagina",
"ChaalBaaz", "Lamhe" and "Khuda Gawah" are some of the films which established
her footing as a performer who took woman power seriously.
The trait has
continued with "English Vinglish" and "Mom" -- in both of which she played the
strong role of a mother effectively.
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, haan (giggles). I feel like a
newcomer, and I feel that my career is going to start now. It's not finished,
it's going to start now."
She is also unlike many others -- even much
younger actors -- who are putting their life story into books.
"Arre,
maine kuch achieve nai kiya (I haven't achieved anything), where I write about
my story or my book. There's a long way to go. There's nothing, nothing like
this," she said, sounding almost ignorant, but humble, of the fan followers of
her emotive power and fluid dancing skills.
At this point, she is just
enthused to deliver more.
"There are definitely two films that are coming
up, but it's too early to talk about it. (There's) Nothing I can say right now,"
she said.
Over the years, Sridevi has not just embraced the changes in
Indian cinema, but also opened up herself to an environment where celebrities --
as opposed to her own shy self in her earlier days -- need to go all out to
promote her projects.
"Look, with the time, I have definitely opened up.
I am definitely introvert and shy, and have never been rude to... 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."
That besides, 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 waste."