‘Unlike actors today’: Shekhar Kapur recalls Sridevi’s off-camera humility on Mr India set

On her 63rd birth anniversary, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur took to social media to reminisce about working with the late actress Sridevi on the 1987 science-fiction film Mr India. Kapur shared a black-and-white photo from the film's sets, noting that Sridevi's face remained unchanged yet her eyes "flashed startlingly" in the image. He described Sridevi as "the Director’s best friend" during their collaboration.

Kapur recalled the excitement and unpredictability of each day on set, as Sridevi would suddenly surprise him with her energy and transformation once the camera was pointed at her. Off-camera, she would display a different demeanor, often appearing in denial of her stardom – a stark contrast to today's actors who disappear into their trailers. When the camera wasn't rolling, Sridevi would quietly sit in her chair, seeming almost oblivious to her fame.

The filmmaker emphasized that Sridevi's presence on set was electric, so intense that it sometimes made him forget to call "Cut." Kapur expressed his belief that there would never be another Sridevi, describing her as a "gift" to the film industry. He concluded his tribute by wishing her a happy birthday, acknowledging her untimely passing at the age of 54 in Dubai, with her autopsy report citing "accidental drowning" in a bathtub as the cause of death.