When Sridevi called her most popular songs shot in the rains as 'huge torture'

On Sunday, thousands of Indian film fans woke up to the heartbreaking news of actress Sridevi’s sudden demise. This reporter had recently met Sridevi at her Mumbai residence ‘Green Acres’ where the actress spoke at length about
herself. Excerpts:

Close to nature
Though she gave the impression of being a recluse, she loved the outdoors. She said, “I am totally an outdoors person. I love to take a stroll in and around my garden and love long walks. In the rainy season, this is not possible at all so I go to the gym and do some yoga to keep fit.”

Famous rain dances
Those who follow her movies can vouch for the many songs in the rain. Of that, she said, “It’s been a huge torture. For all the sizzling I have done in films in the rain, I was actually running temperature. But I still had to give my hundred per cent.”

Remembering her mom
“I was a child star. I never remember a day when my mom would have said ‘she is unwell’. I carry innumerable memories of her, both personal and professional. Mujhe hamesha yaad hai … chahe baarish ho dhup ho… my mother would keep standing there smiling and giving me the much desired support.”

Her mother’s support was integral in turning Sridevi into the actor she was. She added, “She was never a strict mother. But she inculcated all the important values in me. She told me to be disciplined, punctual and always give my 100 per cent to my profession.”
Her children
“I cannot expect my kids to behave in the same manner that I behaved with my mom. They are the next generation. I am happy that my children are aware of ‘where I come from’. They are both very loving kids and we are more like friends.”

Sridevi

Growing with each film
Despite being an actor par excellence, she’d never placed much value on stardom. She explained, “I never took success as if I have attained the stardom. I am just an actor. I am a greedy actor and always wish to give my best to
any character. As an artiste, I feel I am growing with every film of mine.”