Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shares an emotional throwback from the sets of Mr. India, recalling Sridevi’s unmatched grace, loyalty, and innocence.
Padma Bhushan awardee filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for his visionary storytelling, has revisited one of the most cherished chapters of his career — directing the late legendary actress Sridevi in the 1987 classic Mr. India.
On Sunday, the director took to Instagram and shared a rare throwback picture with the actress from the film’s shoot in Mahabaleshwar. The image, taken during the first day of filming with Sridevi, captures the duo in a dance pose, their arms stretched out in unison.
Alongside the picture, Kapur penned a heartfelt note, recalling how the actress left the entire crew spellbound with her magnetic presence.
"The World Stopped When She Danced"
In his emotional post, Kapur revealed that the first sequence he shot with Sridevi was a dance number. What unfolded on set, however, was nothing short of magical.
“This was my first day of shoot with Sridevi ever. We were shooting a song in Mahabaleshwar. And when she started to dance the world stopped for all of us, the only thing that moved was Sridevi dancing. We all just gawked. It was like another being had descended amongst us .. and I even forgot to say ‘Cut’.”
The filmmaker admitted that the cast and crew were left mesmerised, unable to look away as Sridevi brought the screen alive with her grace and energy.
Beyond Stardom: Loyalty and Vulnerability
Kapur went on to highlight qualities of Sridevi that, according to him, were often overlooked. He described her as not just a global superstar but also a fiercely loyal human being who stood by her colleagues in times of crisis.
“When the film got into trouble .. she would take any chance she got to protect me, speak about how incredible I was, she took it upon herself to fiercely protect her Director,” Kapur recalled.
Behind her unmatched talent and glamorous aura, he said, lay a rare innocence and vulnerability — qualities that added depth to her performances.
Sridevi’s Bond with the Camera
The filmmaker also shared a profound observation about Sridevi’s relationship with the camera.
“As if the only person she would express her inner feelings to was the camera .. her protector in a way .. That’s why she was such a star .. she was not afraid to reveal her inner self to the Camera.”
According to Kapur, it was this fearless honesty and openness that made Sridevi one of the most celebrated actresses of Indian cinema.
A Legacy That Lives On
Sridevi, who passed away in 2018, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions across the world. Her performances in films like Chandni, Lamhe, Sadma, and Mr. India remain timeless, celebrated for their depth, charm, and emotional honesty.
Kapur’s tribute is a reminder of the actress’s unmatched contribution to cinema and the personal bonds she forged with those she worked with.
For fans, the post serves as both nostalgia and inspiration — a glimpse into the magic of an icon whose presence still lingers in every frame she graced.