Veteran actor Kiran Kumar recently shared insights into his experience working with the late superstar Sridevi on the sets of their 1992 film, Khuda Gawah, describing her as a reserved yet immensely talented artist.
A Grateful Opportunity: Khuda Gawah
Kiran Kumar expressed his gratitude to late filmmaker Mukul S Anand for casting him as Pasha, the villain, in the action epic Khuda Gawah. This pivotal role was originally intended for the legendary Amrish Puri, but fate brought it to Kumar.
Securing the part allowed him the unique chance to share the screen with two cinematic giants: Amitabh Bachchan and the iconic Sridevi.
Sridevi’s Reserved Demeanor
Kumar recounted his professional relationship with Sridevi, noting it was primarily a cordial one, marked by polite greetings on set. He observed that Sridevi maintained a certain distance, not allowing many to get too close.
Despite this, he held immense admiration for her performances whenever she stepped in front of the camera.
A Moment of Connection on Set
The actor recalled a rare, extended interaction with Sridevi during the filming of Khuda Gawah’s climax. In the intense scene, his character, Pasha, is thrown off a mountain by Bachchan and Sridevi, who are on horseback.
During the shoot, a horse’s knuckle accidentally hit Kumar’s leg, causing it to swell. After the shot, Sridevi showed genuine concern, dismounting her horse to check on him and ask why he hadn’t used a body double for the risky sequence. Kumar politely brushed off her worries, appreciating her care.
Hailing Her Versatility
Kiran Kumar praised Sridevi as an exceptionally versatile actor. He highlighted her ability to seamlessly transition between vastly different roles, citing her dramatic performance in “Sadma,” her comedic genius in “Chaalbaaz,” and her action-packed portrayal in “Khuda Gawah.”
He lamented her untimely passing, calling it a great loss to the industry, and fondly remembered her final film, “Mom,” as a testament to her enduring talent.
A Lasting Legacy
Sridevi passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable filmography. She posthumously received a National Award for her compelling performance in “Mom.”
Her legacy continues through her husband, producer Boney Kapoor, and her daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, both of whom have followed in their mother’s footsteps into acting.
- Kiran Kumar considers working with Sridevi a privilege.
- Sridevi maintained a professional distance but showed genuine care for co-stars.
- Her versatility spanned drama, comedy, and action, as seen in “Sadma,” “Chaalbaaz,” and “Khuda Gawah.”
- She posthumously won a National Award for “Mom.”
Sridevi’s unique talent and dedication to her craft left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, continuing to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
