This 'Lady Amitabh' and Padma Shri recipient refused to star opposite the iconic actor Amitabh Bachchan multiple times. Determined to cast her, he planned a grand gesture.
Every actor dreams of sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in Indian cinema. He is successful; his films are always super hits, and his charismatic presence both on-screen and off-screen makes it difficult for actors to say no to him.
But there was one actress who refused to act opposite Amitabh Bachchan even though it was an amazing opportunity.
This actress was cited as the first female superstar of Bollywood. She was the recipient of various accolades, including a National Film Award, seven Filmfare Awards, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Kerala State Film Award, and a Nandi Award.
Her career spanned over 50 years in a wide range of genres. She was known for her reticent and introverted off-screen personality, but a headstrong and outspoken on-screen persona, often playing strong-willed women. In 2013, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour.
Known for her hits like Julie, Naagin, Himmatwala, and Chandni in the 80s and 90s, the actress was fondly called the Lady Amitabh for her powerful screen presence.
She was none other than the evergreen diva of Bollywood, Sridevi. She is known as the first female superstar of Bollywood. What could have been the possible reason for Sridevi’s refusal to work with Amitabh?
There was no personal grudge; Sridevi believed that Amitabh had such a towering persona that any leading lady as her main lead would just be a showpiece in the movie. Known for choosing strong, performance-oriented roles, Sridevi thought that she would not get a strong role and end up being a doll. She didn’t want to play a showpiece, even if it meant turning down Bollywood’s biggest superstar.
In 1992, Dimple Kapadia was the first choice for Khuda Gawah. When she declined due to fee issues, the role was offered to Sridevi, but she said no once again. Amitabh Bachchan, however, was determined. Even after knowing Sridevi had refused the film, he sent her a truck full of roses while she was shooting for a song with Firoz Khan. The truck was dumped in front of Sridevi, and this grand gesture worked like magic. Sridevi was moved by Amitabh’s actions, and she finally said yes to Khuda Gawah, playing the female lead of the movie. Made on a budget of Rs 17 crore, the film went on to become a blockbuster, and it became the third-highest-grossing film of that year. Besides Khuda Gawah, Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi have shared the screen in Inquilaab (1984), Aakhree Raasta (1986), and English Vinglish (2012).
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