The cast of Judaai: Sridevi in red as the Nouveau Riche Mumbai Society Queen

Sridevi's comedic turn in Judaai. 

Honestly, she ate the screen up. The others were left in the dust.

Lord knows Urmila tried... 

 

The Judaai poster: Urmila, Sridevi and Anil Kapoor's 1997 Blockbuster

Not only was it a surprise hit, but when it came to ROI (return on investment), Judaai did exceptionally well despite mixed reviews back in the 90s. 

The fading art of the movie film poster is being discussed on social media these days. Personally, was never a fan till recent years, when I've learned to find the magic in them. 

Sridevi on set: Judaai

 

Sridevi as a bride - on the sets of Judaai. 

Pradeep Chandra : A lensman reminisces: Sridevi was an actor who scorched the sets

Everyone who met her was bowled over by her beauty

Pradeep Chandra 
Published: February 25 , 2018 08:40 PM IST

I cannot claim to know Sridevi, but I have photographed her on many occasions and was close to her husband Boney Kapoor.

I remember seeing her in Julie, a child artist as the younger sister of the heroine - Om Prakash's daughter. Even in that role, she had left her mark. I remember meeting her personally on the sets of Judaai, where we were invited to cover the shoot. Urmila Matondkar and Anil Kapoor were doing a dance sequence, directed by choreographer Saroj Khan, but there was no sign of Sridevi. When I enquired after her, I was directed to the make-up room. When I knocked on the door, her assistant let me in, and I came face-to-face with her. I was stunned by her beauty, dressed she was like a bride applying final touches of make-up. I introduced myself and said I had a flight to catch, so I needed some quick photos. She looked a bit puzzled but agreed. We spent 10-15 minutes shooting in the room. I got a few headshots and left. Unfortunately, she never came to the sets. Boney Kapoor rode with us to the the airport, wearing goggles and a tucked-in denim shirt; I distinctly remember one of the media persons commenting that Boney looked more like a hero than his brother Anil Kapoor.

Sridevi on the sets of Judaai

On another occasion, I was asked to photograph her on the sets of Chandni in distant suburbs of Mumbai Madh Island. I met director Yash Chopra, whom I knew well, and he introduced me to Sridevi. She was shooting with Mita Vashisht, and since the director knew me, I had easy access. Sridevi didn't talk much, except enquiring which paper I belonged to. Would I show her the pictures? She was not one for too much talking. But she was cooperative, and particular that I shoot in a way that captured her best. She would ask if I was doing a close, mid-shot or full length, and ask me to give her a signal so that she could emote.

Once, we were doing a cover story for one of our publications and went to meet the actor. The reporter was very excited as he was a great fan of Sridevi. We reached her home, and she was all dressed up for the shoot and ready for the interview. But, Boney started replying after four or five questions. The reporter requested that Sridevi reply to his questions. Boney and Sridevi exchanged meaningful looks. She said in her typical south Indian accent: what he says are my replies. That was the end of it.

I met Boney Kapoor at his residence a couple of years ago with a request to do authorised biography on his wife Sridevi. He suggested I leave a copy of my earlier book AB-The Legend, A Photographer's Tribute, which he could show her. I did so, and we met a couple of times more. But finally he said that Sridevi felt she had much more to do. 

I requested we do a second one when she feels, but the final 'yes' never came. Alas.

From The Week

Update: I couldn't find a single picture of Pradeep Chandran's photo of Sridevi so the above image of one of his exhibitions. Note, no image of Sridevi in that gallery either. But what he said of Sridevi is pleasant enough and rings true. 

Trending meme of Judaai: Sridevi, Urmila and Anil Kapoor

Judaai has a mini revival often online as the movie seems to encourage more memes than any other Sridevi-led film!

The cautionary tale of greed overpowering an ambitious middle-class housewife did wonders at the box-office - led by capable performances by the leads. 

The cast of Judaai: Now and then: Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar

 The cast of Judaai: Now and then: Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar

Urmila, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in Judaai

Urmila, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in Judaai! This high-octane dramedy was a runaway hit. The ladies yet again got all the acclaim - its funny how Anil Kapoor's "home" productions rarely give him the great role - but I guess the money was more important back then after the fiasco of Roop ki Rani... 

The Real photo of Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Urmila on Judaai set vs The AI Manipulated Fake one!

 

The real photo of Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Urmila on Judaai set vs The AI manipulated fake one! 

My new pet peeve (its a list; fake reports, reviews, pics, edits, fake conspiracies, fake controversies,), the half fake, half real pic. Parts of the image would be real, then enhanced with additions and edits, colours changed, features enhanced... Just trickery and manipulation of original pics. Have had to block entire accounts on social media as they overwhelm with fake pics and captions. 

Its fooling the audience, especially young, new gen into believing falsehoods for likes and followers. 

Judaai: The surprise hit of 1997: Sridevi and Urmila fuel the film across the finish line

Released 29 years ago, on February 1, 1997, Judaai was a sleeper hit. The story, a morality tale for the cine-ages that today's tick tock gen has trouble with, the movie was a slow burn where the songs and the leading ladies dragged the film across the blockbuster finish line. 

Like Laadla, this is another hit film that I'm glad did well for all those involved, but wasn't a huge fan of. Hindi cinema was changing in the late 90s, and this old school story just didn't make the cut of any 'Best of' lists. For the longest time, people called this film Sridevi's last film (when it was anything but) so it was a reference point for many. 

Nadeem Shravan's music were chartbusters but as Instagram is showing us, many songs were copies and direct lifts that were watered down. 

Sridevi and the puppy! Scene stealers.

 

Hari Prasad the puppy in Sadma made a memorable cameo with Sridevi, but the white fluffy puppy in Judaai was also a fun addition to the comedic timing of the memorable post-money-attained scene portrayed by the iconic Indian actress. 

The Walkman, the over-the-top clothes, makeup, accessories, jewellery and dog - Sridevi captured the nouveu-riche of the 90s with such sharp wit and observation. 

Sridevi: truly one of the greats. 

Sridevi as a bride in the film Judaai (1997)

Sridevi, as the new bride in the film Judaai (1997). Sridevi's last film with Anil Kapoor.

click to enlarge

Urmila, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in the morality tale Judaai (1997)

Urmila, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in the morality tale Judaai (1997)

A social commentary on greed, keeping up appearances, family life and the perils of stark ambition, it's funny how this social satire has been taken literally by the meme makers. Of course its all too simple but its a commercial Hindi film, not Dante's Divine Comedy! 

Most people remember this as Sridevi's farewell film of 1997 when truthfully Kaun Saccha Kaun Jhootha was but we tend to remember the hits more than the also-rans when it comes to movies. 

Personally, not a favourite film by any measure considering Sridevi's vast filmography, but it sure had its moments. 

Judaai film posters: TBT to February 28, 1997

 

Judaai film posters: TBT to February 28, 1997. Sridevi's acting, Urmila's outsized popularity following Rangeela (1995). the music... the family audiences returned to watch on the big screen. 

Was a fun movie, but certainly not a favourite. 

The agony and eustasy of Judaai (1997): Sridevi dominates

 

The agony and eustasy of Judaai (1997): Sridevi dominates the publicity stills and posters of the movie - as was common in many a Sridevi (esp one produced by Boney Kapoor!) film. 

Sridevi's career on pause in 97 could have been predicted. She stopped signing films earlier despite lucrative offers, started returning signing amounts to major films and took a 'pregnant' pause to an otherwise stellar career that saw the ups and downs of box-office and favour as all part of her lengthy stride. 

Sridevi fans in 1997 had a lot of defensive responses ready for Sri that year but she went out with a double whammy, box-office success and critical acclaim. Once an icon, forever an icon. Despite the slings and barbs of many an armchair critic. 

Golden still from Judaai: Upsana Singh, Sridevi and Johnny Lever on set

Stills from Judaai: Upsana Singh, Sridevi and Johnny Lever on set.

Sridevi's all gold ensemble was talked about in the 1990s. She looked so beautiful in the movie. 

When they filmed Judaai back in 1996, Sridevi was 33 years old, while Upasana Singh was 21. 

Upasana Singh has frequently cited her lifelong admiration for Sridevi as the primary reason she signed on for her breakthrough role in the hit comedy-drama which hit the screens in 1997. 

Despite being hesitant about playing a double role where the daughter character had no real spoken lines other than the repetitive phrase "Abba Dabba Jabba", she agreed instantly once she learned she would share the screen with Sridevi. 

"I said yes to the film without even reading the script as I was a huge fan of Sridevi. I grew up admiring Sridevi, and it was a big moment for me to work with her. I played the roles of a mother and a mute woman, who just says 'abba dabba jabba'. I was not convinced about it, but went with the director's conviction... And it clicked!" 

Source: Hindustan Times / The Times of India (ETimes Interview) 

"When I met director Raj Kanwar, he told me that it was a double role... I was a huge fan of Sridevi who was the lead in Judaai. I asked the director whether I would have any scenes with Sridevi. He said yes. So, I said okay." 

Source: The Times of India (ETimes Exclusive) 

"When Sridevi told me, 'You are a very good actress'...I was so happy!" 

Source: The Lallantop (Video Interview)

Sridevi in Judaai (1997)

Sridevi, 33, on the sets of the Hindi film Judaai (1997). 
 

Rare Still: Upasana Singh, Sridevi and Johnny Lever in Judaai (1997)

Rare Still: Upasana Singh, Sridevi and Johnny Lever in Judaai (1997)

Upasana Singh, "I said yes to the film without even reading the script as I was a huge fan of Sridevi. I grew up admiring Sridevi, and it was a big moment for me to work with her. I played the roles of a mother and mute woman, who just says ‘abba dabba jabba’. I was not convinced about it, but went with the director’s conviction. I put all my effort into expressing those words with different variations and moods. And it clicked! It made me the ‘abba dabba jabba’ girl." 

-- From Hindustan Times

Made on the modest budget of about Rs 6.30 crores in a haze of publicity that had nothing to do with the film but the film's producer (Boney Kapoor) and leading lady (Sridevi!), the advance reports of Judaai in the early months of 1997 were not that great... 

Esp after a series of flops together with Anil Kapoor (Heer Ranjha, Mr Bechara, Roop Ki Rani Chorona Ka Raja and the under-performed classic Lamhe), through great word of mouth , Judaai steadily climbed the charts and was 'the' surprise smash hit of the year, raking in nearly 30 crore to become the eighth biggest hit of  '97. 

Judaai had a lot working for it. The undeniable talent of the leads, chart-topping music, and hot-off-the-success of Rangeela Urmila and a high gloss entertainment factor. A lot of ink was spilled about the husband-selling plot but Google away - it's a story straight out of newspaper headlines the world over.

Sridevi's comedic genius in Judaai: The naturally gifted thespian

Sridevi's comedic genius in Judaai: The naturally gifted thespian 

At the time of release, Sridevi was already one of the biggest stars in the country, beautiful, powerful and wealthy beyond belief. For her to essay the part of an ordinary (albeit ambitious) housewife relishing the pleasure of going to the cinema, she was just gifted at making the unnatural, natural. 

Watch Judaai - and be mesmerised by an extraordinary actress who made the unlikable plausible. 

Anil Kapoor, "As things stand today, Judaai will be my last film with Sridevi." Filmfare quote from 97

Anil Kapoor, "As things stand today, Judaai will be my last film with Sridevi." 

Filmfare quote from 97! 

25th anniversary of Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Urmila's 90s blockbuster: Judaai

A surprise blockbuster that no one saw coming, Judaai opened 25 years ago today - with a shaky curtain. 

A questionable plotline, Sridevi's marriage to the film's producer shrouded in mystery and bad-press (trust me, we were there - it was controversial as hell and made international headlines, let alone tabloid) and a oh-hum stale pairing for the 12th - and final - time of Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, slightly shrill music (though two of the songs stayed on top of the charts from an equally controversial Nadeem Shravan), the ingredients for the pot-boiler could have worked wonders or seen the triumvirate of stars' shine dim further. Would the magic of the gifted Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar work? No one knew.  

There are no guarantees in Bollywood, "the only thing we know is, we know nothing."   

After a lukewarm opening, with word-of-mouth, the film sailed through the box-office as the seventh biggest hit of the year. 

Things all just fell into place; Urmila - fresh off the success of Rangeela - the chartbuster Mujhe Pyar Hua Allah miya stayed on the Number 1 slot for aaaaaaaaaaaages, a stellar supporting cast led by Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Upsana Singh and Sridevi's tour-de-force performance yanked the movie off the tepid reviews and made it a blockbuster - the film went on to make nearly five times the budget and the producer and distributors sighed in relief. 

A film that belonged to the leading ladies - both actresses received great press for their performances on-screen and double nominations; Sridevi for Best Actress and Urmila for Best Supporting Actress. Anil Kapoor said then and recently, had it not been a home production, he would not have taken up the part in a thankless role where he had no scope to shine. 

Truth be told, as marvelous as Sridevi is, the middle-class wife selling her husband for cash to a rich NRI plotline just didn't work for many. Esp the the poison-pens waiting to write Sridevi's epitaph back in '97. 

Bollywood essentially is suspended reality, and we just buy into the lip-syncing, the dancing-in-the-streets choreography, the absurd theatrics and the florescent technicolour wonders that camouflage harsh reality of life in aamchi Mumbai, so why not find the applause in the implausible plotline? Switch the gender and a rich guy buying a wife for the evening, set in Vegas, was made into a Hollywood blockbuster Indecent Proposal - so why not a similar albeit Bollywood-ised version of the same tale - but with spiffy dance numbers in the streets of Vegas?! 

To further belabour the point, if you read The Week or India Today back page stories, crazier tales have emerged from within the 28 states. Perhaps that's why the premise didn't seem completely absurd in the second and third tier cities which helped Boney rake in the big bucks... 

The comedy and some of the songs have aged well, other parts haven't. If you see the film telecast or on OTT platforms, you'll end up going along for the ride... Even years later, the film does well in TRP ratings. 

Left: Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Anil Kapoor and Urmila on the sets of Judaai.

Obviously we have a massive archive of images and features on the film here. 

Left: This prescient pull quote from Filmfare back in 1997. Anil Kapoor, "As things stand today, Judaai will be my last film with Sridevi."