Sridevi's look for Hawa Hawaii in Mr India (1987): Before the coinage of the term 'item song' Sridevi's routine was the highlight!

From the last 'antra' (stanza) of Mr.India's spunky and hysterical song 'Hawa Hawaii', here's Sridevi's last look for the song and dance routine. 

Before you raise your brows on the fashion quotient of this attire, kindly remember, it was the 1980s! Not only a questionable era for films, but also for fashion, music, hair and makeup in Bollywood. Don't even get me started on black-face on the background dancers in this bit either. 

The sequins, the bright red strip of fabric and the fake flowers and the black and white patterned skirt and the heavy, glossy make-up... Only Sri makes it all work with her memorable moves and innumerable expressions in this timeless and bubbly classic. For true cinephiles you'll also recognise the ode to the comedic and fashion stylings of Carmen Miranda. Be it the fruits in her hat, the colour scheme and patterns.  

Did you know that the song, spiritedly sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy. was originally composed for Aasha Bhosle? Aaha taai has sung innumerable songs for Sridevi on film. However, Aashaji was on a world tour at the time and Kavita Krishnamurthy sang the song so well, the composers retained the version recorded. It gave the singer her biggest hit of the decade and catapulted the singer to A-list status and recognition. 

Both singer and star are fans of each other and Kavita Krishnamurthy went on to sing several songs for Sridevi in the ensuing years in films such as Nagina, Chaalbaaz, Banjaran, Khuda Gawah, Chandramukhi and several others. 

Sridevi was just sitting pretty throughout the making of the film--and as Vidya Balan famously said, was encyclopedic in her acting range in this masala caper. 

Click to enlarge!

Mr India the film and Hawa Hawaii song in particular remains a huge hit with kids of all ages. Despite the so-so special effects, the movie is immensely watchable because it really isn't about the technology, CGI or special effects - but essentially about great story-telling, memorable characters and a brisk narrative that makes this vintage 1980s flick so gleefully entertaining. 

Still popular among all those who've seen it, thanks to television and OTT platforms, the film finds new fans and a global audience. Easily one of Sridevi's best films of ALL time, one of her personal favourites - and that's saying a lot considering the sheer volume of films she did.