Glittering Sridevi on the cover of Filmfare May, 1985

Cover Tag:

The Empress:
Sridevi still rules filmdom with a firm, sure hand. 

Archival interview with Sridevi from the May 16-31, 1985 issue of Filmfare.

Excerpt:

The Empress

Sridevi's first foray into Hindi movies was a disaster. But when she came back again, it was to tumultuous applause. We were the first to announce her reign about  a year back: as queen ofthe marquee. Today, that reign continues. Uninterrupted; undisputed. Sridevi remains exactly where she was a year back; at the top.

This is not easy in an industry under siege today. Where every infallible totem has hit the dust, as rampant video piracy and booming television have wooed audiences back into their living rooms and the cinema halls are going empty. Amidst the ruins of the industry lie only a few success stories. And Sridevi's is one of them.

How long will she reign? Who are her competitors? Where does she see her future taking her? Gautam Rajadhyaksha talks to the elusive star. 

* * * 

Interview conducted and the images shot by the incredible Gautam Rajadhyaksha. A great photographer and scribe; rarest combo in journalism! 

He was a wonderful writer and iconic photographer - man of so many gifts and the gentlest, kindest man I've ever met. Well, e-met and spoken on the phone with.  Was shocked beyond belief when I read he suddenly passed away due to a massive coronary.  So sad. Gone too soon. 

RIP Gautam da. You were simply the best.