Sridevi in Main Tera Dushman (1989)

Ah the status quo...! Despite an all too brief appearance in the film Main Tera Dushman (1989), Sridevi featured prominently on the posters. Famed arch rival Jaya Prada was the lead actress in the movie yet in all the publicity features, Sridevi was prominently displayed.

With the unprecedented success of the song Main Teri Dushman, the title of the film was too closely associated with Sridevi's massive hit Nagina from 1986. How could the producers not cash in on Sri's national fame?

And the rivalry.. well, despite Jaya Prada's pool of talent (she was a fine actress, dancer and a legendary beauty), she didn't make much of a splash, unlike her Telugu contemporary who was the unquestioned queen of the marquee. At a time when actresses were listed and ranked via their box office power, clout and talent and beauty, Jaya Prada was never featured in any of the top lists. Sridevi simply ruled as the Number One star throughout the 80s.