One of many oddities in Sridevi's resplendent career is, the incomprehensibly short list of awards she's won, considering the volume of her many, marvelous performances that have studded her wildly prolific career in a multitude of languages.When Mani Ratnam was just getting popular in Bollywood - and indeed in the national consciousness (he was already well-regarded in Tamil films), he was asked why he never worked with Sridevi and he was rather blasé about it. Saying, "She's acted far better in Tamil films." [Filmfare magazine interview and quote]
Indeed, Sridevi won her first Filmfare award for Best Actress in 1982, for the Tamil film Meendum Kokila (released in 1981), directed by G Rangarajan, written by the Hasan Brothers and co-starring Tamil icon and her frequent co-star Kamal Haasan. This domestic comedy is a favorite of many. Not to forget, the popular music of legendary composer Ilayaraaja that adds to the overall magical experience. Truth be known, many in the South know of Sridevi only for her Tamil and Telugu films, and to an extent her Malayalam films (but mostly as a child artist). Her Tamil oeuvre stands in a league of its own.
A blockbuster that completed a 175-day run at the box office, Meendum Kokila was dubbed (horrendously!) in Hindi and released as Mr and Mrs Malini Iyer. All the magic lost in clumsy dubbing, far better to watch the film in its original formal... with subtitles!
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Footnote: Some rare, rare pics of Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Rekha together! Originally cast with Bollywood diva Rekha, actress Deepa replaced her in Meendum Kokila. At the time, Rekha had been typecast as the 'other' woman in many films, she chose to walk out of this one, after shooting a few scenes, unhappy with the way her role was finally shaping up.
Now legend has it that Gemini Ganeshan, Rekha's (mostly absent) father told Rekha to not play second fiddle to young Sridevi when she herself was a top star. Now this hasn't been verified by anyone but as we've seen in Indian tabloids, verification and veracity are secondary to gossip, so we take this tidbit with a pinch of salt. Sridevi went on to perform fabulously and just as she turned 19, she picked up one of her handful of Best Actress trophies.
Rekha had an enduring friendship with Sri till the very end. Kamal Haasan, well, what can we say? He has more awards than any actor in the history of Indian cinema.
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| Rare pic: Sridevi, Kamal Haasan and Rekha |
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| click to enlarge |
UPDATE: Rare pic of the team celebrating Kamal Haasan's birthday on set.
Other links:
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| Sridevi with her first Best Actress Filmfare for Meendum Kokila |
- Kamal Haasan and Sridevi together over the years here.
- Sridevi's long list of awards and accolades here.
- Sridevi and her awards here.
In the beginning there is a line about awards. Well I honestly feel, she does not need them. Full stop. Her work speaks for itself and our admiration, love and respect for her is always there. I saw her recently in Neenaglum Vellalam Oru Kodi, she talks about how her mother brought her up. Outside you maybe a star, but at home you are our daughter, an ordinary girl, keep that in mind. I think this is the secret of her success. A very good example to follow in our lives. Thank you Akka!
ReplyDeleteyes meendum kokila initially hindi star rekha was booked for the role of actress kamini and later on without knowing the reason,deepa (unnimeri) was replaced. I remember one still in bommai tamil cine magazine as rekha in black rajakumari dress along with sridevi. if any one is having kindly post it
ReplyDeleteyes meendum kokila was initially started with hindi star rekha and later on replaced with deepa alias unnimeri without knowing the reason.
ReplyDeleteI still remember one still in bommai tamil cine magazine with rekha in rajakumari dress. if anyone is having kindly post
yes meendum kokila initially hindi star rekha was booked for the role of actress kamini and later on without knowing the reason,deepa (unnimeri) was replaced. I remember one still in bommai tamil cine magazine as rekha in black rajakumari dress along with sridevi. if any one is having kindly post it
ReplyDelete