Yash Chopra on his muse Sridevi, Rekha's Amitabh Bachchan obsession and that rising star... Madhuri Dixit

Today is Yash Chopra birth anniversary - Sridevi's favourite producer/director - who showcased the best of her infinite talents and presented her so beautifully. He would have been 89 today had dengue fever not gotten him. Although honestly, there's something to be said for the title Jab Tak Hai Jaan. 

When he announced that JTHJ would be his last film, he passed away soon after. Making movies was Yash Chopra's life - and indeed when he stopped filming, he stopped living. Remembering the great one today. 

Throwback to this quote from Yash Chopra from a Filmfare interview back in 1990. 

"In the star hierarchy, there are at least six vacant rungs after Sridevi/ Her position is the same as Amitabh Bachchan's was at his peak. She's the only heroine who commands a sustained fan-following. People come to see her even if the film is not up to the mark As an actress she is one of the best we've ever had. She is far superior to all her contemporaries. She's more versatile than Rekha. who's the best among the rest. 

I saw Rekha in Khoon Bhari Maang, but I wasn't impressed. She seemed to be obsessed with copying Amitabh. I had signed on Sridevi for Chandni, because she looked the central character, but I wasn't sure she would perform as well as Rekha. But after the first schedule, I was proud of my own choice. She's just terrific. 

Rekha

Madhuri Dixit was extremely good in Tezaab. She was mind-blowing in the Ek do teen dance number. I called her up the same night to congratulate her. But I was somewhat disappointed when I saw her in Ram Lakhan The Tezaab magic wasn't quite there. So It's a bit premature to compare her with Sridevi, though I do rate her as one of the best prospects for the future. 

-- Yash Chopra, FilmFare 1990  

Madhuri Dixit in Tezaab

ARCHIVES

• Our vast archive of Yash Chopra with Sridevi posts here.
• Yash Chopra interview - on the eve of Chandni's release here.

Back in 1989, Sridevi, Rekha and Madhuri Dixit dominated the dialogue about leading ladies in Bollywood - in so many covers and magazine spreads. Eg on the cover of Hindi tabloid Rangbhoomi.