Sridevi at the audio launch of Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe in 2002: With Sanjay Kapoor, Esha Deol, Hema Malini

 

This power suit by Sridevi is so beautiful. And Sridevi, 38 at the time, looks so gorgeous. The ill-fated launch of Esha Deol in Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe (2002)... Daughter of the two greatest movie stars of Indian cinema--Dharmendra and Hema Malini--she was a pretty debutant but, sadly ill-prepared. Gautam Rajadhyaksha had said early on that she's too young to jump in and needed growing up, but the keen teen paid no heed. 

Sanjay Kapoor wasn't too bad as the villain this movie btw... but as the film tanked, very few people took note.  

TBT to 2002: Sridevi goes into film production:

TBT: Sridevi goes into film production. This snippet from 2002. Originally the remake of Not Without My Daughter was meant to star Sridevi--as per early discussions on the film circa 2000--, but Sridevi was busy with newborn Khushi Kapoor. Fardeen Khan was in discussion to work in the film but dropped out and Sanjay Kapoor took over. Later the film was offered to Kajol who turned it down and finally the film led with Karishma Kapoor, who gave one of her better performances in her career. The only thing people mostly remember of course was the memorable guest appearance of Aishwarya Rai in the Shahrukh Khan led song and dance routine Ishq Kamina... The film wasn't a blockbuster, but the catchy tune was. And Aishwarya looked incredible! 

Sridevi with Vyjayanthimala: Both Born August 13: Both Number One stars of their time

Sridevi with Vyjayanthimala: Both born August 13 - but three decades apart! Both Number One stars of their time. 

Throwback: Sridevi and Vyjayanthimala at the annual handmade textile and jewellery trade fair at Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore. 2002

Sridevi: “The Indian craft tradition is unparalleled in the world in terms of its diversity, technique and use of materials. Its inherent beauty and sophistication are deservedly recognized through the constant holding of such events.”

 

Sridevi with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam on stage receiving an award

Sridevi with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam on stage. Both received awards for their contribution to cinema. This was in the early 2000s, possibly 2002. 

TBC...

UPDATE: Indian music lovers are in deep mourning this week as legendary singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam joins the long, sad roster of people who passed away due to Covid 19. He wasn't just one of the all-time greats in music, he was a wonderful person, actor, comedian, raconteur. He spoke so well of Sridevi as he sang for many of her films in multiple languages. And often they were receiving awards together at functions. eg here. 

#RIP #SPB 

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam  (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020),. Age 74.

Rare Pics: Sridevi in 2002

Rare Pics: Sridevi carrying baby Khushi Kapoor to the sets of Shakti in Khejarla in Rajasthan.

More than a Pretty Face: Sridevi: A Spirited Actress, Sridevi Excelled in roles that demanded her to act not merely look pretty

From an article by (then) Filmfare editor Khalid Mohamed, his notes on the power of Sridevi. The feature was titled: Love... Anger... The works! Magical... Mysterious... Magnificent... Star Power From the 1970s to the Mid-90s.

 "...Sridevi reigned for more than a decade since the early 1980s. A spirited actress, she excelled in roles which demanded her to act and not merely look pretty. She has been at home in a wide gamut of films, including Sadma (1983), Nagina (1986), Chandni (1989), Mr India (1987), Lamhe (1991) and Khuda Gawah (1992)..." 

 - From page 100, Filmfare, June 2002

 

Stunning Sridevi at Screen Awards 2002: Presents award to choreographer Farah Khan

Sridevi attended the Screen Awards back in 2002 to present a few technical awards with her frequent co-star Jeetendra. The rousing reception the stars got indicated how much love the fans and industry had for both iconic Bollywood movie stars. 

Recipients included Farah Khan, who won it for her choreography in the film Dil Chahta Hai.

The best part of the function was when Farah said, she's particularly happy to get the award from Sridevi and Jeetendra, who were her favourites!

Farah Khan also said in an interview with Simi (on Rendez Vous with Simi Garewal) that when Sridevi touched her feet before a dance, she was thrilled and told all her friends that 'the' Sridevi showed a newcomer like her so much respect. Too cute.