Sridevi in Guru (1989)

Released on 24 February 1989, Guru was a smash hit in the 80s, one of the biggest openings for a Sridevi - Mithun film. 

Released 35 years ago today, celebrating the movie's anniversary today. 

Sridevi on the sets of Guru back in 1988: The tiger print

No, that's not Sridevi on the sets of Cats! Sridevi's feral look for Guru back in 1988! (the film was released early 1989).

When it comes to this film - though it was a success at the box-office, Sridevi looked back on the movie with nothing but regret. 

As she said in a Filmfare interview, "The kissing problem of Guru was a nightmare. Someone else's lips were used for a kiss even though I had said I wouldn't allow this to be done by a stand-in. My parents saw the film and were very upset. And the director (Umesh Mehra) even claimed that I had actually done the kissing scene. That has been my worst experience in the film industry. I really don't know why I should kiss someone I don't know. Others can do it but I can't."

Sridevi and Mithun in the villain's lion's den! 

Despite the controversy - and legal notice Sridevi sent Mehra - the movie created waves at the box-office and was the biggest opener of the year. The film was launched before Waqt ki Awaaz which would prove to be a bigger hit and released nearly seven months before Guru. Both films had similar cast and music by Bappi Lahiri. Music for both films released around the same time in April 1988. Film made huge money in its time. They don't call Bollywood a dream factory for nothing!

Above: Rare Pic: Sridevi on set with the film's director Umesh Mehra

Sridevi on the cover of Hindi tabloid Filmy Reporter, with Mithun, Juhi Chawla, Jackie Shroff. 

Left: Rare pic of choreographer Saroj Khan with Sridevi on set 

Princess Sridevi? In a vintage 80s gown, tiara and makeup, Sridevi on the sets of the film Guru back in 1988

The crown and glory of Sridevi.

Sridevi on the sets of a film Guru (from the comical song Aye aye oh!) The tiara suits her. She's always been regal! 

Released early on 24 February 1989, the film had been in production on and off since 1987 - hence Sridevi is in all shapes and sizes throughout the film! It was the last film she did with actor Mithun Chakraborthy - and the movie was a box-office hit. 

With major releases in 1989 (the definitive Sridevi year) where she often carried the film, she let go of a lot of the '80s superstars to shoulder her own films.

click to enlarge

Young Sridevi on On the sets of Guru 

The 1980s wardrobe, the frills, the lace gloves, the makeup, the tiara (!), the fake flora... oyve. But she still looks sweet!!

Guru was launched much before Waqt ki Awaaz (1988) - around 1985/86 in fact. Both films had similar star-cast and music by Bappi Lahiri - and both the audios were released in April 1988. The packed schedules of the big stars and the general disorganisation of Bollywood meant there was tremendous delay from film inception to release date. Still, the movie was a hit so all was forgiven... well, except for "that" incident.