Sridevi in Himmatwala: Bolstered by Icons on screen and off screen!

Jeetendra on the making of Himmatwala and the resurgence of Sridevi in Bollywood. From Bollywood Hungama; 

Veteran actor Jeetendra who has done 18 films with Sridevi speaks of her dedication, passion, sincerity & tenacity
By Subhash K. Jha
February 28, 2018 - 10:27 AM IST 

Jeetendra, “It just doesn’t sink in. Sridevi is gone. I haven’t been able to digest it. A fortnight ago I met her husband Boney and Sridevi. We were laughing and joking together and counting our blessings. And now just some days later she is no more! This a slap on the face of those who spend their time bickering over small things. Life may have plans that will completely overthrow your pettiness. 

What do I say about Sridevi? 

So many memories. But so much that I’ve forgotten. You must remember I am 76 now. I tend to forget. But I can never forget Sridevi’s determination to make it big in Bollywood. She had conquered Tamil and Telugu cinema and she had a tigress’ will to conquer Bollywood. Her first Hindi film Solva Saawan had been released and flopped. For five years Sridevi had no other Hindi offers. This is when Himmatwala was offered to her… It’s interesting how Sridevi got Himmatwala. The original Telugu version of Himmatwala had starred Jaya Prada. But for some reasons we were committed to re-launching Sridevi in the Hindi remake. It was a very awkward situation for me. Jaya Prada was already a big star in Telugu. To tell her she is not doing the Hindi version was difficult. Director K Raghvendra Rao and I went to her and explained why we had to sign Sridevi for Himmatwala. Jaya Prada was upset but she accepted the situation. 

Were Sridevi and Jaya Prada rivals? 

Look, I worked with both extensively. I even did films in which both were my co-stars. I never saw them being anything but thoroughly professional with one another. In Tohfa Jaya Prada played Sridevi’s elder sister. Such was their level of professionalism that they looked like actual sisters in the film…

Coming back to Himmatwala no one at that point of time had faith in Sridevi. But we saw something special in her. Sridevi and I both had something to prove. She had to consolidate her position after Solva Saawan. I had lost everything after producing Deedar-e-Yaar. Can you believe, I lost Rs 2 crores way back in 1982?! You can calculate the size of my losses in today’s economy. So both Sridevi and I had a point to prove. I remember the market had little confidence in this new girl. So we signed Sridevi for two more films even before Himmatwala was released to show the film trade how much confidence we had in her. This was never done before. And we were proven right. Sridevi was magic on screen. I had seen her Telugu films long before Himmatwala. 

I had seen her playing the romantic lead with the legendary Telugu actor N T Rama Rao who was three times her age. She did the romantic scenes with the confidence of a pro. Not for a moment did she look so much younger than NTR. Then we did Himmatwala together. I was almost twice her age. She treated me with utmost respect. And what a fabulous dancer! During the shooting of ‘Nainon Mein Sapna’ and ‘Taki Oh Taki’ the dance assistant would show the steps to both of us. She would get them right in no time. It took me time to get them right. If it was some other co-star she would have gone into her makeup room and asked to be summoned when the hero was ready with his steps. Not Sridevi. She waited on the sets for me to get my steps right. This was the level of her dedication. We went on to do 17 other films together. 

But I did even more films with Rekha. I did 30 films with her. In Sridevi I saw the same fierce dedication to get better with every film that I saw in Rekha. They are both Tamilian and they both are lionesses on screen. I couldn’t keep up with them on screen. 

And now Sridevi has gone to a place where I can’t even see her. Itni dur chali gayi.” [She's gone so far]

Ajay Devgan's father, fight choreographer Veeru Devgan worked with Sridevi since her first Hindi blockbuster. The dances of Himmatwala were by Saleem, not the usual choreographers Saroj Khan, Chinni Prakash or Kamal master, who mostly did Sridevi's songs and dance routines. 

Sridevi's glittering costumes in Himmtwala by Madhav Agasti!

 

A man I had never heard of till earlier this week, film costume designer Madhav Agasti is credited with designing the looks of several movie stars in Mumbai, including Sridevi’s flashy, glittering, and colourful outfits in her first Hindi hit, Himmatwala (1983)! Most famously the vibrant, heavily embellished looks in the song “Naino Mein Sapna” (with the water pots and feather dusters!), the flashy amrapalis and bright dance costumes and glittering accessories bounced off the screen. 

These over-the-top, sparkling ensembles became a signature 1980s, the South Indian masala style that played a big role in Sridevi’s early Hindi cinema stardom. 

Just as Sridevi burst onto the screen in her memorable hit Nainon main sapna, her bright orange, hot pink, diamante studded dance costumes were all vetted to make a lasting, sensual, aesthetic and essentially Indian belle look. 

 

Sridevi makes a splash in Himmatwala: But with the tag Thunder Thighs!

 

Q: Were you peeved by the tag--Thunder Thighs-- once given to you?
Sridevi: Ha! No, I didn't take that seriously. It was given to me at the time of Himmatwala. I was very chubby then, I weighed 75kg. At the time of Chandni, I lost weight and came down to 57kg, which I think helped me a lot to impve my dancing..."

Himmatwala released on 25 February 1983 in India, a runaway success where Sridevi wowed the nation. 

Legends line up; Amjad Khan, Kader Khan with Sridevi. 

The Reignition of Sridevi's Bollywood Career: Himmatwala in 1983

After the underwhelming performance of Solva Saawan in 1979, Sridevi's return to Bollywood came via the smashing success of Himmatwala, where though Jeetendra had the title role, Sridevi's entry, song and dance routines and confident performance is was taken note. A star was re-born as she went on to work in several films that year that went on to become stellar hits. In less than a year, Bombay's filmy press crowned her the new Number One actress of cinema, usurping Rekha, who seemed to have no problems with passing the baton. 

We need to do a deep dive on Rekha's empathy and kindness to innumerable starlets, actresses and newcomers as there are so many stories of her generosity, advice and direction that many have spoken about. Be it Shabana Azmi, Sridevi, or even Madhuri and Rani, none have a bad word to say about Re'. 

Himmatwala, as Sridevi said, was no Mughal-E-Azam, but a hit is a hit is a hit. The movie is tepid fare with strong visuals in the colourful song and dance routines. Sridevi really appears like a temple Goddess come to life, all curves, sparkles and expressions. A hallmark film only because it was a stepping stone that boosted the career of an actress who went on to become one of the biggest stars in the country - before the age of 21! 

Sridevi

Sridevi, 20, on the sets of Himmatwala. The chiffon net chunri, the silver bangles, the straight hair, the matching accessories... Sridevi gently was changing the fashion of the 1980s with her classic Indian styling and effortless elegance. 

As most stylists know, fashion in the 1980s was... questionable, but Sridevi brought her own charm to the scene. Doll-like Sri could pull off any look and as she was particular about how she was presented on the big screen, she took care of things others overlooked. From the way her face was lit to the angle of the camera, how her hair and makeup (which she often did on her own) looked, Sridevi was her own stylist, designer and wardrobe checker -- particularly when she became a top star and had the power to say yes and no to powerful industry stalwarts. Young Sridevi didn't have as much agency as superstar Sridevi did, but she worked her way to the very top!  

When asked by a journalist what happens when a choreographer dictates a rather suggestive move, she simply said, "They wouldn't dare!".          

Sridevi in Himmatwala: How the Journey in Bollywood Began

Released on February 25, 1983, the course of Sridevi's career changed with Himmatwala released and became an immediate mega-hit. The craze for the song Nainon main sapna, suddenly a new young star of 20 was 'the' biggest craze of a nation. 

Even back then, from his first big Hindi hit, the media was stating, "She was a born actress." The misstep of Solva Saawan (that released in 1979 when Sridevi was just 16), was quickly forgotten by most.

Sridevi's cute grin in Himmatwala (1983)

Sridevi's cute grin in Himmatwala (1983). 

This sequined yellow sari was a fashion moment in early 80s in Bollywood. 

Not sure it would work on anyone... that didn't look like a doll like Sridevi! 

Sridevi's first Hindi blockbuster that changed the course of her career. 

Sridevi in Himmatwala (1983)

 

Sridevi jumped into the top slot with a single film. The phenomenon that was Sridevi in Bollywood

Sridevi in Himmatwala (1983): The Red Mini Skirt: The Tigress

Sridevi in Himmatwala (1983) 

The early days, it's hard to believe now, that Sridevi got sooo much criticism for her wardrobe, the press in the south went after her for the "dare bare" looks in the movie - which is so laughable now considering how much social mores have changed.  

When I see the film now, Sri just looks like a doll, perfect in every look, graceful and gorgeous, at age 20, wearing what the youth of that time were wearing, contemporary Indian fashion and all the razzmatazz of young Bollywood, bold colours, prints, eye candy for the cine-goers. Who remember the faceless, nameless hacks of that era who criticised the young aspiring actress endlessly? Sridevi is one for the ages. 

40th Anniversary of Sridevi's first Hindi Blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

It's the 40th Anniversary of Sridevi's first Hindi Blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983). 

Released on 25th February, early in the year, absolutely no one expected the film to rock the box-office and ignite the career of a young superstar, Sridevi. 

She resurrected the lackluster career of Jeetendra, while he gave new lease on her Hindi film career. Together they made magic in over a dozen films. 

The film also had a very strong supporting cast - something many have overlooked. Sridevi also worked with those who cropped up many times in her resplendent career including the legendary Waheeda Rehman, comedian/sometime villain Shakti Kapoor, the legendary writer and character actor Kader Khan, Gabbar himself, Amjad Khan and prolific comedian Asrani. 

Sridevi also worked with Arun Govil - who later found national fame in mythological shows on TV. And she worked with Ms India Swaroop Sampat (who went on to marry Paresh Rawal - who also worked often with Sri). 

The swimsuit scene of Sridevi was considered downright scandalous those days and Sridevi was called, of all things, "a sex kitten". A term one can find bizarre and erroneous. 

TBT: Sridevi in her first Hindi blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

TBT: Sridevi in her first Hindi blockbuster: Himmatwala (1983)

The costumes, the songs and dances, the 80s makeup and costume jewellery... It was Sridevi that shone through - and never looked back as the film clicked in as the biggest hit of the year. 

 

Sridevi's salwaars in Himmatwala: A Fashion Icon Emerges

Sridevi's salwaars in Himmatwala: A Fashion Icon Emerges 

Released early in the year, Sridevi's comeback to Bollywood opened with a bang on 25 February 1983. The songs were a smash hit, her fashion, her beauty, her youthful exuberance (Sri was all of 20!), it all worked and how! 

Above a still from the film set - and a screengrab from the same. Gorgeous Sridevi 

Sridevi's most controversial outfit: The humble 80s swimsuit

Sridevi's most controversial outfit: The humble 80s swimsuit in Sridevi's first blockbuster - Himmatwala.

As we find archival images and features from the early 1980s, its no wonder Sridevi was media shy as the film press was distinctly unkind when it came to writing about Sridevi - and when she hiked to the top, those same reporters tripped over themselves trying to gain favour. 

A scene where Sridevi's at a beach and she's wearing  a swimsuit - no big deal. But the way the press wrote about it, you'd think the young actress (she had just turned 20) had done something gratuitous and salacious. Ridiculous. 

 

Rare pic: Sridevi and Jeetendra in Himmatwala (1983)

 

Sridevi, 20, with Jeetendra, 41

In Baaje Payal, the dance based show, Jeetendra said that he was nervous to match steps with Sridevi as she was a perfect in all her moves while he needed to rehearse often. She patiently worked with him throughout and never complained.  

The film marked the unique and popular dancing style of Jeetendra and Sridevi in the 1980s with over a dozen films - most hits - that made them an iconic pairing in Bollywood. 

Here, a rare pic from their first smash hit together, Himmatwala (1983). 

• Our archive of Himmatwala here.
• 100s of pics of Jeetendra with Sridevi here
• The hits and flops of Jeetendra and Sridevi listed here

Jeetendra on working with Sridevi the first in Himmatwala (1983): The stars appeared in 16 films together

Jeetendra, "I remember the time when we were looking for a suitable girl for Himmatwala, which was a remake of a Raghuvendra Rao's South Indian film that I'd done with Jaya Prada. Jaya was considered, but I preferred to have a new face opposite me. 

A friend of mine had introduced me to Sridevi, who had just done one Hindi film called Solva Saawan. There was something unique about her and, instantly, I decided to approach her regarding Himmatwala. Since Sridevi wasn't doing any Hiudi film and had the required dates, she agreed. 

Jaya Prada was upset with me for taking her [Sridevi] as the female lead in Himmatwala. Eventually, we sorted out the misunderstanding and patched up. I was also very friendly with Rekha since I had worked with her in several films. I remember, when Sri and I were shooting for Himmatwala down South, Rekha too happened to be shooting in the same studio. Each time I'd run into Rekha, during the breaks and intervals, she would rag me by saying, "Don't waste your time talking to me. Jaaeye aapki heroine aapka intezaar kar rahi hogi." [Go your leading lady is waiting for you!] She was so sarcastic. But then, Rekha has always been a prankster, who never means malice. 

Himmatwala was mostly shot in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. I enjoyed working down South. Unlike our directors, the South Indian filmmakers are so organised. They don't waste time catering to the inflated egos of their artistes. They are absolute professionals. They start shooting early and wind up at sharp six in the evening. They stick to their schedules. During the making of Himmatwala, I'd insist on extending the shoot by an hour or so, but he'd just refuse.

Despite doing one shift a day, he finished the entire shooting of Himmatwala within four months. That was the whole beauty and excitement of working with such people. I'd got along with the entire team and my association with them continued for years. I've done more than fourteen films with Raghavendra Rao I'd describe a professional rapport as all about know each other's temperament and the style of working. 

Lots of people tell me that Sridevi and I looked good on-screen. She is an amazing dancer and an astounding actress. I've lost count on the number of films that we did together. Sri is a professional when it comes to work and that's the reason she survived for so many years. She broke the myth that a Hindi film actress has a short career. Himmatwala was not exactly a romantic film, and the songs also weren't mushy. Himmatwala started the trend of the foot-tapping masala numbers. 

All the artistes in the film did a brilliant job. I died laughing each time Kader Khan appeared on screen. I think Kader Khan is the only actor who can play a villain and a comedian at the same time! Amjad Khan's character was different from the image he had because it was for the first time he was playing a villain who wasn't vicious."

- Zee Premiere December 2000

Himmatwala was released on 25 February, 1983. The film is a remake of the Telugu film Ooruki Monagadu (1981). The film proved to be a breakthrough for Sridevi in Bollywood and launched her to superstardom. Himmatwala was a massive commercial success, grossing ₹50 million, becoming the highest grossing Indian film of 1983 as well as one of the ten highest grossing Indian film of 1980s.

Himmatwala to screen on Zee5 on Nov 29, 2020

 

Will you be watching Sridevi's first Hindi blockbuster? Himmatwala in 1983 was the movie that ignited the most sparkling career of cine-Goddess Sridevi in Bollywood. 

Sridevi: Now and Then: Himmatwala to Judaai

Sridevi, age 20, in Himmatwala (1983) and Sridevi, age 34, on the sets of Judaai (1997)

 

Happy New Year: 2020

Above: Sridevi in Himmatwala (1983). 

For many around the world, it's already the new year so here's wishing all Sridevi fans a very happy new year. Hope 2020 is kind to you and yours, wishing all peace and prosperity.

Sridevi, wherever you are, hope you know you were loved... by a billion.

Above: Sridevi in English Vinglish (2012)

How it all began... Sridevi in Himmatwala

click to enlarge

Though Solva Saawan had appeared earlier, director K Rahavendra Rao brought Sridevi (and the Jeetendra pairing) to the forefront with the masala potboiler Himmatwala. Relased on 25 February 1983, the movie ended up being the highest grossing film of the year.

34 years later, at the launch of the film Mom (2017), the director of the film said, "I am the only director who has done 24 films you (Sridevi). If we do one more film, we can celebrate a silver jubilee. It will be a silver jubilee if Suresh Babu will produce it, Boney will finance it and you give your call sheet."

Sridevi said it would be her honour - alas it wasn't meant to be.

Above: Sridevi in Himmatwala

Himmatwala (1983): Sridevi's first Hindi blockbuster in Bollywood:

No, it certainly wasn't her first film, but it sure as hell was her first super hit. The flawed, the fab, the fun Himmatwala (1983) with an incandescent Sridevi dancing around pots and pans. It was the signature look of Bollywood in the 1980s - not exactly an era of grand cinema in India. But, the world watched and was mesmerised by the dancing diva that was Sridevi.

Sridevi in a swimsuit was the big news of the day, the shot of her prancing around the beach created the notorious moniker 'thunder thighs'. BTW it was a rather long and super conservative one-piece we might add. But in the summer of  '83, this was a headline! 

We think Sri looks super cute. And its two inches longer than what current stars are wearing on the red carpet!