Sridevi with Vinod Mehra: Birth Anniversary of Vinod Mehra

Sridevi with Vinod Mehra. Remembering veteran actor Vinod Mehra on his birth anniversary today. 

During the making of Gurudev, directed by Vinod Mehra, Sridevi's younger sister Sreelatha got married. He and Rishi Kapoor (Sridevi's co-star in the film) were guests at the lavish wedding. 

Sridevi looked gorgeous at the event - and never looked happier than being with her family. 

• Vinod Mehra with Sridevi over the years here.
• The making of Gurudev feature and images here.

 

Jeetendra, Sridevi, Vinod Mehra and Jaya Prada in Aulad (1987)

Jeetendra, Sridevi, Vinod Mehra and Jaya Pradha in Aulad (1987)

TBT: Vinod Mehra on working with Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor in Gurudev

Three's Company

Even as an actor he was constantly into the technicalities of film-making--enquiring, suggesting. So turning director was a very natural sequel for Vinod Mehra. His first venture, Gurudev, is nearing completion and if rumours that he ghost directed Ghar are to be believed, the new film is bound to make waves. 

Right now it's as if he's on a runaway horse--there's no way he can get off it. And he's not complaining. His Gurudev is almost seventy per cent complete, but Vinod Mehra is still as obsessed with it as he was at the beginning. "The industry will soon know that VM Productions is a banner to reckon with," he grins. 

Just back from his European schedule, the actor turned producer director is full of praise for the people he encountered there and absolutely ecstatic about the locales in Holland and Belgium where he picturised two songs. "The amusement park was more beautiful than Disneyland and the gardens were a riot of colour," Vinod recalls. Besides a fun songs picturised on Rishi and Sridevi, they also shot a "nice moody outburst" featuring all 'four stars--Rishi, Anil and two Sridevis-yes, the lady once again plays a double role in Gurudev. "The people there were very accommodating, they let us do exactly what we wanted, they just requested us to take care that we didn't obstruct the flow of tourist traffic. to be so helpful when you have such a large tourist turnover is really something. The best part of it all was that we paid practically nothing for the shooting--only the entrance fees for the unit members!" And ot think that our won humble Esselworld has reported demanded Rs.1 lakh per day for film shootings! 

Vinod Mehra admits that the story of Gurdev--that of two friends --is not new. "The novelty lies in its focus. My film observes the turmoil in their relationship. it has the underworld as its backdrop. But then, I don't deal with the small-time street-fighters. I focus on the dons. The dramatic moments in teh film are based on emotions. it's a regular commercial entertainer and as Manmohan Desai says, it's more difficult to make this kind of film that a personalised one (where a person put fs forth his own views) or one with a  message. I believe that you can convey what you want to say even in a commercial film and Gurudev holds out the view that the law is corrupt but that we can't do without it.

"Gurudev isn't an out and out action film. It's a regular big-screen entertainer with music and humour though our jokes are not your usual contorting of faces--we have situational comedy between the main stars.

"The trend for musicals is strong right now, but I don't think a musical necessarily means a love story. if the music is good and fits into the situation, it's bound to click. If Dil is a musical hit this year, so was Tridev last year."

Gurudev, planned as a quickie, has been in the making for over two years. Speculation is rife about the causes. It was said that there were problems between Anil and Rishi and that Sridevi was acting difficult after her successive hits. "That's all nonsense. All three were signed much before their recent hits. Anil and Rishi are both sweethearts and have not given me any cause for worry, nor has Sridevi. What has gone against me is destiny. First my schedule was upset because Raj Kapoor passed away., then Anil went and fractured his leg and more recently Sridevi lost her father. One can't help these things and I'd say that my stars have gone out of their way to help where they can.

"There was just one problem with Sridevi's secretary about her dates. The secretary left in November 1989 after we'd fixed the scheudules. While he put down this year's April dates in the diary, he omitted the February and March schedule, so my climax had to be postponed." 

For Vinod Mehra, Gurudev is clearly an obsession right now. He's let the director in him overrule the producer, as a result the film is almost twenty per cent overbudget. "This hasn't been a wise decision but I want to see my dream come true. People will realise that the film has been made with a vision," says the director.

The thought of turning producer struck him about five years back when his career seemed to be heading nowhere and boredom set in. He decided to try out something that might provide more fun and give free play to his imagination. So he decided to produce a film. Striking out as director seemed to be the next stop. He honestly admits, "I don't think any director would have liked to work with me, I'd keep interfering with shots and angles. In fact, the latent director in ne was responsible for goading me into making a film." 

The industry seems to feel he's given up acting but the actor in Vinod Mehra still breathes and he's open to offers. "I'll never leave acting, if they want me to do, they'll have to throw me out and if they do so they'll be the losers, at my age (40) I can be pushed into any role!"

If he's so keen on acting why didn't he carve out a role for himself in Gurudev? "I'll never be able to act and direct simultaneously. There is a third hero in my film, but I preferred to cast Kader Khan in the role. I've give him a totally different image in the film." 

VM Productions, the actor-director says, is there to stay. He's already working on another story and plans to produce and direct the film. "I'll take on an outside director only if I'm convinced he can do more justice to the subject." meanwhile, as a special favour, he's helping out by directing a film that was to be made by Bhaskar Reddy who passed away. He has had many outside offers but has refused them all. "I'm not a professional director."

As a new director, the going hasn't been easy. He's had to learn through trial and error and admits that direction involves far too many headaches, acting is much more exciting. But, he feels, the film will prove it's been worth the trouble. "When I release the film in May next year, (all territories wee sold the day the film was announced) the industry will realise that a new showman has arrived." 

Meera Joshi

Filmfare, October 1990

Postscript:

- Sadly, Vinod Mehra passed away soon after this interview was published in Filmfare magazine on October 30, 1990 in Mumbai! 

- Director Raj Sippy completed the film and it was released years later in 1993.

- The film opened well and broke even, it just wasn't a blockbuster as anticipated. 

Sridevi clears up her controversies: TBT to Stardust 1994

A major throwback, Sridevi clears the air in Stardust. 

Stardust: You desperately wanted to do a film with David Dhawan. You had even met and discussed a proposal with him but after the debacle of  Andaz, you backed out of the project saying that he was a crude director ?
Sridevi: I did meet David Dhawan, and we even spoke of working together. But nothing was finalised as he is presently very busy with his other films. I don't recall calling him crude or whatever. I am still looking forward to working with him.

Stardust: Shahrukh Khan too for some reason is very put off with you. Recently he was heard saying that he would rather work with a Madhuri [Dixit] or a Kajol than put up with your starry tantrums. What is it about you that people prefer keeping their distance from you?
Sridevi: This is news to me that Shahrukh doesn't want to work with me. I knew that Ajay Devgan had said that he would never work with me. I wanted to call up Ajay and clear up the Khuda Gawah  controversy, where I was supposed to have asked the producer to replace Ajay with Nagarjuna. This was all totally false. But then I was in two minds. I didn't know how he would react to my call. Well, someday I hope to clear up this misunderstanding too. Whether we work together or not, only time will tell.

Stardust: You are accused of troubling Vinod Mehra the maximum during the making of Gurudev. The poor man had to literally chase you around for your dates. He was literally at your mercy since you played a double role in the film. How could you treat him so shabbily?
Sridevi: I would never ever dream of hurting somebody as endearing as Vinod Mehra. He was a perfect gentleman. In fact, since I was doing a double role in the film I was the first to complete most of my work. In fact, even after his sad demise I co-operated totally when they wanted some more dates of mine. You could ask Kiran Mehra if you don't believe me.
-- Stardust Magazine 1994

• Sridevi in Stardust archive
• Sridevi quotes here. 
• Sridevi interviews here. 

Rishi Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in Gurudev

Why was Boney Kapoor on the sets of Gurudev? Caught in Amsterdam! Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Saroj Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Mehra, Baba Azmi

We've had this image of Boney Kapoor with Sridevi, Saroj Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Mehra and Baba Azmi on the sets of Gurudev for years. We always wondered why Boney Kapoor's head popped up with this cast and crew of the Hindi film. 

Boney Kapoor wasn't the producer and had no connection to the film other than his brother Anil Kapoor (not in pic) was one of the stars of the film. (this was long before his relationship with Sridevi!). 

Boney Kapoor in one of his recent interviews illuminates;

“This was in 1990. We were shooting for Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja and Gurudev both simultaneously in Holland and Belgium since both the films had Sridevi and Anil. Rishiji was in Gurudev in one of the songs. Sarojji choreographed songs for both films. 

Unfortunately, the song from RKRCKR didn’t make it to the final edit as it had to be cut out from the film owing to the length of the film. Anil and Sridevi from here left to shoot Lamhe together.”

From TOI.com here.

Sridevi's only sister Sreelatha's star-studded Wedding Reception

At the wedding reception of Sridevi's only sister, Sreelatha with Sanjay Ramaswami, the Ayappan family welcomes film fraternity, friends and family.

From the film Gurudev, Sridevi's director, former actor Vinod Mehra and co-star Rishi Kapoor attended. This was in the early 90s

Above; Sridevi, Vinod Mehra, Sanjay Ramaswami, Sreelatha and Rishi Kapoor 

Above: Sridevi with Srilatha and Srilatha's husband Sanjay Ramaswami

Below picture: Boney Kapoor and Sridevi with Sridevi's parents Rajeshwari and Ayappan. 

Vinod Mehra with Sridevi on the sets of Gurudev

Sridevi's comedic take on the song Jaipur se nikli gaadi... 

Film Gurudev

Rare Pic: Sridevi at her sister Srilatha's Wedding

Rare pic: Sridevi with her family at her only sister's wedding reception. From L to R: Rajeshwari Ayappan (Sridevi's mother), Sridevi, actor/producer/director Vinod Mehra, Sanjay Ramaswami (to be confirmed) and Srilatha and Rishi Kapoor.

Below: Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Rajeshwari and Ayappan 

Sridevi with Vinod Mehra and Rishi Kapoor in Gurudev

Sridevi with actor and director Vinod Mehra and co-star Rishi Kaoor on the sets of Gurudev.

Behind the Scenes: The cast and crew of Gurudev in Amsterdam

Another one from the archives. Sridevi on the sets of Gurudev. Looks like a fun team!

(L) Actor turned director Vinod Mehra with Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor in Amsterdam.
(R) Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, choreographer Saroj Khan and Rishi Kapoor, (seated) Vinod Mehra and Baba Azmi (cinematographer).

Note Boney Kapoor on the set! Although back then, he had nothing to do with the film... per se!

Covergirl: Sridevi rockin' 80s fashion from turban to toe: Anil Kapoor joins her on the set of Gurudev

Sridevi looking gorgeous in this 1980's magazine cover. Sridevi... the Turban explorer! She looks great. Very Sri-Diva-esque.

From the sets of Gurudev, seen  here with co-star Anil Kapoor and the director of the film (the late) Vinod Mehra - who tragically died during the production of the film.

Sridevi's confident poses are reflective of the time - she was the undisputed Queen of Indian cinema without a single competition in sight.

The gold sequins belt, the turban, the hoop earrings, the high-gloss make-up, the shoulder-pads, the bright yellow color, the fringe, the kaftan-esque ensemble... whoaa could this be a more iconic 80s fashion moment?! We think not. Sri looks oh-so-regal and statuesque in many of the shots. 

Click on images to see larger picture.

 

Director's Cut: Sridevi with her famous directors

Sridevi, "Direction is extremely difficult and I really don't think I am cut out for it. Which is why I keep thanking my directors over and over - my success is due to their hard work."



Sridevi with her famed directors; Vinod Mehra (Gurudev), Pankaj Parasher (Chaalbaaz, Meri Biwi Ka Jawab Nahin), Rakesh Roshan (producer of Jaag Utha Insaan, director of Bhagwan Daada), Subash Ghai (Karma), Saawan Kumar Tak (Chand Ka Tukda), Partho Ghosh (Kaun Sacha Kaun Jhoota), Raj Kanwar (Laadla), Harmesh Malhotra (Nagina, Sherni, Nigahein, Banjaran, Heer Ranjha).


In Filmfare magazine, when asked about her directors, she said this in the 1985 issue of the magazine, "I love working with Shekhar Kapur. His style of direction is great fun. Sometimes when he likes a shot, he prolongs it beyond what was originally intended. he gets totally excited with what he's doing.

"Subash Ghai is one of the best directors we have. With him, I never ask for the scene beforehand because I know that the scene changes and improves as we shoot. He keeps improvising on the sets.

"Mukul Anand is a very fast director. He's also very understanding. If I plead with him, 'Mukul I want to go at 8 o'clock' he immediately says. 'Okay, go.' It's great fun working with directors like these," she ends, eyes lit up like a child's.

On Shekhar's sets it is obvious she's enjoying herself thoroughly. To see a girl who was, till quite recently hampered greatly by the language, bantering un-self-consciously with madcap director like Shekhar is amazing. To Shekhar's "This shot is for Shekhar Rao" Sridevi would pose mock-provocatively, flutter her eyelashes and strike a sexy pout, much to the amusement of all around. There is a general atmosphere of merry making. But the moment pack up is announced, she wastes not a moment. Doing a quick pranam of dance master Kamal, she scampers off the sets like a schoolchild does when the last bell of the day rings."

In a G magazine cover story, Sridevi said of directors, "There are some directors who are great story-tellers., while others are great directors. Balu Mahendra's narration of Moondram Pirai (the Tamil original of Sadma), for instant, was a frame to frame narration of the film. Would you believe he took three hours to tell the story?"

What was the experience like working with Mahesh [Bhatt, director of Gumrah]?
Wonderful. I've enjoyed working with him tremendously. I was so scared of doing this film. People had told me all sorts of stories about the man, his life-style, but he is quite simple and uncomplicated. The way he inspires his artists before a scene, the way he explains a situation, it's a pleasure. He does not bind you with instructions. Instead, he helps you draw from your own experience and then leaves you to bring it out in a  manner you are comfortable with. The technique is quite extraordinary and something every true artiste appreciates thoroughly.

In short, you are impressed with him as a director.
Most certainly. I'm not sure if any other director in his place would have chosen a subject like Gumrah.











































And finally, the muse and his model; Yash Chopra and Sridevi, during the making of Lamhe! Cute shot of producer/director Yash Chopra with Anil Kapoor and Sridevi behind the scenes of the song, 'Kabhi main kahoon'. Below with her only female director Gauri Shinde and R Bali - who she never worked with, but wanted to.