When Sridevi got shocked and hurt after SS Rajamouli claimed she had 'high demands' for Baahubali

On August 13, 1963, the world welcomed a talent that would redefine Indian cinema: Sridevi. With her unparalleled versatility and grace, she captivated audiences across generations. Tragically, she passed away on February 24, 2018, leaving a void in the hearts of her fans. On what would have been her 61st birthday, we revisit a moment from 2017 that showcased not only her professionalism but also the misunderstandings that can occur in the film industry.

In May 2017, during an interview with ABN Telugu, renowned director SS Rajamouli revealed that he had initially approached Sridevi for a role in his magnum opus, Baahubali. However, he stated that her demands were “too high.” Rajamouli recounted, “After hearing a series of wishes from her, our team got fed up. We also thought that it would be above our budget to meet her demands.” Consequently, he turned to actress Ramya Krishnan, who delivered a stellar performance that is now widely praised. Rajamouli concluded, “We now feel we were lucky that we dropped the idea of having Sridevi in our film.”

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The remarks created a stir, especially when Sridevi was promoting her film Mom, which became her last project before her untimely demise. In an interview with NTV Telugu, she addressed Rajamouli’s claims directly. “I was shocked and hurt by his interview. Rajamouli is a calm and dignified person. I was very happy to work with him. But, the way he spoke about the issue made me feel very sad.” Her disappointment was palpable as she continued, “People would have sent me packing if I was like that. I don’t know if the producer wrongly told Rajamouli that I made all these demands, but it is not in good taste to speak like this.”

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Sridevi’s reaction highlighted the emotional toll such misunderstandings can take on artists. Her statement underscored her respect for the filmmaking process and the people involved. She had always been known for her professionalism and dedication to her craft, and it was distressing for her to be portrayed in a negative light.

A month later, Rajamouli publicly acknowledged the backlash from his comments. In an interview with DNA, he expressed regret for discussing the matter in public. “One thing is for sure. I shouldn’t have discussed the details on a public platform. That’s a mistake. And I regret it,” he stated. Rajamouli also took the opportunity to praise Sridevi’s contributions to cinema, saying, “I have huge respect for Sridevi ji as a flag-bearer of the southern film industries in Mumbai for many years. I wish her all the best. And I wish Mom a big success. The trailer looks very intriguing and promising.”

This exchange serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in the film industry, where misunderstandings can escalate quickly. It also reflects the mutual respect that artists have for one another, even when facing challenging situations. Sridevi’s legacy as a talented actress remains untarnished by this incident, and her work continues to inspire countless individuals in the industry.

As we commemorate her 61st birth anniversary, it is essential to remember not only her iconic roles but also the warmth and dignity she brought to her interactions with peers. Sridevi’s contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled, and her absence is felt deeply by fans and colleagues alike. Through films like Mom, we can continue to celebrate her incredible talent and cherish the memories she gifted us.