Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor has given a glimpse into the struggles her late mother, Sridevi, faced under public scrutiny. In a candid chat with content creator Raj Shamani, Janhvi recalled how Sridevi was often labelled a “homewrecker” during her lifetime and how such harsh words left a deep emotional scar on the legendary actress.
“I’ve seen firsthand how cruel people can be,” Janhvi shared, talking that while history often softens its view of stars after they pass away, the criticism Sridevi endured was brutal at the time.
Losing her mother before her debut: Janhvi’s biggest trauma
Janhvi revealed that losing Sridevi in 2018, just months before her debut film ‘Dhadak’, was the “biggest trauma” of her life. She described the immense challenge of grieving while stepping into the public spotlight as a new actress.
“I had to grow up very quickly,” Janhvi said. “Suddenly, I wasn’t just a daughter. I had to make decisions for myself while facing constant scrutiny about our family.”
She admitted that she made mistakes during this period, letting people into her life who affected her mental and physical well-being.
For Janhvi, Sridevi’s absence was more than losing a parent. “I also lost the version of my father that existed when my mother was alive,” she confessed.
Asked how Sridevi might have seen her today, Janhvi said, “I’ve changed. My opinions are different now. I think if we interacted today, it would be uncertain.”
A message to her mother
Janhvi also reflected on the things she would like to tell Sridevi if given the chance. She expressed understanding, regret, and appreciation for the hardships her mother endured, especially starting work at a very young age while shielding her children from the struggles she faced.
“She always shared only happy stories with us,” Janhvi said.
Janhvi revisited an old interview where Sridevi spoke about her vulnerability in her early years in the Hindi film industry and the struggle to be taken seriously.
She recalled, “People were not very kind when she was around. They called her a homewrecker and said cruel things. It weighed heavily on her, but history is kind to people who have passed.”
Family ties and memories
Janhvi also touched on her father, Boney Kapoor, who was previously married to Mona Kapoor and had two children, Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor, before marrying Sridevi.
Together, Boney and Sridevi raised Janhvi and her younger sister Khushi Kapoor.