From “Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Aaye, Mujhe Ek Pal Chain Na Aaye, Sajna Tere Bina, Sajna Tere Bina…” to “Kaate Nahi Katate Ye Din Ye Raat, Kehni Thi Tumse Jo Dil Ki Baat, Lo Aaj Main Kehta Hoon I Love You…”, Sridevi and Anil Kapoor created magic on the silver screen and their charisma had the potential to set the screens on fire. Throughout the 80s-90s decade, Anil and Sridevi featured in around 15 films, and their cinematic history will always be treasured in the Hindi film industry. (Also Read: These Pics Of Sridevi With Boney, Janhvi And Khushi Prove That She Was The Backbone Of The Family)
And our wish to witness their magic on silver screens again will remain unfulfilled. In an unfortunate and untimely incident, Sridevi Kapoor passed away on February 24, 2018. Now, we all can only relate to the song of Sridevi and Anil Kapoor’s film, Lamhe - Yeh Lamhe, Yeh Pal Hum Barso Yaad Karenge, Yeh Mausam Chale Gaye Toh Hum Fariyad Karenge, In Sapno Kee Tasviro Se, In Yaadon Ki Janjiro Se, Apne Dil Ko Kaise Hum Aazad Karenge… Anil Kapoor is not only Sridevi’s one of the best on-screen co-stars, but also her brother-in-law as Sridevi tied the knot with Anil’s elder brother, Boney Kapoor.
Recently, Anil Kapoor along with Jeetendra appeared on Dance Plus for a special episode, as the team paid tribute to Sridevi. On the show, taking a trip down the memory lane, Anil shared that he used to always touch Sridevi's feet whenever they met. To this gesture, Sridevi would feel awkward and ask him not to do so. Sharing some more fond memories, Anil Kapoor revealed that he would sit on the sets to watch her enact a scene as she used to perform every scene beautifully.
Remembering her, Anil Kapoor had stated, "Sridevi ji had a huge contribution to my career. She was an actor with immeasurable talent who could fill the screen with her magic. We shouldn’t remember her with sadness and rather celebrate her brilliance as a performer with love, affection and joy."
Sridevi’s devar and devraani, Anil Kapoor and Sunita Kapoor, shared in an interview how much they miss her. In an interview with SpotboyE, he had said, “Sunita and Sridevi had a great bond. She really really misses her a lot. They would often speak to each other, Sunita looked up to Sridevi, a lot, a lot. As a matter of fact, the day Sri passed away, Sunita spoke to her twice. Of course, she misses her a lot. And I have worked with her, she was not only a great co-star. We have done some wonderful films together which will remain memorable. We shared a great friendship, she was a part of the family, she was a family member, she was a friend also.” (Also Read: Sridevi's Unseen Pics With Boney, Janhvi, Khushi And Kapoor Family Prove She Was A Perfect Homemaker)
In a throwback interview, Anil Kapoor revealed why had turned down Yash Chopra's Chandni, opposite Sridevi. He had stated, "I didn't want to sit in a wheelchair. I was just not in a frame of mind to sit in a wheelchair through an entire film. I was, in fact, one of the first people to call Yashji and tell him, 'Picture hit hai!' He couldn't believe it. I had done two films [Mashaal, Vijay] with him, and both hadn't done well.”
Elaborating on his decision, Anil revealed that he had a major accident before he was offered the film, and he was in no mood to relive those moments all over again. Anil added, “I'd had an accident, and was bedridden, nursing my leg, for two-and-half months. It was a turning point in my life. I was running fast, but going nowhere. I just wanted films, one after other - doing films that I didn't care much for.”
After Sridevi’s demise, Anil Kapoor took to Twitter to pay tribute to his bhabhi and tweeted, “A true star that shone brightly on-screen & lit up the lives of everyone she touched. Not a day goes by when we don’t miss you Sri. We see your reflection in #JanhviKapoor & #KhushiKapoor everyday. You live on in our hearts & minds...”
When Sridevi was posthumously honoured with the Best Actress award for her performance in Mom, at the National Film Awards, Anil Kapoor wrote a heartfelt note for her. He wrote, "She might not be among us anymore but her talent, work and memory will live on. Sri was and always will be a shining star in the sky. I know this recognition and this award would mean a lot to her, it surely means a lot to us. So thank you. #NationalFilmAwards"
Sharing a picture of Boney Kapoor with daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor receiving the award, Anil Kapoor tweeted, "Such a proud and heartwarming moment for all of us to watch these beautiful people accept an honour for the most incredible person there ever was! Sridevi. National Film Awards, Boney Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor." (Also Read: Arjun Kapoor Reveals Why He And Anshula Are There For Boney, Janhvi And Khushi, Post Sridevi's Death)
Though this void will always remain in their hearts, we wish the Kapoor family loads of happiness and strength to deal with the same.