This filmmaker once turned his hostel room into a “Sridevi shrine” and later got the surprise of his life when he finally met his idol.
Published: October 6, 2025 6:19 PM IST
It’s been more than seven years since Sridevi’s death, but her mark on Indian cinema remains as vivid. She is considered the country’s “first female superstar.” Sridevi’s career spanned nearly five decades, showcasing her talent in numerous languages, starting from her childhood. Her versatility and ability to effortlessly portray emotions and humor on screen continue to resonate with audiences and the industry’s biggest stars. Renowned cinematographer and director Ravi K. Chandran is also a huge fan of Sridevi.
Ravi K. Chandran’s Love for Sridevi
He was so fond of Sridevi that he would cut out her pictures from newspapers, film magazines, and movie posters and paste them on the walls of his college hostel room. In an interview with Screen, Indian Express, Ravi shared his love for Sridevi. He also described Sridevi’s reaction when he told her about his “Sridevi Room.”
Ravi K. Chandran said, “When I was in college, I stole a cut-out of Sridevi from a theatre, in which she was standing, and kept it in my room. My room became the ‘Sridevi Room’. The walls were filled with her photographs. Whenever her picture appeared in the newspaper, I would cut it out and paste it on the wall. People would come to my room to see her photographs or jokingly pray.” Despite becoming famous in Bollywood, Ravi did not get the chance to meet his favorite actress for a long time. But a coincidence fulfilled his wish, and he got this opportunity thanks to his brother-in-law and actor Anil Kapoor.
The Unexpected Meeting with Sridevi
Ravi K. Chandran recalls the moment, saying, “One day I went to director Rajkumar Santoshi to hear the story. Later, he suggested we watch a night show of The Hangover, and I agreed. He also called Anil, who lived nearby. Anil’s driver wasn’t available, so he came with us in my car. Then Anil said, ‘I’ll call Sri too.’ I didn’t understand who he was talking about. He told my driver the way, and when we got there, Sridevi came and sat in the car! I was given the middle seat, with Anil on one side and Sridevi on the other. At that moment, my heart stopped. My screen idol was right next to me!”
Ravi’s Dream Come True Moment
Ravi further said, “I was speechless. She was sitting next to me in the theatre too, and I kept looking at her. Then I told her, ‘Ma’am, you know, I once stole your cut-out and kept it in my hostel room. I can’t believe this moment is real.’ She replied, ‘What are you saying, Sir? I have seen all your films.’ I immediately said, ‘Please don’t call me Sir, I am a huge fan of yours, and this moment is unbelievable for me.’ It was one of the most special moments of my life.”
Remembering the Icon
Sadly, Ravi never got the chance to work with his idol. Sridevi passed away in an accident in Dubai on February 24, 2018, at the age of 54. Her husband Boney Kapoor and daughters Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor still cherish her memories.
