Producer Boney Kapoor has shared an intriguing story about the financial negotiations that were part of building his professional relationship with his late wife, the iconic actress Sridevi. In a recently circulating clip from a television interview, Kapoor described how he strategically managed Sridevi’s remuneration in the early stages of their association.
Kapoor recounted a specific instance when Sridevi’s mother initially set her fee at INR 10 lakhs. Demonstrating his keen business acumen, Kapoor proposed INR 11 lakhs. This was during the casting for the film ‘Joshilaay,’ where Sridevi was a major draw. Kapoor’s goal was not only to sign her but also to ensure his brother was paired with a prominent actress, a role Sridevi was perfect for.
He recalled meeting Sridevi in Mumbai, where she deferred fee discussions to her mother. Later, in Chennai, Kapoor met with her mother. Despite not sharing a common language fluently, Kapoor skillfully interpreted her gestures, understanding her price indication of ’10 rupees’ as INR 10 lakhs. Having prior knowledge that Sridevi had recently signed a film for INR 8.5 lakhs, Kapoor initially considered offering INR 9 lakhs. However, he ultimately offered INR 11 lakhs, a figure that surprised her mother. He also agreed to cover additional staff costs, increasing the overall amount.
Kapoor further detailed his role in securing Sridevi for ‘Chandni.’ He successfully negotiated her fee to INR 15 lakhs with director Yash Chopra, much to the satisfaction of Sridevi’s mother. This pattern of generous offers continued. Kapoor mentioned that for subsequent projects, he would often offer slightly more than the quoted price and set conditions for future films. For ‘Khuda Gawah,’ he confirmed, Sridevi was compensated with INR 25 lakhs, fulfilling an earlier agreement.
Sridevi’s legacy as one of India’s most celebrated actresses is undeniable. Her sudden passing in Dubai in February 2018, at the age of 54, was a profound loss. The circumstances of her death, ruled as accidental drowning with cardiac arrest, left a void in the film fraternity and deeply saddened her fans.