Boney Kapoor, the renowned film producer, has offered a candid glimpse into his early courtship of the late Bollywood icon Sridevi, revealing a clever tactic involving her professional fees. A viral clip from a talk show features Kapoor recounting how he effectively navigated negotiations to forge a lasting bond with his future wife.
Kapoor explained that when Sridevi was considered for the film ‘Joshilaay,’ he met with her mother to discuss terms. Sridevi’s mother initially asked for INR 10 lakhs. Kapoor, aware of Sridevi’s market value from her previous film signing of INR 8.5 lakhs, decided to offer a higher amount. He first countered with INR 11 lakhs, a figure that momentarily stunned Sridevi’s mother. He further sweetened the deal by agreeing to INR 50,000 for staff expenses, up from the initially quoted INR 30,000.
This negotiation wasn’t just about money; it was a strategic move to impress and build a strong professional relationship. Kapoor ensured Sridevi was signed for subsequent major projects like ‘Chandni’ for INR 15 lakhs and later ‘Khuda Gawah’ for INR 25 lakhs, often negotiating the terms himself. He would sometimes offer a higher fee than initially requested, with the understanding that her price would increase for future films.
Sridevi’s legacy as one of India’s most talented and beloved actresses is undeniable. Her sudden death in 2018, at just 54, sent shockwaves through the nation. The official cause was accidental drowning, with contributing cardiac issues, a tragic end to a brilliant career.