Actor Janhvi Kapoor has opened up about the criticism her late mother, Sridevi, faced during her lifetime, recalling how she was labelled a “homewrecker” and how such remarks had a lasting emotional impact on their family.
In a recent interaction, Janhvi reflected on growing up in the public eye and witnessing the scrutiny directed at her mother. She said that the world was “not very kind” to Sridevi during that phase, and the harsh labels and public perception affected her deeply.
Sridevi, who married film producer Boney Kapoor in 1996, had faced backlash at the time as Kapoor was previously married and had children from his first marriage. The circumstances surrounding their relationship led to widespread public commentary, with sections of the media and public attaching negative labels to the actor.
Janhvi said she witnessed firsthand how such criticism influenced her mother’s emotional well-being. According to her, repeated remarks and public judgement “played on her mind,” leaving a visible impact during that period.
The actor also spoke about the broader effect of public scrutiny on their family dynamics. She recalled how narratives around their personal life often became a topic of discussion, adding pressure on the family while she was still growing up.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Janhvi said she was heavily dependent on her mother during her younger years and had to adapt quickly after Sridevi’s sudden death in 2018. She described the loss as one of the most significant turning points in her life, noting that she had to learn to make decisions independently while also dealing with public attention.
She added that losing her mother not only meant losing a parent but also altered the dynamics within the family. Janhvi said she felt the absence of the version of her father that existed when Sridevi was alive, highlighting the emotional void created by her passing.
Janhvi further noted that with time, her understanding of her mother has evolved. She said she now sees Sridevi’s journey and struggles with greater clarity, acknowledging the pressures that came with fame and constant public judgement.
The actor also reflected on how perspectives can change over time, stating that while people may have been critical during Sridevi’s lifetime, public memory tends to become more sympathetic after a person’s passing.
Sridevi, regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most influential actors, had a career spanning several decades across multiple film industries before her death in 2018.
Janhvi Kapoor, who made her debut with Dhadak in 2018, has since established herself in Hindi cinema and continues to be part of multiple film projects.
