In a recent interview with film critic Komal Nahta, veteran producer Boney Kapoor addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding the late actress Sridevi and her absence from Baahubali.
Boney Kapoor responded to earlier claims by Baahubali producer Shobu Yarlagadda, who had suggested that Sridevi made unreasonable demands before signing the film. Boney refuted these statements and clarified what really happened behind the scenes.
He began by praising director SS Rajamouli and even shared a message from him. In the message, Rajamouli called himself a fan of Sridevi and mentioned how his respect for her grew after discussing the film with her.
Boney revealed that Rajamouli personally visited their home for a discussion. However, when the topic shifted to finances, Rajamouli stepped out, and the producers continued the conversation.
According to Boney, the producers offered Sridevi less than what she was paid for her 2012 film English Vinglish. He felt this was unfair, especially since casting her would have helped the film gain better reach in Hindi and Tamil markets.
He pointed out that Sridevi was not a struggling actress. If the producers were not willing to match her previous remuneration, there was no reason for her to accept the role.
Later, Boney claimed the producers misrepresented the situation to Rajamouli, telling him that Sridevi had asked for a full hotel floor and a large entourage something Boney firmly denied.
He explained that their only request was to plan the major schedule during their children’s holidays so the kids could witness the shoot. Boney added that during the English Vinglish shoot, he personally paid for the children’s hotel and travel.
Defending Sridevi’s professionalism, Boney asked why top filmmakers like D. Ramanaidu, K. Raghavendra Rao, Rakesh Roshan, and Yash Chopra repeatedly cast her if she was truly difficult to work with.
He concluded by saying he has no regrets about Sridevi not doing Baahubali, but criticised the way the situation was handled. According to him, the producers should have simply said they couldn’t afford her, instead of twisting the narrative.
Many fans of Sridevi are disappointed by this revelation, as a small miscommunication possibly cost the legendary actress a role in one of Indian cinema’s biggest films.
