Subhash K Jha talks with Adarsh Gourav about meeting and working with the Sridevi on the feature film Mom.
Adarsh, Mom is eight years old today, do you recall what it was like when you met Sridevi?
It was one for the books. I remember walking up to her on my first day and telling her I spoke Telugu too and she gave me the most genuine smile. I felt at ease instantly.
Was it smooth sailing after that?
Ravi Udyawar, sir (the director) after one of my first shots in the film where I cross her in the school corridor, came to me and told me that she loved my reaction and the way I delivered the line “Good morning M’aam.” All of this felt unreal and I wish my dad was on set that day since he is such a massive Sridevi fan to see all of this happening.
What was she like as an actor?
She was such a focused actor yet so playful in her scenes. We shot the film across a year in Delhi and Bangkok. The first time I travelled out of the country for a film shoot. The first time I had my own room at a hotel. I was invited for the trailer launch and went up on stage and the photos were published in the papers the next day. Mom will always be an important and cherished experience.
Were you happy with your role?
It was a really well written part and had so many layers to peel. I was excited to play a character that was naive and cunning at the same time. I got a lot of love for my performance and I think Ravi Udyawar is such a cool director. Really hope we can collaborate soon again