Every actor in Indian cinema dreams of sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan, the megastar whose charisma and commanding presence have defined generations of Hindi film. Yet, there was a time when Sridevi, often hailed as one of India’s most powerful and versatile actresses, refused to act opposite Big B — not out of animosity, but out of artistic conviction.
Sridevi’s reason for turning down Amitabh Bachchan
Known for her strong, performance-oriented roles in films like Julie, Naagin, Himmatwala, and Chandni, Sridevi was one of the rare actresses in the 1980s and 1990s who could carry an entire film on her shoulders. She believed that Amitabh Bachchan’s towering screen persona often overshadowed his co-stars, especially female leads.
According to reports, Sridevi once said she didn’t want to be reduced to “a showpiece” in a film where the male protagonist dominated the narrative. She preferred roles that offered her depth and substance, even if it meant turning down Bollywood’s most iconic actor.
The Khuda Gawah connection
In 1992, filmmaker Mukul S. Anand was casting for Khuda Gawah, a high-budget romantic action drama starring Amitabh Bachchan. The role of Benazir was first offered to Dimple Kapadia, who declined due to fee issues. The makers then approached Sridevi, but she politely refused, maintaining that she wanted to play characters that allowed her to shine equally.
However, Amitabh Bachchan was determined to have Sridevi as his co-star. In a now-famous story from Bollywood circles, it’s said that he sent a truck full of roses to Sridevi while she was shooting for a song with Firoz Khan. The grand gesture, symbolic of Big B’s admiration and persistence, reportedly moved Sridevi — and she finally agreed to do Khuda Gawah.
A blockbuster success
The film was made on a then-staggering budget of ₹17 crore, one of the highest for its time, and went on to become the third-highest-grossing film of 1992. The on-screen chemistry between Amitabh and Sridevi was praised, and her dual role in the film added emotional depth and glamour to the story.
Despite her initial hesitation, Sridevi’s performance in Khuda Gawah remains one of her most memorable, proving that even alongside a giant like Amitabh Bachchan, her talent could never be diminished.
A look back at their collaborations
While Khuda Gawah became a milestone, it wasn’t the only time Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi shared screen space. They had earlier worked together in Inquilaab (1984) and Aakhree Raasta (1986), and years later, in English Vinglish (2012), Amitabh made a special cameo appearance as a mark of respect to his long-time friend and co-star.
Their professional relationship reflected mutual admiration — Amitabh often praised Sridevi for her dedication, while she once referred to him as “an institution in himself.”
The legacy of a true performer
Sridevi’s decision to initially decline working with Amitabh Bachchan was rooted not in ego, but in self-respect and artistic integrity. At a time when heroines were often sidelined, she stood firm for meaningful roles, setting a precedent for actresses who came after her.
Her instinct for strong storytelling and her refusal to settle for ornamental parts helped define her as India’s first true female superstar — one who could command the box office without the crutch of a male lead.