As Janhvi Kapoor gears up for her Telugu debut with Devara: Part 1, her co-star Jr NTR has stirred emotions by drawing comparisons between Janhvi and her late mother, the legendary Sridevi. The film, slated for release on September 27, 2024, is already building immense anticipation, but it was a recent conversation that left fans nostalgic for Sridevi’s unforgettable legacy.
During a chat hosted by Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, where the cast of Devara: Part 1 including Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor joined in, Jr NTR shared a moment that seemed almost surreal. He recalled a photoshoot they did for a look test and described how Janhvi, in certain angles, bore an uncanny resemblance to her mother, Sridevi. “She looked so much like Sridevi Garu. In the way she performs or in the way she smiles, it brings that reminiscence of Sridevi Garu back,” Jr NTR said.
Janhvi responded with grace, acknowledging that she also feels her mother’s presence more deeply when acting in Telugu. “It’s weird to say this, but I feel that more when I perform and speak in Telugu. It just felt more like home to me,” she shared. For Janhvi, who has grown up under the shadow of her mother’s unparalleled stardom, stepping into a Telugu film feels like a homecoming of sorts.
Devara: Part 1 marks a significant moment in Janhvi’s career, not just because it’s her Telugu debut, but also because she stars alongside powerhouses like Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan. Jr NTR portrays dual roles in the film as Devara and Varadha, while Janhvi plays Thangam. Saif Ali Khan brings his flair to the role of Bhaira, a kushti expert, with the ensemble cast rounded out by veterans like Prakash Raj, Srikanth Meka, Tom Shine Chacko, and Narain.
This moment is even more special for fans of Sridevi, as the late actress made her mark in South Indian cinema before conquering Bollywood. Sridevi’s career began as a child artist in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. She was especially adored in Telugu cinema, starring alongside icons like Akkineni Nageswara Rao, NT Rama Rao, and Chiranjeevi. Films such as Kshana Kshanam and Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari remain etched in the hearts of Telugu audiences.
Though Sridevi tragically passed away in 2018, her presence continues to linger, not just in the memories of her countless fans, but also through her daughter’s evolving career. As Janhvi embraces the legacy her mother left behind, Devara: Part 1 could very well become a defining chapter in her journey.
Fans of both Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor are waiting with bated breath to see if the magic of Sridevi will indeed be revived on the big screen. Will Devara manage to capture that elusive essence of the late superstar through her daughter? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain Janhvi’s performance will be one to watch!
Source: Times Entertainment
