When Sridevi passed away in 2018, her daughter Janhvi Kapoor was just 20 years old and on the brink of her Bollywood debut. Although some time has elapsed since the tragic event, Janhvi recently conveyed in an interview that she still grapples with the emotional fallout of losing her mother.
During a conversation with Raj Shamani on his YouTube channel, Janhvi expressed, “I often find myself trying to escape from my thoughts and the inner conflict I face. The unresolved feelings and trauma linger, with the most significant being the loss of my mother, especially given the public nature of her passing and the journey I had to navigate afterward.”
Janhvi reflected on her previous dependence on her mother, stating that her mother’s sudden departure forced her to mature rapidly. “I was very reliant on my mother for guidance on everything, from what to wear to understanding right from wrong. Suddenly, I was thrust into a position where I had to make my own choices while the world judged my family,” she said.
She went on to acknowledge that during this tumultuous period, she made some poor choices, allowing individuals into her life who took advantage of her vulnerability. “I was not creating a safe environment for myself, constantly compromising my mental and physical well-being,” she admitted.
In her recollections of Sridevi, Janhvi expressed, “The pain of losing my mother is something I cannot move past. There was no one like her. I miss her humor and the way she shaped my identity, along with my sister’s and my father’s. That day, I lost not only a parent but also a version of my father that existed when she was alive.”
When asked how she believes her mother would perceive her now, Janhvi replied, “I don’t think she would recognize the person I’ve become. The world has changed, and I have grown to develop my own viewpoints, which may differ from hers. I cannot envision what that conversation would be like.”
If given the chance to speak to her mother again, Janhvi would say, “I have come to understand her better now, and I regret not having that understanding earlier. She faced her challenges through a unique perspective, shaped by her extensive experience in the industry from a young age, yet she never shared her struggles with us, only the joyful moments.”
Janhvi also reminisced about watching an old interview with Sridevi, in which her mother candidly revealed her vulnerabilities and her desire for recognition during her early career. “I witnessed that journey. People weren’t very kind to her, labeling her with hurtful terms. Those judgments affected her deeply, although history tends to portray those who have passed in a more favorable light,” she remarked.
Janhvi Kapoor’s father, Boney Kapoor, was previously married to Mona Kapoor and has two older children, Arjun and Anshula. He met Sridevi while still married to Mona, later divorcing her to marry Sridevi. Together, they raised two daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor.
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DISCLAIMER: This article includes deeply personal insights regarding grief, the enduring effects of parental loss, and the emotional challenges faced under public scrutiny during personal crises. If you are struggling with grief or emotional distress, seeking support is a sign of resilience, and professional assistance is available to help you navigate your journey.
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