Producer Boney Kapoor has finally spoken about the long-standing controversy surrounding late actress Sridevi’s decision to decline the role of Sivagami in Baahubali. He clarified that she did not refuse the film because of excessive demands, but due to unfair salary offers and misleading rumors spread by the producers.
In a recent interview, Kapoor explained that director SS Rajamouli had met Sridevi to discuss the project and was deeply impressed with her insights. However, once Rajamouli left the meeting, the producers offered her a fee that was even less than what she had earned for English Vinglish. Kapoor strongly defended his wife, saying, She was not a struggling actor. She brought value in both Hindi and Tamil markets, so why would she accept less?
He also accused producer Shobu Yarlagadda of spreading false stories about Sridevi’s supposed demands, including claims that she wanted an entire hotel floor, a huge entourage, and costly perks. Kapoor stressed that the only request they made was to schedule major shoots during their children’s holidays. These producers fed Rajamouli the wrong information, Kapoor said, adding that such accusations were unfair to an actress with Sridevi’s stature and professionalism.
Sridevi herself had addressed these rumors before her passing in 2018, expressing sadness over Rajamouli’s remarks. She said her decades-long career and over 300 films were proof that she was never unprofessional. Later, Rajamouli admitted he regretted making those comments publicly.
Kapoor concluded by pointing out that legendary filmmakers like Yash Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, and K. Raghavendra Rao had worked with Sridevi repeatedly, which itself proved her professionalism.
