Rajamouli has emerged as India’s number one director with Baahubali, and the rest is history. The film not only elevated him but also benefited its entire cast and crew. Ramya Krishnan, who played the iconic Sivagami, is one of the biggest examples.
In an interview with Komal Nahta, Boney Kapoor revealed why Sridevi missed out on the Sivagami role. He blamed the producer Shobu Yarlagadda, saying the remuneration offered was lower than what Sridevi received for English Vinglish. He openly admitted that she was not a struggling actress, so she naturally preferred the better-paying project.
But in doing so, Boney Kapoor himself acknowledged that he guided his wife to prioritize money over what could have been a lifetime-defining role. He even went as far as using the words “damn producer” to justify her missing the opportunity. The irony, however, is that the “damn producer” was not the problem. It was his own advice that cost Sridevi the chance to play Sivagami, a role that touched millions and crossed industry boundaries.
While English Vinglish was a respected film, a character like Sivagami in Baahubali is not something one rejects over payment negotiations. It is the kind of role that demands to be embraced. By prioritizing money, Mr. Boney Kapoor, you misjudged, and in the process, your wife missed out on an unforgettable place in cinematic history.
