Ram Gopal Varma, the acclaimed director known for his candid revelations about the film industry, has once again stirred the pot with his recent comments on the late actress Sridevi. In the wake of Sridevi’s tragic and untimely death in 2018, which was ruled as accidental drowning due to loss of consciousness, Varma has opened up about the personal and professional struggles faced by the iconic star.
Sridevi, who was found deceased in a Dubai hotel bathtub, had a career that spanned decades, marked by both critical and commercial success. However, her passing was surrounded by controversy and speculation, including the presence of alcohol in her system. In this context, Varma’s revelations offer a poignant look into the pressures and insecurities that plagued the actress’s life.
In a Facebook post following Sridevi’s death, Varma detailed the actress’s fears and the extent to which she went to maintain her youthful appearance. “She was the most beautiful woman for so many people,” Varma wrote. “But did she think she was beautiful? Yes, she did, but every actress’s nightmare is age, and she was no exception. For years, she was doing occasional cosmetic surgeries, the effects of which can be clearly seen.”
Varma’s letter described Sridevi as someone who was “a little uptight,” attributing this demeanor to the psychological barriers she built around herself. According to Varma, these defenses were erected because she was fearful of exposing her insecurities. “She was panicky about anybody knowing what her insecurities were,” he explained, attributing this to her early and intense exposure to fame. “Not because of her fault, but because she was thrust into fame from a very young age, it never gave her a chance to be independent and be what she could really be.”
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In a subsequent interview with The New Indian Express, Varma elaborated on Sridevi’s rigorous diet and lifestyle choices. He revealed that she often starved herself to maintain her figure, an effort driven by her desire to look good on screen. “She often used to starve; she wanted to look good. She wanted to make sure she was in good shape, so that on-screen, she looks good,” Varma said. He added that her strict regimen led to health issues, including low blood pressure, which she did not take seriously until it was too late.
Varma’s comments also touched on the psychological toll that fame and public perception had on Sridevi. “She had to put on makeup and be somebody else not just in front of the camera, but also to put a psychological makeup to hide her real self behind the camera,” Varma noted. He also revealed that Sridevi was concerned about the future of her daughters and their acceptance in the industry, a common worry among star parents.
The director’s revelations have been both shocking and enlightening for many fans and industry insiders. Varma’s open letter serves as a sobering reminder of the often-hidden struggles faced by public figures, and the extreme measures some take to maintain their public image. His insights offer a broader commentary on the pressures of fame and the impact it can have on personal well-being.
While Sridevi remains deeply missed by her fans and the film industry, Varma’s candid reflections have sparked important conversations about the unrealistic standards imposed on celebrities and the toll they can take on individuals’ health and happiness.
