It was as if the entire Bollywood fraternity had converged to welcome and applaud the coming back of the gorgeous and versatile actor Sridevi, who has made her come back, after 15 years, with ‘English Vinglish’.
Her last release was ‘Judaai’, back in 1997. The premiere of ‘English Vinglish’ was the largest premiere of the year so far.
English Vinglish marks Gauri Shinde’s directorial debut and Sridevi’s return to the big screen after more than 14 years.
Set in New York, the film follows a Maharashtrian woman’s struggle with English language and the insecurities she faces because of it. The film’s also releasing in Tamil and Telugu while its Hindi version includes a guest appearance by Amitabh Bachchan.
Sridevi was accompanied by her husband Boney Kapoor and two lovely daughters, Jhanvi and Kushi for the premiere. The premiere was graced by the presence of Bollywood mega stars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Ashutosh Gowariker, Ramesh Sippy, Tabu, Madhuri Dixit, who was also a rival of Sridevi in the 1980’s. (SEE PHOTOS)
To name a few of the other celebrities present for the premiere were, Shilpa Shetty, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Kapoor , Bipasha Basu, Ayesha Takia, Anne Bazmee Konkona Sen Sharma and Sonali Kulkarni.
English Vinglish, touches a chord with the audience, by portraying an intelligent home maker who has made a business out of her culinary skills. Who even though is a caring wife, daughter-in-law and mother, she has to put up with constant jibes and ridicules of her daughter and her husband, for not knowing the English language.
The need to learn the language is not just because she doesn’t know it, but also because she wants to seek her share of spotlight under the sun. All she seeks is equality, she seeks respect. Knowing the language is a tool and will empower her. “I don’t want love, I want respect.” The finale dialogue confirms that.
“Sridevi is in her own league and we are nothing in front of her”, said Shilpa.
“A viewing of ‘English Vinglish’ directed by Gauri Shinde, wife of R Balki tonight, leaves me with collective lumps in the throat and a surge of flushed eyes near the tear ducts. It is the uncontrollable effect of appreciation that prevents one from expressing any at all,” wrote Amitabh Bachchan on his blog.
“I wish her all the best”, said Madhuri who had come with her husband, Sriram Nene.
