The ongoing 71st Cannes International Film Festival honoured late Sridevi, who died suddenly in February this year in a Dubai hotel, with a special salute to the Sadma star at the Titan Reginald F Lewis Film Honours on Thursday.
Sridevi’s daughters -- Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi -- with their father Boney Kapoor were supposed to be present at the function. However, filmmaker Subhash Ghai received the award on behalf of Sridevi’s family.
Reacting to the announcement of Cannes intending to honour Sridevi, Boney had earlier said, “I’m happy that people from the world over are recognising her body of work and her contribution to cinema. Even though the overwhelming emptiness of losing her remains, it’s comforting to know that she lives on through her work.”
A footage dedicated to Sridevi was also screened at the Cannes event.
Subhash Ghai tweeted, “It was honour to receive Award on behalf of legend @SrideviBKapoor at @Festival_Cannes yesterday for her outstanding contribution in indian cinema n shared my experience with impeccable inimitable actor to western audience hosted by Titan Reginald F. Lewis film honours.”
“Janhvi, Khushi and I are overwhelmed with the recognition and tributes and love of millions of her fans being showered on her. Her work and life has touched so many hearts across the world and she has been an inspiration to millions. She will live forever, thanks to her body of work,” he added.
Sridevi was awarded the National Film Award in the best actress category for her performance in the Hindi film Mom, which also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna. At the 90th Academy Awards ceremony too, Sridevi was honoured in the ‘Memoriam’ section.
As Janhvi gears up for her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Dhadak opposite Ishaan Khatter, Boney plans to make a documentary on Sridevi.