Janhvi Kapoor recalls learning of Sridevi's death on Koffee With Karan 8
Synopsis
On Koffee With Karan season 8, Janhvi Kapoor described how she barged into Khushi's room crying after learning of Sridevi's death — only for Khushi to stop her own tears instantly and start comforting her elder sister. It is a rare, unfiltered look at how two daughters privately navigated one of Bollywood's most public tragedies.
Key Takeaways
Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor appeared on Koffee With Karan season 8 and spoke about learning of their mother Sridevi 's death.
Janhvi received the news via a phone call and immediately rushed to Khushi's room, where both initially broke down.
Khushi stopped crying the moment she saw Janhvi and instinctively took on a comforting, protective role.
Janhvi noted that Khushi shares traits with Sridevi — quiet off-camera but explosive in front of the lens.
Sridevi passed away in February 2018 in Dubai ; the cause was determined to be accidental drowning.
Janhvi Kapoor and her sister Khushi Kapoor opened up about the heartbreaking moment they discovered their mother Sridevi's death, during their appearance on season 8 of Koffee With Karan, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar. The candid exchange offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into how the sisters experienced one of the most shattering moments of their lives.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Janhvi revealed to Karan Johar that she was in her room at home when she received a phone call breaking the news of her mother's passing. Almost simultaneously, she could hear sounds of distress coming from Khushi's room nearby.
Recounting the moment, Janhvi said: 'When I got the call, I was in my room, and I could hear wailing from Khushi's room. I think I barged into her room, hauling and crying, but what I do remember is she looked at me, and the minute she looked at me, she just stopped crying. She just sat next to me and started comforting me, and I've never seen her cry about it since.'
Khushi's Quiet Strength
Khushi, who is the younger of the two sisters, explained that she instinctively felt the need to be the anchor for her family during that devastating period. 'I felt like I had to hold it together for everyone because I feel like I've always been the strong one,' she shared on the show.
The moment, as described by Janhvi, reflects how grief can manifest differently — where one sibling's visible distress prompted the other to suppress her own pain and step into a caretaking role almost instantly.
Janhvi Sees Sridevi in Khushi
Beyond the grief, the conversation also turned to what Janhvi sees as striking similarities between Khushi and their late mother. Janhvi observed that Khushi, much like Sridevi, is reserved in everyday life but transforms entirely when in front of the camera.
'She is a very quiet person and I think that is one thing she has in common with Mumma. But in front of the camera, she just explodes,' Janhvi said.
About Sridevi's Passing
Legendary actress Sridevi passed away in February 2018 in Dubai, where she had travelled to attend the wedding of her husband Boney Kapoor's nephew, Arjun Marwah. The cause of death was officially determined to be accidental drowning. Her sudden passing at the age of 54 sent shockwaves across Indian cinema and beyond, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of one of Bollywood's most iconic stars.
The sisters' candid reflections on Koffee With Karan serve as a reminder of the deeply human cost behind a tragedy that played out publicly — and how both Janhvi and Khushi have channelled their grief while forging their own paths in the film industry.
Point of View
One containing — say more about the weight they each carry than any interview question could. What is notable is how both sisters have continued to build careers in an industry their mother dominated, even as her shadow, six years on, remains very much present in how audiences and critics receive them.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Janhvi Kapoor say about learning of Sridevi's death?
Janhvi Kapoor said she was in her room when she received a phone call breaking the news, and she could simultaneously hear wailing from Khushi's room. She rushed in crying, but Khushi immediately stopped her own tears and began comforting Janhvi instead.
How did Khushi Kapoor react when she heard about Sridevi's death?
Khushi Kapoor was already crying when Janhvi entered her room, but she stopped the moment she saw her elder sister and took on a comforting role. She later explained that she felt she 'had to hold it together for everyone' as she considers herself the strong one in the family.
When and how did Sridevi die?
Sridevi passed away in February 2018 in Dubai, where she had gone to attend the wedding of her husband Boney Kapoor's nephew, Arjun Marwah. The official cause of death was determined to be accidental drowning.
What similarities did Janhvi Kapoor observe between Khushi and Sridevi?
Janhvi said Khushi shares Sridevi's quality of being reserved in everyday life but completely transforming in front of the camera. She described Khushi as 'a very quiet person' off-screen who 'just explodes' when performing.
Which episode featured Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor talking about Sridevi?
The sisters appeared together on season 8 of the chat show Koffee With Karan, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, where they discussed the personal moment they discovered their mother Sridevi's passing.
