Urmila Matondkar on Judaai: 'Sridevi's presence alone could make you nervous'
Synopsis
Nearly 28 years after 'Judaai' released, Urmila Matondkar has admitted that standing in front of Sridevi on set was enough to make her break into a sweat. Her candid account on 'India's Best Dancer Season 5' is a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the kind of quiet authority Sridevi commanded — not just on screen, but behind the cameras too.
Key Takeaways
Urmila Matondkar appeared as a special guest on 'India's Best Dancer Season 5' and recalled the making of 'Judaai' (1997) .
She described working alongside Sridevi as 'deeply intimidating', citing the late actress's powerful presence and passionate dedication to her craft.
Matondkar specifically referenced the filming of the song 'Haan Mujhe Pyaar Hua Allah Miya' as a particularly challenging scene to perform. 'Judaai' was produced by Boney Kapoor and had already become a major hit in South India before its wider release.
The film's cast also included Anil Kapoor , Kader Khan , Farida Jalal , Paresh Rawal , and Johnny Lever , among others.
Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar has revealed that shooting the 1997 blockbuster 'Judaai' was one of the most intimidating experiences of her career, owing largely to the overwhelming screen presence and artistic dedication of the late Sridevi. Matondkar, who played the role of Janhvi in the film, made these candid disclosures during a recent appearance on the dance reality show 'India's Best Dancer Season 5'.
Behind the Cameras of a Classic
Appearing as a special guest alongside judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis, Matondkar took a nostalgic trip back to the making of the iconic film. She admitted that performing scenes opposite both Sridevi and superstar Anil Kapoor felt simultaneously surreal, funny, and deeply nerve-wracking.
Notably, 'Judaai' had already established itself as a massive hit in South India before its wider release, which added another layer of pressure on the cast during production.
What Urmila Said About Working With Sridevi
Matondkar spoke candidly about the experience, particularly referencing a scene tied to the hit song 'Haan Mujhe Pyaar Hua Allah Miya'. In her own words: 'Ye film South mai already bohot badi hit ban chuki thi lekin jab main ye film karne gayi toh itna funny laga aur itna vichitra laga mujhe laga ki main kaise karungi ye scene sach mein. Agar vo scene dekho upar se, vo bhi the one and only Sridevi ke saamne, jin ke saamne khade rehne ke liye paseene chhoot jaye aur unke samne iss tarah ke scene karna, kyuki vo bohot hi dedicated, passionate kala kaar the, mujhe alag se kehne ki zarurat nahi hain, and ofcourse the one and only legendary Anil Kapoor ji.'
In essence, she described Sridevi as an exceptionally dedicated and passionate artist whose very presence commanded a kind of reverence that made even seasoned performers feel the pressure. She added that sharing the frame with Anil Kapoor made the experience all the more special and memorable.
About the Film 'Judaai'
'Judaai', produced by Boney Kapoor, centred on the story of a wife who exchanges her husband for a large sum of money, only to realise the grave mistake she has made by allowing a third person into her marriage for the sake of wealth and luxury. The film featured a stellar ensemble cast including Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, Kader Khan, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Upasana Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Dinesh Hingoo, and Saeed Jaffrey, among others.
Legacy and Impact
Nearly three decades after its release, 'Judaai' continues to be remembered as one of the defining films of Sridevi's later career and a significant milestone for Matondkar as well. The actress's willingness to openly discuss the personal anxieties that come with working alongside a legend speaks to a broader conversation about the towering influence Sridevi had on her contemporaries. Her legacy remains a benchmark in Hindi cinema, and recollections like Matondkar's keep that conversation alive.
Point of View
Herself a formidable performer, felt nervous not because of any intimidation from Sridevi but purely from the weight of sharing the frame with her. In an industry where contemporaries rarely speak this candidly about each other, this account stands out. It also raises a broader point: the stories that best preserve a legend's legacy are often the ones told by those who stood next to them, not those written in obituaries.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Urmila Matondkar say about working with Sridevi in 'Judaai'?
Urmila Matondkar said that Sridevi's presence alone was enough to make one nervous, describing the experience of performing scenes alongside her as 'deeply intimidating'. She noted that Sridevi was an exceptionally dedicated and passionate artist.
Where did Urmila Matondkar share these memories about 'Judaai'?
Matondkar shared these recollections during her appearance as a special guest on the dance reality show 'India's Best Dancer Season 5', alongside judges Karisma Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis.
What was Urmila Matondkar's role in 'Judaai' (1997)?
Urmila Matondkar played the character of Janhvi in 'Judaai', a role widely regarded as one of the finest performances of her career. The 1997 film was produced by Boney Kapoor and starred Sridevi and Anil Kapoor in the lead roles.
What is the plot of the 1997 film 'Judaai'?
'Judaai' tells the story of a wife who agrees to exchange her husband for a large sum of money, only to realise the grave error of inviting a third person into her marriage for material gain. The film was a major commercial success, particularly in South India.
Who were the other cast members in 'Judaai' (1997)?
Apart from Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, and Urmila Matondkar, 'Judaai' featured Kader Khan, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Upasana Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Dinesh Hingoo, and Saeed Jaffrey, among others.
