Did you know Sridevi was paid more than Rajinikanth during ‘Moondru Mudichu’?

Sridevi’s demise in 2018 was a shocking incident for the entertainment industry. Sridevi’s husband, Boney Kapoor, along with their children, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, shared some heartwarming memories on her 61st birthday yesterday (August 13). Sridevi made a significant impact in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. She shared close bonds with many superstars of her era, including a particularly special relationship with superstar Rajinikanth. Interestingly, there was a time when Sridevi earned more than Rajinikanth for a film, highlighting her immense popularity and value in the industry.


In an old chat on Prakash Raj's show 'Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi,' Sridevi shared a story about her first film as a heroine, ‘Moondru Mudichu’ (1976), directed by K. Balachander. In the film, Sridevi was paid Rs 5,000, while Rajinikanth earned Rs 2,000, and Kamal Haasan, being the most established actor at the time, received Rs 30,000. Sridevi highlighted that both she and Rajinikanth were newcomers then, which is why they were paid less compared to Kamal Haasan.

She further added that Rajinikanth was very close to her mother, more like a son. Rajinikanth used to discuss how he could become a big star like Kamal Haasan during those days. Sridevi’s mother used to reassure him, giving him hope that he too would gain popularity like the Ulaga Nayagan. Rajinikanth aspired to earn the amount Kamal Haasan was paid at that time.

Sridevi recounted a humorous moment during the filming of a picnic scene in ‘Moondru Mudichu,’ where Kamal Haasan falls into a lake, and Rajinikanth doesn't help him. Sridevi mistakenly yelled "Pootare Pootare" instead of "Poitare Poitare," a colloquial variation that made Kamal Haasan laugh so hard that it caused the boat to shake. The director, K. Balachander noticed the shaking and questioned what was happening.