Janhvi Kapoor on Grief and Media Scrutiny
Living in the spotlight can be incredibly challenging, especially for those from renowned film families in India. Recently, Janhvi Kapoor opened up about the intense scrutiny she faced after the tragic death of her mother, Sridevi. In an interview with Vogue, she shared how the media's relentless attention not only hindered her ability to grieve privately but also turned her sorrow into a spectacle for public consumption.
Janhvi recalled that during her childhood, celebrities often did not shield their children from paparazzi exposure. This lack of privacy led to a perception that she was privileged, overshadowing her true feelings and experiences. She candidly expressed how, following her mother’s death, every smile or moment of silence was dissected by the media. If she smiled while promoting her film, she was criticized for being too okay; if she remained quiet, she was labeled as cold.
Such treatment, she explained, was unfathomable, especially when she was dealing with the profound loss of her mother. Janhvi emphasized that the grief they experienced was compounded by the media's portrayal of their pain as entertainment. The dehumanization they faced made it difficult for her and her sister to show any vulnerability, leaving them feeling like they were not seen as real people by the public.
On February 24, 2018, Sridevi tragically passed away in Dubai, leaving a void in the lives of her family and millions of fans. At just 54 years old, her untimely demise was a shock to the film industry and served as a poignant backdrop to Janhvi's debut in Bollywood with "Dhadak" later that year.
Despite the challenges, Janhvi continues to pursue her career in the film industry. Her recent work includes the film "Param Sundari," which received mixed reviews and has earned over ₹32 crores. Looking ahead, she is set to appear in the Karan Johar-backed film "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari," alongside a talented cast, scheduled for release on October 2.
Janhvi's journey reflects the complex relationship between celebrity culture and personal grief, urging society to reflect on the humanity behind the headlines.
