Exploring the Reasons Behind Kamal Haasan’s Decline of Sridevi’s Mother’s Marriage Proposal

When Sridevi's mother asked Kamal Haasan to marry her daughter, he declined the offer. This decision was rooted in several factors, including personal and professional reasons, cultural considerations, and the unique relationship between Kamal and Sridevi.

Understanding the Decision

Kamal Haasan’s refusal to marry Sridevi was primarily based on his belief that he was not ready for marriage at the time. At that stage in his career, Kamal was focused on his professional commitments and aspirations. His decision was influenced by both personal and cultural factors. His choice reflected a balance between his desire for growth in his career and his respect for the cultural expectations surrounding matrimony.

The Career and Personal Life of Sridevi and Kamal Haasan

Sridevi, the renowned actress, was at her peak during the late 1970s and 1980s. She was a major star in the Tamil film industry, starring in critical hits such as Himmatwala (1983). However, by the mid-1980s, Sridevi had significantly reduced her role in Tamil cinema. This was not due to any reluctance on her part but rather a strategic decision to focus on her career in Bollywood.

During this period, Sridevi's mother, Rajamma, would often accompany her to shoots and manage the various pressures she faced. Despite this, there were multiple attempts by both film industry professionals and political figures to seek a relationship with Sridevi. Her mother, however, managed to negotiate these pressures effectively, ensuring Sridevi's success in her career until the mid-1990s.

The Personal and Cultural Considerations

While there were no concrete reasons for Sridevi's mother to ask Kamal Haasan to marry her daughter, Kamal had already been dating Vani. His long-standing relationship with Vani and his prior interactions with Sridevi throughout her childhood clearly influenced his decision. Sridevi and Kamal had a professional relationship that started when she was a young teenager and continued well into her adulthood, with Kamal always referring to her as 'Sir'.

Kamal once mentioned in an interview, 'I had seen Sridevi as a 13-year-old and could never imagine seeing her as my wife.' This statement underscores how deeply rooted his respect for her was and how his emotional connection with her transformed over the years. Sridevi herself acknowledged that Kamal was more like a brother to her, which reflects the familial nature of their relationship.

Sridevi’s Mother’s Vision

Sridevi's mother, Rajamma, had a different perspective on her daughter's future. She desired for Sridevi to be married and settled in life, rather than continue acting. Rajamma believed that Kamal could protect and ensure a stable future for her daughter. This perspective was influenced by wider cultural norms where many actresses faced significant challenges after marriage, as highlighted by tragic examples such as Parveen Babi and Madhubala.

Despite these pressures, Rajamma played a crucial role in supporting Sridevi’s career. In 1997, Rajamma, with wisdom born of much experience, gave Sridevi a substantial sum of money (Rs. 3 million) as compensation following a wrongful medical operation. This gesture shows how deeply Sridevi's mother cared for her, ensuring she was financially secure despite the unfortunate circumstances.

In conclusion, Kamal Haasan’s decision to decline Sridevi’s mother's marriage proposal reflects a thoughtful and considered approach to his personal and professional life. It highlights the complex interplay of personal feelings, career aspirations, and cultural expectations that often influence such significant life decisions.