Saturday, 17 July 2021 | Pioneer
The inimitable Surekha Sikri was as popular with the millennials as with their parents
Think Balika Vadhu, the serial that made waves right from the time it debuted on TV, and the first name that comes to mind in Dadisa. Surekha Sikri, the matriarch who ruled the family with an iron hand passed away at 75 in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest. The three-time National Award-winning actor made her film debut in the 1978 political drama Kissa Kursi Ka. But having become popular among the parents, Sikri caught the eye of the millennials in the domain of acting with the serial.
Sikri, who was born in Uttar Pradesh, graduated from National School of Drama (NSD) in 1971. Her father was in the Air Force and her mother, a teacher.
Sikri and made a mark with her sublime portrayal of roles in films, TV and on stage across a span of over 40 years. She balanced commercial films with the offbeat and made a mark in both. She won the National Award as Best Supporting Actress for Tamas (1988), Mammo (1995) and Badhaai Ho (2018). She was also a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989. But anyone who has seen her perform theatre knows that she owned the stage every single time she performed.
Her later notable works include TV series such as Just Mohabbat and Balika Vadhu.
A recent outing that one simply cannot forget is the 2020 OTT anthology Ghost Stories, where she played an ailing, bedridden woman who was being taken care of by a nurse named Sameera portrayed by Janhvi Kapoor. The then 74-year-old actress featured in the segment directed by Zoya Akhtar, which talked about the horrors of abandonment in old age.
It came tantalisingly close to her real-life health situation at that point in time.
Beyond the eerie mood and theme of the film, Sikri’s portrayal in Zoya’s segment was searing and struck a chord with viewers, more so because she was bedridden in real life, too. She had been unwell for quite some time, suffering from complications owing to a second brain stroke.
She suffered a paralytic stroke in 2018, shortly after the critically acclaimed Badhaai Ho released, and a brain stroke last year.
Bollywood pours condolences for the three-time National Award-winning actor
Neena Gupta
I received the sad news of Surekha Sikri’s demise. I thought of sharing my grief with you. She was my senior at National School of Drama, in the Repertory Company. We used to secretly watch her performances. I wished to become an actress like her someday. That was many, many years ago. Finally, when we worked together in Badhaai Ho, I used to watch her when she used to do her scenes. I learned so much from her and so much was left to learn. What commitment she had towards her work even at that age. There was a scene in Badhaai Ho, where she scolds my husband and his folks. She had to give a cue to me for my shots. She was asked to give a normal cue as she was behind the camera. But, be it 10 takes, she gave the cue with the same gusto with which she performed in front of the camera. There are very few people like her. I feel so sad she is no more.
Raj Babbar
Surekha ji, who had left an impact from theatre to big screen and then on television, and created an identity with her excellent performances, has left us. In my journey as an actor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with her several times and have been influenced by her. She will continue to survive among us through her strong characters. RIP Surekha ji.
Gajraj Rao
Making a film is like travelling in a train, where the journey is a destination in itself. You meet all kinds of co-passengers here. Some open up their tiffins and hearts to you, while some guard their luggage and eye you with suspicion. Badhaai Ho will always be that special train journey, which brought me to a new station in life, and I’m truly thankful that we had someone like Surekha ji as the emotional anchor of this ship. She was definitely the youngest at heart on the sets, and had no airs about her stature or endless experience as an actress. Her craft was defined by her years of homework and riyaaz as an actress, combined with a child-like enthusiasm. As all journeys must end eventually, we bid goodbye to Surekha ji. Thank you for all the wisdom and memories you have left us with.
Anupam Kher
Deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of my senior in National School of Drama and an actress par excellence Surekha Sikri. She was the queen of theatre in Delhi. Watching her perform in the play Look Back In Anger was an experience I will never forget. Thank you. Om Shanti.
Manoj Bajpayee
It’s a very sad news. One of the greatest talent Surekha Sikri ji passed away, leaving behind so many great performances in theatre and cinema. She was a treat to watch on stage. I can’t forget some of those memories of her act in theatre. Great craft and a graceful person! RIP.
Avika Gor
I am saddened to know about the demise of my mentor, a legend Surekha Sikri ji, one of the greatest actors and doyen of Indian cinema. She inspired generations of actors and will always be missed. RIP. Surekha ma’m showed the way with grace. She has been an inspiration to people like me who have aspired to be like her in every possible way. Her love and warmth is unmatched and there will never be another like her. I am very lucky to have started my journey with having her around. It was a blessing. I have learnt to stay grounded from her. On sets, she never made me feel that I was working with such an experienced person and I should behave in a certain way. She helped me grow. I learnt from her that everyday every character needs 100 per cent of you.
