Janhvi Kapoor on coping with media scrutiny after Sridevi’s death

Janhvi Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most sought-after young stars, recently opened up about the personal turmoil she faced following the sudden demise of her mother, legendary actress Sridevi, in 2018. In an interview, Janhvi admitted that she developed a “cynical” outlook as a way of protecting herself from the relentless public scrutiny that followed her mother’s passing.

“Imagine losing your mother and it’s entertainment for half the nation,” she said, capturing the emotional dissonance of grieving privately while the rest of the country dissected her tragedy in headlines and talk shows. For Janhvi, the experience not only shaped her as a person but also revealed how insensitive public curiosity can sometimes be when it comes to celebrity lives.

The actress explained that while she appreciated the love and condolences that poured in from fans, she also struggled with how quickly personal pain turned into media spectacle. The constant coverage and speculation surrounding Sridevi’s death left her with little space to mourn in peace. “I became cynical, because that was the only way to survive. I realized people would consume my pain as news, and I had to distance myself from it emotionally,” she said.

Her remarks have resonated widely, sparking conversations about the ethical boundaries of media coverage during moments of loss. Many fans and commentators pointed out that celebrity families are often deprived of privacy at times when they need it most. Janhvi’s candidness is being seen as an important reminder that public figures, despite their fame, deserve compassion and dignity in moments of grief.

Since then, Janhvi has tried to channel her emotions into her work. Films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl and Mili have showcased her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to her characters, qualities that some critics believe stem from her personal experiences of resilience. She credits her mother’s teachings and memory as guiding forces in her career, while also acknowledging that Sridevi’s absence has left a void that no success can fill.

By speaking openly about her struggles, Janhvi has not only humanized her own journey but also highlighted a broader issue in celebrity culture—the fine line between admiration and intrusion. Her words serve as a call for empathy, reminding both media and audiences that grief, even when lived by public figures, is still profoundly personal.