In the lavish tapestry of Indian cinema, few stars shine as brightly as Rajinikanth and Sridevi. Two legends who scripted their own fate with unrestrained talent, charm, and timeless performances, their on-screen encounters are cherished. But in real life, a less-witnessed and extremely emotional chapter once bound them together—one of appreciation, love, and an unstated proposal that went without a proper reciprocation.
A Glimpse into the Past: Rajinikanth’s Profound Respect for Sridevi
Commonly known as “Thalaiva,” Rajinikanth has enjoyed a prolific career that now spans more than half a century. From Telugu and Tamil superhits to roles that have been etched in Hindi and Kannada memories, his legacy is unparalleled in Indian cinema. Sridevi, on the other hand, was the first pan-India female superstar, a shining mix of elegance, beauty, and unmatched acting ability.
Their paths crossed professionally many times, starting in 1976 with the film Moondru Mudichu, directed by the legendary K. Balachander. At the time, Sridevi was only 13 and, interestingly, played Rajinikanth’s stepmother on-screen, a detail that always fascinated fans. From that odd pairing grew one of the most intriguing professional partnerships in Indian cinema.
The Housewarming Party That Almost Changed Everything
According to a widely circulated anecdote, Rajinikanth once contemplated proposing marriage to Sridevi. The setting? A housewarming party at Sridevi’s new residence. The moment? Quiet, hopeful, and abruptly interrupted.
Filmmaker K. Balachander, who introduced Rajinikanth to Tamil cinema, once recounted the incident in an old interview. He revealed that Rajinikanth was deeply smitten with Sridevi and was seriously considering proposing to her. On the day of her griha-pravesh (housewarming), the superstar arrived with intent and emotion. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
As Rajinikanth stood in her home, ready to express what might have been a life-changing proposal, the power suddenly went out, plunging the house into darkness. The moment, already charged with emotion, took a turn. Rajinikanth, who believed in omens, took the blackout as a bad sign. He chose not to go through with the proposal and left without ever revealing his feelings to Sridevi.
A Quiet Farewell to What Might Have Been
Rajinikanth never went back on the notion in public. Though he admired her immensely, he always kept a professional and respectful distance from Sridevi. Their relationship remained in place—warm, but not romantic. Maybe that is what makes this so sad. It is a world where celebrity romances play out in the open, and this was one romance that remained secret, unspoken, and ultimately, unrealized.
It’s interesting to note that Sridevi herself was very private about her personal life. She later got married to producer Boney Kapoor in 1996 and concentrated on bringing up their daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi, and carried on working with chosen films.
On-Screen Chemistry Across Languages and Genres
Rajinikanth and Sridevi appeared in a number of critically acclaimed films together in four languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Some of the films they have worked in include 16 Vayathinile (1977), a cult Tamil film in which their energetic performances had a lasting effect. In Johnny (1980), Rajinikanth’s performance as a dual character opposite Sridevi earned him critical appreciation.
In Hindi cinema, the pair was seen together on screen in Bhagwaan Dada (1986) and the beloved hit film Chaalbaaz (1989), in which Rajinikanth had a supporting role. Their last Tamil film together, Naan Adimai Illai (1986), marked the end of their frequent collaborations.
Despite never being romantically linked publicly, their performances displayed incredible chemistry, further fueling audience curiosity and nostalgic affection for what might have been.
The Final Chapters: Then and Now
Sridevi, regarded as one of the most versatile actresses India has ever seen, passed away tragically in 2018. Her final lead role was in the 2017 thriller Mom, a film that reaffirmed her position as a powerhouse performer. She later made a posthumous cameo in Shah Rukh Khan’s film Zero in 2018.
Rajinikanth, on the other hand, continues to reinvent himself. He is 74 years old and yet a box office phenomenon. His next film, Coolie, an action-thriller, will hit screens on August 14, 2025, the Independence Day weekend. The film will go head-on against War 2 in Hindi, generating buzz even prior to its teaser launch.
A Story That Lives in Silences
Rajinikanth’s tale of unexpressed love for Sridevi is one of the most interesting “what-ifs” in the history of Indian cinema. It is a reminder that even such megastars have untold tales of vulnerability, hesitation, and moments lost in time.
Usually, even in a life of lights, claps, and the spotlight, the most human of moments are in quiet, like a silent goodbye in an empty space, where love hung only one line away.