Neena Gupta, Gajaraj Rao remember Surekha Sikri

Amit Sharma’s Badhaai Ho was veteran actress Surekha Sikri’s last screen appearance. Her co-stars Neena Gupta and Gajaraj Rao in Badhaai Ho reminisce fondly about Surekha Sikri. Says Neena Gupta, “She was my senior at the National School Drama. We all used to look up to her. She would work in the repertory company of the NSD and her work was always outstanding. I used to watch her closely. Even during the shooting of Badhaai Ho I would still observe her acting. There was so much to learn from her. She was a great actor and remained one till her end.”

Neena lights up remembering her shooting with Surekha Sikri. “We had a ball shooting with her. She was so much fun to be with, so full of life. She used to bring her newspaper to the set every morning, and would read it until she was called for a shot. She could talk on any subject under the sun. She was an amazing woman. I am going to miss her.”

Adds Gajaraj Rao, “Yes sadly we’ve lost one of our best actors. She was so well-read and such a sensitive artiste. My experience working with her during Badhaai Ho was a very happy one. She was not much of a talker. She didn’t waste her time in idle chatter. But during rehearsals before she faced the camera she inspired all of us with her passion and dedication. Ghazab ke unka dedication ttha.”

Gajaraj elaborates on the actress’ fierce commitment to getting it right. “She had lengthy 2-3 page dialogues in Badhaai Ho. She was always prepared. She always remembered every dialogue because she did her homework before coming on the set. Our director Amit Sharma filmed 8-9 takes. She never hesitated in doing any number of takes happily. It was very inspiring working with her. I am going to miss her.”

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