Fans Miss Sridevi as Shabana Azmi Posts Unseen Pic with Late Actor from Diwali Party: 'Feels Surreal to Look at Her Again'

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi recently shared a touching throwback photograph on her social media that brought back a flood of emotions from fans. The photo, taken at a Diwali celebration in 2017, features the late iconic actor Sridevi, along with Shabana Azmi herself, Sonali Bendre, Richa Chadha, and fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Also photobombing the shot, as noted by Azmi, was Niranjan Iyer.

The photo shows all the stars dressed in their festive best. Sridevi looked elegant in a red and white saree, Azmi wore a red salwar suit, Sonali Bendre stood out in a green and blue ensemble, Richa Chadha opted for white, and Manish Malhotra was dressed in traditional black. Azmi captioned the image playfully, mentioning the photobomber: “#Niranjan Iyer playing the photo bomber! At a Diwali party at Janki Kutir some years ago.”

As soon as the photo was shared, it sparked a wave of nostalgia and heartfelt comments from fans, especially those who continue to mourn the untimely passing of Sridevi. Admirers commented, “Feels surreal to look at Sridevi again,” and “This frame holds more star power than a Diwali sky.” Many called the picture “legendary” and “priceless,” noting how rare and special such candid captures are.

Sridevi, who passed away on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, was regarded as one of the most talented and influential actors in Indian cinema. Her sudden death shocked the nation. Over a career that spanned five decades and multiple languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada—Sridevi built a legacy that is revered even today. From emotionally rich performances in Sadma and Lamhe to commercial hits like Mr. India, Chandni, Chaalbaaz, and Nagina, she proved her versatility time and again.

Her final film, Mom (2017), was both critically and commercially successful and earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously. In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. Sridevi is survived by her husband, film producer Boney Kapoor, and their two daughters—actors Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.

Shabana Azmi, who posted the photo, is herself a legendary figure in Indian cinema. Known for her powerful performances in parallel and mainstream cinema alike, Azmi has received numerous accolades including the Padma Bhushan. She remains active in both film and digital media, and is currently involved in upcoming projects such as Dabba Cartel and Lahore 1947, in which she stars alongside Sunny Deol and Ali Fazal.

This photo shared by Azmi doesn’t just bring back memories of a festive evening—it also serves as a tender tribute to a star who left too soon. In doing so, it reminded fans of the enduring beauty, grace, and legacy of Sridevi, and the warmth and camaraderie shared by Bollywood’s beloved icons.