Way back in the 1970-’80s, when Sridevi was trying to carve a film career for herself, there was one severe impediment that always came in her way language. Not being well versed with Hindi and English, the actor would struggle to learn her dialogues in pure Hindi.

Two decades later, life seems to have come full circle for the star. She makes her big Bollywood comeback with English Vinglish 15 years after her last film Judaai — and admits that her personal language woes were a major reason to accept the role in the first place.

“One of the reasons Sriji chose English Vinglish was because she personally connects with the lead character. Hence, when director Gauri Shinde read the script to her, she instantly agreed,” says an insider close to the film. Sridevi, who gained immense popularity as an actor in the south initially, decided to venture into Bollywood. That’s when her real fight began. “Initially, her command over English and Hindi was very weak. She struggled with dialogue,” says the insider.

When contacted, Sridevi confirms: “There are a few scenes I could definitely relate to that I thought would even strike a chord with the audience. Most of the languages I experimented with, Malayalam, Kannada or Hindi, have been difficult. I remember directors telling me that I was a parrot, and that I should just mug up the lines.”