On the occasion of her mother Sridevi’s birth anniversary, Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor undertook a deeply personal and spiritual journey to Tirupati, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Clad in a resplendent yellow silk sari, Janhvi’s visit was not just a tribute to her late mother but also a reflection of the traditions, values, and the deep-seated faith that her family holds dear. This annual pilgrimage, a ritual she has maintained since her mother’s passing, serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between Janhvi and her legendary mother, Sridevi. This article delves into the significance of Janhvi Kapoor’s pilgrimage, the importance of Tirupati in her life and in Indian culture, the emotional resonance of the occasion, and how Janhvi’s choices in fashion during this sacred journey reflect both her personal style and her homage to her mother. We also explore the broader cultural context of such pilgrimages in Bollywood, where stars often blend their public personas with private acts of faith. Sridevi, often referred to as the “First Female Superstar” of Indian cinema, left an indelible mark on Bollywood with her unmatched talent, grace, and versatility. Her tragic passing in 2018 sent shockwaves through the industry and left a void in the lives of her family, especially her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor. For Janhvi Kapoor, her mother’s influence goes beyond the silver screen. Sridevi was not only a mentor in her burgeoning acting career but also a guiding force in her personal life. Sridevi’s devotion to her family, her values, and her cultural roots deeply shaped Janhvi’s worldview. This connection is most evident in the way Janhvi commemorates her mother’s birth anniversary each year, making the pilgrimage to Tirupati, a tradition that Sridevi herself cherished. Tirupati, located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the most sacred and visited temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, the temple is a symbol of devotion, faith, and spiritual solace for millions of devotees. Pilgrims from across the country and the world visit Tirupati to seek blessings, offer prayers, and fulfill vows. For Janhvi Kapoor, Tirupati holds a special place in her heart, not just as a site of religious significance, but as a space where she connects with her mother’s spirit. Sridevi was known to be deeply religious, often visiting Tirupati to offer prayers, especially during important moments in her life. This tradition has been carried forward by Janhvi, who finds solace and strength in maintaining this connection with her mother through these annual visits. Every year, on Sridevi’s birth anniversary, Janhvi Kapoor makes her way to Tirupati, a journey that is as much about spiritual rejuvenation as it is about honoring her mother’s memory. This pilgrimage has become a cornerstone of her annual rituals, a day when she disconnects from the hustle and bustle of her professional life to immerse herself in prayer and reflection.
Janhvi Kapoor glows in yellow silk sari, takes annual pilgrimage to Tirupati on mother Sridevi’s birth anniversary
The journey to Tirupati is not a mere formality for Janhvi; it is a deeply personal act of devotion. The pilgrimage often involves climbing the sacred steps to the temple, known as the “Tirumala Hills,” where devotees traditionally offer prayers. Janhvi’s dedication to this practice, despite her demanding schedule, underscores the importance she places on this ritual. The act of climbing the 3,500 steps to the temple is seen as a form of penance and dedication, a way to show one’s devotion to the deity. For Janhvi, this physical act is symbolic of her spiritual journey, one that is intertwined with her memories of her mother. It is an opportunity for her to seek blessings, not just for herself but for her family, and to feel a sense of closeness to Sridevi, who had walked the same path many times during her life. On this year’s pilgrimage, Janhvi Kapoor was seen wearing a stunning yellow silk sari, a choice that was both fashionable and deeply symbolic. In Indian culture, the color yellow is associated with positivity, prosperity, and light. It is often worn during auspicious occasions and religious ceremonies. By choosing a yellow sari, Janhvi not only adhered to traditional norms but also radiated the warmth and vibrancy that the color symbolizes. The sari itself is a garment steeped in tradition, representing grace, dignity, and cultural heritage. For Janhvi, wearing a sari on this sacred journey is a nod to her mother, who was often seen draped in exquisite saris during her lifetime. Sridevi’s love for the sari was well-known, and she popularized the garment both on and off-screen, making it a staple of her iconic style. Janhvi’s choice to wear a sari, especially one in a bold, joyful color like yellow, can be seen as a tribute to her mother’s timeless elegance. Janhvi’s appearance in the yellow silk sari at Tirupati also garnered attention for its simplicity and grace. In an era where celebrity fashion is often dominated by elaborate and sometimes ostentatious outfits, Janhvi’s choice stood out for its understated beauty. The sari, paired with minimal jewelry and a traditional gajra (flower garland) in her hair, emphasized her connection to her cultural roots and her desire to keep the focus on the spiritual nature of her visit. For Janhvi Kapoor, the pilgrimage to Tirupati is more than just a ritual—it is an emotional journey that allows her to connect with her mother on a spiritual level. Each visit is a reminder of the values that Sridevi instilled in her daughters: the importance of faith, the significance of tradition, and the power of family bonds.
