Sridevi, born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan on the 13th of August in 1963, was a name and a period in Indian cinema. During five decades, she dominated people's hearts within India, bequeathing us a legacy unequaled for its depth, versatility, and elegance. The "First Female Superstar" of Indian cinema, Sridevi was, by far, a pioneer who transformed the stature of women working in the movies.
Early Years and Success in South Indian Cinema (1963–1982)
Sridevi started acting at a very young age of four, debuting as a child artist in the Tamil film Kandhan Karunai (1967). Her abilities were noticed right from the beginning, and she soon became one of the most sought-after child artists in South Indian cinema. She had already moved to lead characters by the time she hit her teen years, raking in huge fame with Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films.Movies like Moondru Mudichu (1976), 16 Vayathinile (1977), and Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) showcased her immense range and screen presence.
Breakthrough and Stardom in Bollywood (1983–1991)
Sridevi’s entry into Hindi cinema marked the beginning of a new chapter not just for her, but for Bollywood itself. Though she had appeared in a few Hindi films earlier, it was Himmatwala (1983) opposite Jeetendra that catapulted her to stardom in the Hindi film industry. Her comedic timing, glamour, and dance moves quickly endeared her to audiences across the country.
She followed this with a series of blockbuster successes such as Tohfa (1984), Mr. India (1987), Chandni (1989), and ChaalBaaz (1989) in which she enacted double roles with breathtaking brilliance. Lamhe (1991), although too early in terms of time, is one of her best-rated performances. With male stars monopolizing the screen space, Sridevi ruled on equal ground, starring in films on merit.
Prolonged Success and Sabbatical (1992–1997)
Sridevi maintained her supremacy during the early '90s with such movies as Khuda Gawai (1992), Laadla (1994), and Judaai (1997).Shortly after her marriage to producer Boney Kapoor in 1996 and giving birth to her daughters, she was nowhere to be seen on the silver screen and instead focused on her family life. She made some sporadic appearances on television shows during the time, including the series Malini Iyer.
Comeback and Final Roles (2004–2018)
Following a 15-year hiatus, Sridevi returned to the screen in a triumphant manner with English Vinglish (2012), which earned her both national and international recognition. The film featured her as a homemaker, rediscovering her identity, a role that struck a chord with the audience.Her final film, Mom (2017), cast her in a fierce, vengeful avatar and won her a National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously.
National Mourning and Tragic Death
Sridevi’s untimely death on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, shocked the entire nation. Initially attributed to cardiac arrest, later reports confirmed accidental drowning. Her funeral in Mumbai witnessed massive crowds and a state honour, a testament to her unparalleled impact on Indian cinema.
Legacy and Influence
Sridevi is an enduring icon. From her expressive eyes and effortless dance steps to her ability to shift between languages and genres, she created a benchmark for women actors. Her daughter Janhvi Kapoor and generations of actresses after her name her as an inspiration. Her performances are taught in film schools, and her songs continue to enchant fans worldwide.
Awards and Honours
•Padma Shri (2013): India's fourth-highest civilian award.
• National Film Award (Posthumous for Mom, 2018)
• Filmfare Awards: Several wins in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
• Lifetime Achievement Awards by various institutions.
• Special Honours: Received at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, and recalled at Cannes and Oscars 2018 in memoriam tributes.
Sridevi's path from a child wonder to a darling superstar in India's regional and national films is one of excellence, determination, and elegance. Her name remains imprinted on the heart of each Indian cinema fan, a legend who continues to inspire years after her last curtain call.
