Sridevi

Sridevi, born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan on 13 August 1963 in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, was one of the most iconic and versatile actresses in Indian cinema. Her career, spanning over five decades, began at the tender age of four, and she went on to become the first female superstar of Indian cinema. Known for her expressive eyes, powerful screen presence, and incredible dancing skills, Sridevi left an indelible mark on both South Indian and Hindi films.

She made her debut as a child artist in the Tamil film Kandhan Karunai (1967) and went on to act in various Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada films. Her transition to lead roles started in her early teens, and by the late 1970s, she had established herself as a top actress in South Indian cinema with films like 16 Vayathinile (1977) and Moondram Pirai (1982), the latter earning her a National Film Award (Special Jury).

Sridevi’s entry into Bollywood came with Solva Sawan (1979), but it was Himmatwala (1983) opposite Jeetendra that made her a household name across India. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she delivered a series of blockbusters such as Sadma (1983), Nagina (1986), Mr. India (1987), Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991), Khuda Gawah (1992), and Judaai (1997). Known for her impeccable comic timing, emotional depth, and dance performances, Sridevi redefined the role of women in mainstream cinema.

After her marriage to film producer Boney Kapoor in 1996, Sridevi took a long break from films to focus on her family. She returned to the silver screen after 15 years with the critically acclaimed English Vinglish (2012), in which she portrayed a middle-class woman learning English to gain confidence and respect. Her performance was hailed as one of her finest and marked a remarkable comeback. Her final film was Mom (2017), where she played a mother seeking justice for her daughter—a role that earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress (posthumously).

Tragically, on 24 February 2018, Sridevi passed away in Dubai at the age of 54, leaving millions of fans across the world in shock. Her sudden demise was widely mourned, and she was honored with a state funeral in India. Sridevi’s legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her impact on Indian cinema. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke stereotypes, a master performer, and a beloved superstar who inspired generations of actors.