On the 24th of February 2018, India lost one of Bollywood’s greatest superstars, Sridevi Kapoor. Known for her luminous eyes and charming persona – billions of hearts beat furiously to accept the fact that they are never going to witness that again. Regardless of such an abrupt ending to such a beautiful journey on the silver screen, many still cherish her for her unique talent. If Indian cinema has made it to hundred years, Sridevi was in fifty of them.
Sridevi was born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in Tamil Nadu and starred in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Sridevi made her debut as a child artist at the age of four in the 1967 Tamil film, Kandan Karunai. She was considered as one of the most popular Indian actresses and also received two Filmfare Awards and three Filmare Awards South.
Sridevi made her Bollywood debut in the 1979 film, Solwa Sawan and soon after she made her own place in Bollywood with the 1983 film, Sadma. She often played funny, outspoken and feisty roles in Indian cinema which caught the attention of many viewers as her performance was always so unique and broke all sorts of stereotypes in the film industry. Some of her other blockbuster films include Chaalbaaz (1989), Mr India (1987), Lamhe (1991), Himmatwala (1983), Chandni (1989).
Sridevi’s performance in the movie 'Mr India', directed by Shekhar Kapur was one of the highest peaks of her career. This film got her the widespread recognition she desired for and since then gave her titles including the “show-stealer” or the “most hilarious actress”.
With all the recognition she received for her great performances in a number of iconic films, it was her dance numbers that left billions of fans hooked onto her.
Sridevi will be fondly remembered as the ‘Hawa Hawaii’ girl. Her expressions, costumes and inimitable dance moves in the song left everyone’s hearts and feet dance with immense joy. When the song ‘Mere haathon mein nau nau choodiyan’ from her blockbuster film Chandni was released, she became an overnight inspiration for many dance aspirants. All the viewers loved this song as it celebrated Sridevi’s sheer brilliance as a dancing icon.
In 2013, Sridevi, was awarded the Padma Sri, an award given to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service and Public Affairs. For Sridevi it was for her illustrious career over four great decades and unbelievable efforts in the film industry.
Her death may have been unexpected, but this Bollywood diva will always rule over millions of hearts that have and will always adore and cherish her.
RIP and may future generations be inspired by the legacy you left behind.