Sridevi, born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan on August 13, 1963, in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, was one of the most beloved and iconic actresses in Indian cinema. Starting her career at the age of four in the Tamil film Thunaivan (1969), she quickly became a popular child artist across South Indian cinema before transitioning into leading roles. By the time she entered Bollywood, she was already a star.
Her big breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with Himmatwala (1983), which made her an overnight sensation. That same year, Sadma showcased her incredible acting range, marking a turning point in her career. Her expressions and innocence in the role of a woman suffering from memory loss left a lasting impression.
In the following years, she delivered iconic performances in films like Mr. India, ChaalBaaz, Chandni, and Lamhe. Each role displayed her versatility from comedy to drama to romance. After a 15-year break, she made a stunning comeback with English Vinglish (2012), proving her brilliance had only grown with time.
In her personal life, Sridevi married filmmaker Boney Kapoor in 1996 after a controversial courtship. Together, they had two daughters, Janhvi and Khushi. Janhvi later followed in her mother’s footsteps, entering Bollywood in 2018.
Sridevi’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2013. She also received several Filmfare Awards and was posthumously awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress in Mom (2017), where she played a mother seeking justice for her daughter.
On February 24, 2018, the world was shocked by the sudden news of her death in Dubai. The official cause was accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub. Her unexpected demise at 54 brought immense sorrow across the nation, and fans and celebrities alike mourned the loss of a legend.
Sridevi’s legacy is timeless. She was not just an actress but a phenomenon who redefined stardom for women in Indian cinema. Even after her passing, she remains a symbol of grace, strength, and cinematic excellence.
