On the occasion of what would have been Sridevi‘s 60th birthday, her absence is deeply felt by her family and legions of fans. Husband-producer Boney Kapoor and daughters Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor share heartfelt throwback pictures, reminiscing about the iconic actor. Sridevi, who passed away on February 24, 2018, continues to hold an irreplaceable place in the hearts of many.
Sridevi’s Path to Becoming Bollywood’s First Female Superstar
Born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayappar on August 13, 1963, in Tamil Nadu, Sridevi embarked on her acting journey at the tender age of four. Her remarkable career spanned five decades and encompassed nearly 300 films, captivating audiences across India and beyond. An exceptional talent, she achieved superstardom in various film industries, leaving an indelible mark in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema.
At the zenith of her career, she was hailed as the ‘female Amitabh Bachchan’ by media outlets, solidifying her position as Bollywood’s pioneering female superstar. Remarkably, she turned down an offer to star in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, citing that the role didn’t align with her established stardom. In a later interview with Bollywood Hungama, she explained her decision, highlighting the evolving landscape of Hollywood opportunities for Indian actors.
A Diverse Filmography and Unforgettable Roles
Sridevi’s filmography is a testament to her versatility and prowess as an actor. Her cinematic journey commenced with her portrayal as a child artist in Kandan Karunai and concluded with the acclaimed film Mom in 2017. From iconic classics like Chaal Baaz (1989) and Sadma (1983) to her triumphant comeback in English Vinglish (2012), her repertoire remains timeless.
Late director Yash Chopra, who directed her in Chandni (1989) and Lamhe (1991), once lauded her ability to immerse herself in diverse roles. Her performances ranged from depicting an amnesiac woman regressed to childhood in Sadma to embodying a shapeshifting snake-woman in Nagina.
Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Individuality
Addressing the concept of rivalry among female actors, Sridevi’s perspective was refreshingly unique. In an August 1990 interview with Filmfare, she quipped, “Where are the rivals? There can be rivalry only between two equals. My only rival at the moment is Sridevi. I’m constantly trying to upstage her. I’m doing it to the point of obsession.” Her approach shattered the stereotype of intense competition, emphasizing the value of self-improvement over comparison.
Reflecting on Sridevi’s Untimely Demise
Tragically, Sridevi’s life was cut short in 2018 when she passed away in a Dubai hotel bathroom. The autopsy report attributed her death to an ‘accidental drowning’ in the bathtub. At the time, she was in the United Arab Emirates to attend actor-nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding, accompanied by her husband Boney Kapoor and family. While her shocking demise left the entertainment world and her fans in mourning, some raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Intriguingly, a 2022 report by Medium mentioned filmmaker Sunil Singh’s assertion that Sridevi’s death was not accidental but a murder. Sunil Singh filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking an investigation into her death. His claim revolved around an insurance policy worth ₹240 crore held in Sridevi’s name in Oman, with a clause stipulating a Dubai death for claim eligibility. The Supreme Court, however, rejected this plea, pointing to the thorough investigation already conducted by authorities in the UAE.
As we celebrate what would have been Sridevi’s 60th birthday, her extraordinary journey from a child actor to Bollywood’s trailblazing female superstar remains an inspiration. Her legacy lives on through her remarkable body of work and the indomitable spirit she brought to every role she portrayed.