Sridevi, born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan on August 13, 1963, in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, was destined to become one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema. Her father, Ayyapan Yanger, was a lawyer, and her mother, Rajeswari Yanger, was a homemaker. Sridevi had one sister and two stepbrothers. From a very young age, her natural expressions, innocence, and screen presence made her stand out.
She began acting at the tender age of four, appearing in the Tamil film “Kandan Karunai” (1967), where she portrayed the role of young Lord Muruga. Her remarkable ability to emote without formal training astonished filmmakers, paving the way for her to become a child superstar in South Indian cinema before conquering Bollywood.
Journey in South Indian Cinema
Before her Bollywood debut, Sridevi had already established herself as a leading actress in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. Some of her early hits include “Moondru Mudichu” (1976) and “16 Vayathinile” (1977), opposite Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
By the late 1970s, she was one of the most sought-after actresses in the South Indian film industry, known for her ability to balance glamour, comedy, and intense drama. Films like “Premabhishekam” (1981) and “Padaharella Vayasu” (1978) further cemented her as a versatile and powerful performer.
Her success in regional cinema set the stage for her monumental transition to Bollywood, where she would redefine the role of a heroine forever.
Rise to Stardom in Bollywood
Sridevi made her Bollywood debut as a lead actress with “Solva Sawan” (1979), but her big breakthrough came with “Himmatwala” (1983) opposite Jeetendra. The film’s massive success made her an overnight sensation and earned her the title of “Thunder Thighs”, a term used by the media to describe her energetic dancing and screen presence — though she soon proved that her talent went far beyond glamour.
The 1980s and 1990s marked the golden era of Sridevi’s career. She delivered back-to-back blockbusters, becoming India’s first true female superstar — someone who could carry a film entirely on her shoulders.
Her iconic performances include:
- Sadma (1983): A heartbreaking portrayal of a woman suffering from amnesia; widely considered one of her best performances.
- Mr. India (1987): Her role as Seema — strong, witty, and graceful — alongside Anil Kapoor, made her a national favorite.
- Chandni (1989): A Yash Chopra classic where she symbolized purity, love, and beauty.
- ChaalBaaz (1989): A double role that displayed her comic timing and emotional depth — she won a Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
- Lamhe (1991): One of Bollywood’s boldest and most emotionally complex films, where she played both mother and daughter.
- Judaai (1997): A powerful role that balanced ambition, emotion, and morality.
Sridevi was known for her expressive eyes, unmatched dance moves, and ability to transform herself for every role — from comedy to tragedy, from simple village girls to urban divas.
Style and Legacy as a Superstar
Sridevi wasn’t just a phenomenal actress — she was a style icon who influenced an entire generation. Her chiffon sarees from Chandni, her quirky looks from Mr. India, and her glamorous dresses in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja became fashion statements.
She was also known for her impeccable dancing skills. Songs like “Hawa Hawai,” “Na Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai,” and “Main Teri Dushman” remain legendary, blending elegance and energy in perfect harmony.
At a time when Bollywood was dominated by male superstars, Sridevi broke all stereotypes, becoming the highest-paid actress in India, commanding respect and box-office power equal to her male counterparts.
Personal Life
Sridevi’s personal life attracted immense media attention. She married Boney Kapoor, a renowned film producer, in 1996. The couple shared a loving bond, despite occasional controversies surrounding their relationship. They were blessed with two daughters — Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.
A devoted mother, Sridevi took a long break from acting to focus on her family, especially nurturing Janhvi’s acting aspirations. Her comeback years later proved that her charm and talent were eternal.
Despite her fame, she was known for her introverted and gentle nature, preferring privacy over publicity. Family, spirituality, and humility remained the cornerstones of her personal life.
Comeback and Final Years
After a 15-year hiatus, Sridevi returned to the silver screen with “English Vinglish” (2012), directed by Gauri Shinde. The film was both a commercial and critical success, earning her immense praise for portraying a middle-class woman rediscovering her confidence.
Her final complete film, “Mom” (2017), showcased her in a powerful role as a mother seeking justice for her daughter. The performance earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress (posthumously).
In 2018, the world was shocked by her untimely death in Dubai due to accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub. The news sent shockwaves across the globe, and tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and leaders. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to live through her films and family.
Awards and Achievements
Sridevi’s contribution to Indian cinema has been recognized with numerous honors:
- Padma Shri (2013) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award
- National Film Award (2018) for Mom
- 5 Filmfare Awards across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema
- Honored by various international film festivals and organizations for her impact on Indian cinema
Legacy and Influence
Sridevi remains an immortal figure in Indian cinema. She was the first true female superstar, setting benchmarks for generations of actresses to follow — from Madhuri Dixit to Deepika Padukone.
Directors and critics often describe her as a “complete actress” — a rare combination of beauty, talent, grace, and versatility. Her influence extends beyond films, shaping how India perceives women in entertainment — strong, independent, and emotionally powerful.
Her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, continue her legacy, carrying forward her elegance and passion for cinema.
Conclusion
Sridevi’s journey from a small-town child actress to the undisputed queen of Indian cinema is one of hard work, resilience, and pure brilliance. She broke barriers, redefined stardom, and inspired millions.
Even in her absence, her films continue to light up screens, reminding us that legends never die — they simply become eternal stars in the sky of art and memory.
