SRIDEVI
Starring in over 300 films across her half-century of acting, Sridevi was more than one of the most recognised faces in Indian cinema; she was a true icon. Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, she began her career age four in 1967’s Kandhan Karunai. However, it was her role as amnesiac Nehalata in 1983’s Sadma that cemented her position as one of India’s finest leading ladies. She followed her initial success with films like ChaalBaaz, where she played twin sisters, 1987’s cult classic Mr India and box office smash Chandni. Her varied roles, loveable characters and on-screen presence made Sridevi one of the most loved figures in Indian – and global - film history.
After her tragic death on the 24th of February at the age of 54 – an event that not only trended globally on twitter but became one of the biggest news stories out of India this decade - Sridevi was cremated with state honours and a gun salute. As a swan song, her most recent film, Thondimuthalam Driksakshiyum, swept the board at the National Film Awards, with Sridevi herself posthumously awarded the award for Best Actress. In the words of her husband, producer Boney Kapoor, “to the world, she was their Chandni, the actor par excellence, their Sridevi.”
Quotes and Praise
“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 constantly trying to upstage her…I’m doing it to the point of obsession.”
“Nothing is more important than your children.”
“I don’t take it as a comeback as I never quit the industry.”
Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist (1970)
Filmfare Award for Best Actress (1982, 1990, 1992, 1992)
Padma Shri (2013)
National Film Award for Best Actress (2018)