August 13th marks the birth anniversary of Sridevi, India’s first female superstar, who redefined stardom, style, and screen presence in Indian cinema. Born in 1963, Sridevi would have turned 62 today. Though she left us in 2018, her legacy continues to shine brightly in the hearts of millions. Her journey from a child actor to a Bollywood legend is not just the story of an actress—it’s the story of a revolution in Indian cinema.
A One-Of-A-Kind Experience in the World of Cinema
Sridevi started her career at the young age of 4 in the Tamil movie Kandan Karunai. Then, she explored Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada movies prior to starring in Hindi cinema. It was not her looks or acting skills that made her unique—it was her talent in changing to suit each role she took on, making her characters one-of-a-kind.
She was among the rarest of actresses to have basked in stardom as much as her male counterparts in the 1980s and 90s. Movies like Sadma, Chandni, Mr. India, Nagina, Lamhe, ChaalBaaz, and Khuda Gawah highlighted her phenomenal range—ranging from serious drama and romantic roles to outright comedy. From playing a broken-hearted lover to a snake-woman with supernatural abilities, Sridevi did it all convincingly.
A Trailblazer in Every Sense
In an era when women were sidelined in the business, Sridevi was a lead heroine who carried films on her shoulders. Her sense of humour in ChaalBaaz was comparable to that of the finest male comedians. Her dance numbers, particularly songs like Main Teri Dushman or Hawa Hawai, are all-time classics and remain unbeaten even today.
Sridevi was also among the rare actresses who returned to limelight after becoming a mother. In 2012, after a gap of 15 years, she was back to the silver screen with English Vinglish, in which she portrayed a housewife who learns English to acquire self-esteem. The movie was well received by critics and appreciated by people all over the world, indicating that her magic never faded.
Her Personal Life and Legacy
Sridevi was said to be very secretive. She got married to producer Boney Kapoor in 1996, and the couple had two daughters, Janhvi and Khushi. Since her death, both daughters have come into the limelight, with Janhvi Kapoor already making a name for herself in Bollywood.
Her untimely death in 2018 by accidental drowning in Dubai left the whole country stunned. Her massive grief from fans, co-stars, and admirers worldwide was a reflection of her lasting influence. Posthumously, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for Mom, and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2013.
The Lasting Allure of Sridevi
Sridevi’s influence goes beyond just her films. She was a fashion icon, a dancer par excellence, and a symbol of elegance. Directors admired her dedication, co-stars admired her talent, and fans adored her charisma.
On social media, fans and celebrities still celebrate her on her birthday. Her daughters often post seldom seen and touching pictures of their mother, keeping her alive in our memories. Khushi Kapoor this year posted a lovely unseen picture of Sridevi, reminding everyone of the warmth she exuded on and off screen.
Why We Still Miss Her
Sridevi wasn't a star—she was emotion. Her movies are like revisiting an old friend; her face, her voice, and her on-screen presence brings back memories and inspires admiration. Her passing is still deeply felt in an industry that still hasn't quite been able to find someone to fill the gap she created.
On her 62nd birthday, we recall Sridevi not only for her on-screen excellence, but for the magic, inspiration, and happiness that she infused into our lives. Her journey remains an inspiration for numerous up-and-coming actors, particularly women, who aspire to leave a lasting impact in a patriarchal profession.
Sridevi lives on—not merely on the reels of celluloid, but also in the hearts of the people across generations. She may have left us, but her legacy will live for ages to come.
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