Sridevi, arguably India’s first female superstar died on 24th February 2018 suddenly of a cardiac arrest. As the shocked family tried to come to grips with the tragic early demise, industry colleagues, politicians and others expressed their grief and condolences. Fans recalled some of her best roles. As the news of her passing spread, conjecture about the cause of death and the possibility of lifestyle causes also started to be bandied about.
She was in Dubai to attend a family wedding when she died, reportedly of a cardiac arrest; having collapsed in her hotel room. This was all the more shocking as there is no history of heart disease in the family.
Hers was a career that started at age four as a child actor. She made her Bollywood debut in Julie in 1975. Over the course of her career she did over 300 films as a fine actor and a true blue superstar.
She is best remembered for films such as Chaalbaaz, Mr. India, Lamhe, Chandni and the critically acclaimed Sadma with Kamal Haasan.
Mom, English Vinglish
She gave up films in 1997 after marrying Boney Kapoor and to raise their two daughters. Her comeback film English Vinglish in 2012 and then Mom reminded us all of what a fine actor she truly was.
There are conflicting reports about her death. While some reports claim that her husband Boney found her in a bathtub, others claim that she was found dead by the hotel staff. Sridevi is survived by her husband and two daughters Khushi and Jhanavi; the latter who will be appearing in her first movie soon.
There was stunned shock all around as the news of the untimely demise of a hugely successful and popular actor became known.
The Prime Minister and other ministers such as Smriti Irani expressed shock and regret at an untimely demise.
There was some indication that Mr. India 2 would be made at some point; that film critic Raja Sen was penning the script. Sen was among the many who mourned the loss of an icon; what will we do in a world without Sridevi he lamented.
Her role as a child artiste, her role in Sadma, her Hawa Hawaii act, and a few other roles that she will be remembered for.
This throwback picture features Sridevi with Hrithik Roshan in his first ever acting shot. He speaks of how she set him at ease when he was nervous.
Shortly after the news of the superstar's death, unseemly conjecture about her lifestyle started.
While some spoke about the pressure that women face from society and particularly from show biz to look a certain way and be a certain size, others appeared to be pronouncing judgements on the actor's life choices, vanity and insecurities.
Some demanded to know who Piyali Bannerjee is in the first place and on what authority she made her completely unfounded claims. Others thought it was simply rude, insensitive and hugely judgemental to conjecture about something based simply on one's prejudices, preoccupations and limited understanding.
The body of the actor is to be brought back to Mumbai via Anil Ambani’s chartered plane and her mortal remains will be cremated at the Hindu Samshaan Bhoomi in Juhu say reports. Bollywood stars as well as Southern stars who have flown in from out of town are expected to attend.
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
