Share This Article
Biography of Sridevi (Shree Amma Yanger Ayyappan)
Sridevi was born in 1963 on August 13, in Meenampatti in Tamil Nadu, to two Telugu parents, with ‘Yanger’ being her mother’s name, ‘Ayyappan’ her father Siva Reddy’s name.… She ruled Bollywood for five decades as a legendary actress. She was the first ever Bollywood heroine, paid in gold, acting in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada films.
Early Life and Entry into Cinema:
Sridevi was born to Ayyapan Yanger, a lawyer, and Rajeswari Yanger, a homemaker. At the tender age of 4, she began her acting journey with the Tamil film “Kandan Karunai” (1967), portraying the child version of the Hindu god Muruga. She soon established herself as a gifted child actor in South Indian cinema.
By the 1970s, Sridevi transitioned into playing lead roles in Tamil and Telugu films. Her first lead role came in the Tamil movie “Moondru Mudichu” (1976), directed by K. Balachander when she was just 13 years old. This film marked the beginning of her meteoric rise in Indian cinema.
Dominating South Indian Cinema:
In the late 1970s, Sridevi became one of the most sought-after actresses in the South, delivering hits like:
- 16 Vayathinile (1977)
- Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
- Premabhishekam (1981)
She displayed exceptional versatility in roles demanding intense emotional depth or light-hearted comedic timing. Sridevi’s captivating screen presence and expressive eyes made her stand out from her contemporaries.
Bollywood Breakthrough and Stardom:
Sridevi made her Bollywood first appearance with “Solva Sawan” (1979), but it was “Himmatwala” (1983) that turned her into a pan-India sensation. Starring opposite Jeetendra, the film was a massive success and established her as a leading star in Hindi cinema.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sridevi ruled Bollywood, delivering a series of memorable films:
- “Nagina” (1986) – where she played a shape-shifting snake-woman
- “Mr. India” (1987) – the blockbuster that featured her famous song “Hawa Hawai”
- “Chandni” (1989) – a romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra
- “ChaalBaaz” (1989) – where she played a double role and showcased her comic brilliance
- “Lamhe” (1991) – another Yash Chopra classic, considered ahead of its time
- “Judaai” (1997) – a drama showcasing her acting prowess
During her Bollywood reign, Sridevi was known for breaking stereotypes. She became one of the few actresses who could hold an entire film on her shoulders without relying heavily on male co-stars.
Personal Life:
In 1996, Sridevi married Boney Kapoor, a prominent Bollywood producer, after being in the limelight for many years. They had two daughters: Janhvi (1997) and Khushi (2000). Her marriage to Boney Kapoor made headlines, especially since he was previously married, but the two shared a strong bond.Sridevi temporarily stepped away from the limelight after her marriage to focus on her family, leaving her fans longing for her return.
Return to Cinema:
After a 15-year hiatus, Sridevi returned in 2012 with the film “English Vinglish,” directed by Gauri Shinde. Her portrayal of a middle-class housewife who learns English to gain self-confidence and respect struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. The film was a massive success, and Sridevi took several awards and accolades for her performance.
She followed this up with “Mom” (2017), a hard-hitting thriller where she played a mother seeking justice for her stepdaughter. This turned out to be her final film in a lead role, and once again, she was lauded for her nuanced performance.
Tragic Demise:
Sridevi’s life came to an abrupt and tragic end on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, where she passed away due to an accidental sinking in a hotel bathtub. Her untimely death at the age of 54 left the entire nation and her millions of fans across the world in shock.
Her death marked the end of an era in Indian cinema, as she was an icon whose work transcended language barriers, and generations of actors and filmmakers revered her.
Legacy and Impact:
Sridevi’s contribution to Indian cinema is unmatched. Her versatility, charm, and ability to excel across genres made her a legend. She was honored with numerous awards during her lifetime, including:
- Padma Shri in 2013, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Several Filmfare Awards across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
- National Film Award (posthumous) for Mom.
Her daughter Janhvi Kapoor has followed in her footsteps, entering Bollywood in 2018 with the film “Dhadak.” Sridevi’s influence on future generations of actresses is profound, as she set a precedent for female-led films in an industry primarily dominated by male stars.
Autobiography:
Sridevi never penned an autobiography, but her journey and personal anecdotes have been covered extensively in interviews, documentaries, and books. Following her death, several authors and filmmakers paid tribute to her remarkable life and career. A comprehensive biography, “Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess” by Satyarth Nayak, was released in 2019, offering an in-depth look into her life and legacy.
Conclusion:
Pran, Mr. Holland will always remain one of the finest actors India has ever produced in cinema. She was graceful, beautiful, and undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses in the industry; she will remain immortal forever as her fans and admiration continue to transcend to other generations of fans and actors, actresses, and filmmakers worldwide.