Mumbai Feb 25 (TNS): Veteran actor Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, passed away in Dubai. She was 55.
According to the family sources, the actor, wife of producer Boney Kapoor, reportedly died due to cardiac arrest late in the night in Dubai, where she had gone along with her family to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding.
Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018
While some of the family members returned from Dubai after the wedding, Sridevi, Boney and Khushi stayed back.
A versatile actor, Sridevi made her debut as a child actor in Thunaivan in 1969. Her first leading role as an adult came in 1976 with two of India’s biggest actors — Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth — in the K. Balachander film Moondru Mudichu. She followed that up Gayathri, Kavikkuyil and 16 Vayathinilie, with the last one being a critically acclaimed hit.
Really enjoyed meeting Bollywood icon Sri Devi on my recent trip to India. So sad to hear the news of the death of such a terrifically talented actress, performer and producer. #SriDevi pic.twitter.com/5wDvH8xUwD
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) February 24, 2018
Bollywood debut in 1978 with Solva Sawan.
But it was only after five years with Jeetendra-starrer Himmatwala that she gained commercial success. Her beguiling eyes, scintillating screen presence and acting prowess soon made her one of the most sought-after artistes in the Hindi film industry.
She came. She saw. She conquered.
And went back to the heavens from where she came. RIP Sridevi garu.IRREPLACEABLE pic.twitter.com/NB4GozzWYi— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) February 25, 2018
She went on a hiatus for 15 years after starring in home production — Judaai — co-starring her brother-in-law Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar. It was director Gauri Shinde’s English Vinglish in 2012 that marked Sridevi’s comeback.
Those expressive eyes and that dazzling smile… The talent and the aura… #Sridevi was one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/6k1haBDuCq
— Filmfare (@filmfare) February 24, 2018
Her nuanced performance as a middle-class woman, learning to speak English to feel accepted by her family, won accolades, and the film was also a commercial success.
Life is so fragile & unpredictable ! You will always live in our hearts forever . #RIPSridevi #Chandani pic.twitter.com/mQl7ou8eze
— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 24, 2018
Last year, she was seen in revenge-drama — Mom — opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna. She shot for a special appearance in superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film — Zero — which releases in December. Her last film in Tamil was the Vijay-starrer Puli.
RIP #Sridevi ?? One of the absolute queens of Bollywood. Gone too soon ?
— Arjun (@ArjunArtist) February 24, 2018
Besides Boney and Khushi, she is survived by older daughter Janhvi Kapoor, who is currently working towards making her entry into the Hindi cinema.Sridevi was step-mother to actor Arjun Kapoor and his sister Anshula, who Boney had from late first wife Mona. Courtesy The Hindu
The loss of #Sridevi is a big deal for Bollywood but also an entire generation, like mine, that grew up with her movies. She went supernova in the 80s. She had charm, personality, wit and range. MR INDIA remains a classic. So sad that she passed so young.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) February 24, 2018