- Full Name: Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan
- Stage Name: Sridevi
- Born: August 13, 1963
- Died: February 24, 2018
- Place of Birth: Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Occupation: Actress, Producer
- Active Years: 1967–2017
Early Life and Family
Sridevi was born on August 13, 1963, in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil-speaking family. Her father, Ayyapan, was a lawyer, and her mother, Rajeswari, was a homemaker. Sridevi was the second of three children. Growing up, she had a keen interest in performing arts, especially acting and dancing. Her family later moved to Chennai, where she began pursuing her dream of acting.
From a very young age, Sridevi was involved in the film industry, and she made her acting debut at the age of four in the Tamil film “Kandhan Karunai” (1967). Her early exposure to films came from her interactions with the film industry in Chennai, and by the time she was a teenager, she had already established herself as one of the most sought-after child artists in South Indian cinema.
Entry into Cinema
Sridevi’s professional career began when she was just four years old. She acted in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films as a child artist. However, she gained significant recognition after transitioning to adult roles in the early 1970s. Her debut as an adult actress came in 1976 with the Telugu film “Raja Raja Rajeshwari”, where she played a supporting role. She went on to work in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Her breakthrough in the Telugu film industry came with the movie “Padaharella Vayasu” (1978), where she played a lead role. She rapidly gained popularity in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, earning the title of one of the most versatile and talented actresses in South India. She starred in several Telugu films, such as “Bobbili Puli” (1982) and “Kshana Kshanam” (1991), where her performances were highly praised.
Rise to Stardom in Bollywood
Sridevi’s entry into Bollywood happened in 1979 with the film “Solva Sawan”, but it was with “Hawa Hawai” (1982) and the iconic “Chandni” (1989) that she solidified her position as one of Bollywood’s most popular and beloved actresses. Her major breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with “Nagina” (1986), in which she portrayed a shape-shifting serpent, a role that made her a household name in India.
Sridevi was known for her impeccable acting skills, dance moves, and versatile roles. Her on-screen presence in films like “Mr. India” (1987), “Chandni” (1989), “Lamhe” (1991), “ChaalBaaz” (1989), “English Vinglish” (2012), and “Mom” (2017) continues to be cherished by fans worldwide.
FILMOGRAPHY
Hindi Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Rani Mera Naam | Rani | Child artist |
| 1975 | Julie | Irene | |
| 1979 | Solva Sawan | Mehna | |
| 1983 | Himmatwala | Rekha | |
| Sadma | Nehalata Malhotra | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| Jaani Dost | Shaloo | ||
| Justice Chaudhury | Rekha | ||
| Mawaali | Julie | ||
| Kalakaar | Radha Khanna | ||
| 1984 | Jaag Utha Insan | Sandhya | |
| Akalmand | Priya | ||
| Inquilaab | Asha Nath | ||
| Tohfa | Lalita | ||
| Maqsad | Bharati | ||
| Naya Kadam | Laxmi | ||
| 1985 | Sarfarosh | Vijaya | |
| Balidaan | Uma | ||
| Masterji | Radha | ||
| 1986 | Nagina | Rajni | |
| Ghar Sansar | Radha | ||
| Aag Aur Shola | Aarti | ||
| Sultanat | Shehzadi Yasmeen | ||
| Dharm Adhikari | Priya | ||
| Bhagwan Dada | Bijli | ||
| Aakhree Raasta | Vinita Bhatnagar | ||
| Janbaaz | Seema | ||
| Karma | Radha | ||
| Suhaagan | Janki | ||
| 1987 | Watan Ke Rakhwale | Radha R. Pratap | |
| Jawab Hum Denge | Jyoti | ||
| Aulad | Devki | ||
| Nazrana | Tulsi | ||
| Majaal | Sadhana | ||
| Mr. India | Seema Sahni | ||
| Himmat Aur Mehanat | Jyoti | ||
| 1988 | Sone Pe Suhaaga | Meena | |
| Sherni | Durga | ||
| Ram-Avtar | Sangeeta | ||
| Waqt Ki Awaz | Lata I. Prasad | ||
| 1989 | Nigahen: Nagina Part II | Neelam | |
| Main Tera Dushman | Jugni | ||
| Guru | Uma/Rama | ||
| Joshilaay | Phoolmati | ||
| Gair Kanooni | Laxmi | ||
| Chandni | Chandni Mathur | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| ChaalBaaz | Anju/Manju | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| 1990 | Pathar Ke Insan | Lata Rai | |
| Naakabandi | Geeta/Seeta | ||
| 1991 | Farishtay | Rasbhari | |
| Lamhe | Pooja/Pallavi | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| Banjaran | Reshma/Devi | ||
| Garajna | |||
| 1992 | Khuda Gawah | Benazir/Mehndi | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| Heer Ranjha | Heer | ||
| Aasmaan Se Gira | Forest Goddess | ||
| 1993 | Gurudev | Sunita/Priya | |
| Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja | Seema Soni | ||
| Gumrah | Roshni Chadha | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress | |
| Chandra Mukhi | Chandramukhi | ||
| 1994 | Laadla | Sheetal Jaitley | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| Chaand Kaa Tukdaa | Radha | ||
| 1996 | Army | Geeta | |
| Mr. Bechara | Asha | ||
| 1997 | Judaai | Kajal Verma | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhootha | Sapna Mathur | ||
| 2004 | Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin | Durga | Delayed release |
| 2008 | Halla Bol | Herself | Cameo appearance |
| 2012 | English Vinglish | Shashi Godbole | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
| 2013 | Bombay Talkies | Herself | Special appearance in the song “Apna Bombay Talkies” |
| 2017 | Mom | Devki Sabarwal | National Film Award for Best Actress |
| 2018 | Zero | Herself | Cameo appearance; Posthumous release |
Tamil Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Kandhan Karunai | Lord Murugan | |
| 1969 | Thunaivan | Lord Murugan | |
| Nam Naadu | Raja | ||
| Kulavilakku | |||
| 1970 | Penn Deivam | ||
| En Annan | Child Thangam | ||
| 1971 | Babu | Young Ammu | |
| Aathi Parasakthi | Lord Murugan | ||
| Sabatham | Lord Krishna | ||
| Yaanai |
Telugu Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Maa Nanna Nirdoshi | ||
| Agni Pareeksha | |||
| Vidhi Vilasam | Jyoti | ||
| 1971 | Nenoo Manishine | ||
| Srimanthudu | |||
| Kathiki Kankanam | |||
| Athalu Kodallu | Young Vanisri | ||
| Pattindalla Bangaram | Young Bharathi | ||
| Naa Tammudu | |||
| 1972 | Badi Panthulu | ||
| Amma Maata | |||
| Bala Bharatam | Dussala | ||
| Bharya Biddalu | |||
| 1973 | Bhakta Tukaram | Kaasi | |
| Marapurani Manishi | Young Ammulu | ||
| Mallamma Katha | |||
| Meena | Young Meena | ||
| 1975 | Yashoda Krishna | Krishna | |
| Anuragalu | Jyoti | ||
| Devudulaanti Manishi | |||
| 1976 | Ee Kalapu Pillalu | ||
| 1977 | Bangarakka | Bangarakka | |
| 1978 | Padaharella Vayasu | Malli | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu |
| 1979 | Bangaru Chellelu | Lakshmi | |
| Burripalem Bullodu | Jyoti | ||
| Karthika Deepam | Radha | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu | |
| Muddula Koduku | Radha | ||
| Vetagaadu | Roja | ||
| Samajaniki Saval | |||
| 1980 | Adrushtavanthudu | Saroja | |
| Aatagadu | Vijaya | ||
| Chuttalunnaru Jagratha | Vanaja | ||
| Kaksha | Radha | ||
| Devudu Ichchina Koduku | Rajamma | ||
| Gharana Donga | Devi | ||
| Mama Allulla Saval | Lalita | ||
| Prema Kanuka | Sandhya | ||
| Rowdy Ramudu Konte Krishnudu | Mutyam | ||
| Sardar Papa Rayudu | Vijaya | ||
| Gaja Donga | Sujata | ||
| Mosagadu | Seetha/Geetha | ||
| Ram Robert Rahim | |||
| 1981 | Puli Bidda | Mala | |
| Bhoga Bhagyalu | Radha | ||
| Aakali Rajyam | Devi | ||
| Gharana Gangulu | |||
| Gadasari Atta Sogasari Kodalu | Susheela | ||
| Guru Sishyulu | Lata | ||
| Kondaveeti Simham | Devi | ||
| Premabhishekam | Devi | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu | |
| Rani Kasula Rangamma | Rangamma | ||
| Illalu | Jyoti | ||
| Satyam Shivam | Parvati | ||
| Aggi Ravva | Vani | ||
| 1982 | Aadi Vishnulu | ||
| Trisulam | Lakshmi | ||
| Andagaadu | Hema | ||
| Anuraga Devata | Roopa Devi | ||
| Bangaaru Bhoomi | Padma | ||
| Bangaaru Koduku | |||
| Bobbili Puli | Vijaya | ||
| Bala Nagamma | |||
| Justice Chowdary | Rekha | ||
| Kalavari Samsaram | Sujatha | ||
| Krisharjunulu | Vasanti | ||
| Krishnavataram | Gauri | ||
| Bangaru Kanuka | Roopa | ||
| Vayyari Bhamalu Vagalamari Bhartalu | Indumathi | ||
| Prema Nakshatram | |||
| Devata | Lalita | ||
| Shamsher Shankar | Sujatha | ||
| 1983 | Adavi Simhalu | Rekha | |
| Kirayi Kotigadu | Gauri | ||
| Mundadugu | Bharati | ||
| Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju | Jyoti | ||
| Sri Ranga Neethulu | Vijaya | ||
| Oorantha Sankranthi | Satya | ||
| Muddula Mogudu | Durga | ||
| 1984 | Babulugaadi Debba | Radha | |
| S.P. Bhayankar | Devi | ||
| Kanchu Kagada | Durga | ||
| Kode Trachu | Lalita | ||
| 1985 | Vajrayudham | Subhadra | |
| Pachani Kapuram | Priya | ||
| 1986 | Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu | Radha | |
| Jayam Manade | Kanaka Maha Lakshmi | ||
| Khaidi Rudraiah | Lata | ||
| 1987 | Makutamleni Maharaju | Saroja | |
| Maa Voori Magadu | Rajani | ||
| 1988 | Maharajashri Mayagaadu | Divya | |
| Aakhari Poratam |
Malayalam Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Kumara Sambhavam | Subramanian | Child artist |
| 1970 | Swapnangal | Rajamma | |
| Sabarimala Sree Dharmashastha | |||
| 1971 | Poompatta | Sarada | Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist |
| Aana Valarthiya Vanampadiyude Makan | |||
| 1976 | Abhinandanam | Lalitha | |
| Kuttavum Sikshayum | |||
| Aalinganam | Bindu | ||
| Thulavarsham | Ammini | First leading role in Malayalam cinema | |
| 1977 | Aasheervaadam | ||
| Aadhya Paadam | |||
| Aa Nimisham | |||
| Anthardaaham | Prameela | ||
| Akale Aakaasham | |||
| Amme Anupame | |||
| Nirakudam | Shanta | ||
| Oonjaal | Sumitra | ||
| Angeekaaram | Sathi/Viji | First double role | |
| Satyavan Savithri | Savithri | ||
| Vezhambal | |||
| 1978 | Naalumanippookkal | ||
| 1979 | Bhaaryaye Aavashyamundu | ||
| 1996 | Devaraagam | Lakshmi |
Kannada Films
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Bhakta Kumbara | Mukta Bai | Child artist |
| 1975 | Hennu Samsarada Kannu | Susheela | Supporting role |
| 1979 | Priya | Priya | Lead role |
Television
| Year | Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | Malini Iyer | Malini Iyer | Lead role |
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award | Category / Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Kerala State Film Award | Best Child Artist – Poompatta | Won |
| 1990 | Filmfare Award | Best Actress – ChaalBaaz | Won |
| 1992 | Filmfare Award | Best Actress – Lamhe | Won |
| 1993 | Tamil Nadu State Film Special Prize | Best Actress – Moondram Pirai | Won |
| 2013 | Padma Shri | India’s 4th highest civilian award | Honored |
| 2013 | CNN-IBN Indian of the Year | Special Honour | Honored |
| 2018 | National Film Award (Posthumous) | Best Actress – Mom | Won |
| 2018 | Zee Cine Award | Best Actress – Mom | Won (Posthumous) |
| 2018 | Stardust Award | Best Actress – Mom | Won (Posthumous) |
| 2018 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award | Lifetime Contribution to Indian Cinema | Honored (Posthumous) |
| 2019 | IIFA Best Actress (Posthumous) | Best Actress – Mom | Won |
| 2018 | Screen Award | Best Actress – Mom | Won |
| 2018 | International Indian Film Academy Award | Best Actress – Mom | Won |
| 2019 | National Film Award | Tribute at the 66th National Film Awards | Honored |
Other Honors
| Year | Honor/Award | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Madame Tussauds Wax Statue | Madame Tussauds Singapore & Delhi |
| 2013 | India’s Greatest Actress in 100 Years | CNN-IBN poll |
| 2018 | Tribute at Academy Awards (Oscars) | “In Memoriam” Segment |
Personal Life
Sridevi married film producer Boney Kapoor in 1996, and they had two daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, who later entered the film industry. Despite being a major star, Sridevi kept her personal life relatively private. She had a loving family and was known to be a doting mother and wife.
Her marriage to Boney Kapoor was a significant chapter in her personal life, and it was during this period that she took a short break from acting to focus on family. However, she made a comeback in 2012 with the critically acclaimed film “English Vinglish”, in which she portrayed the role of a middle-aged woman learning English.
Death and Legacy
Sridevi passed away on February 24, 2018, at the age of 54, after a tragic accident in Dubai, where she had attended a family wedding. Her sudden death left the entire nation in shock, and tributes poured in from all corners of the world. Sridevi’s passing marked the end of an era in Indian cinema, as she had been an iconic figure for over five decades.
Her final film, “Mom”, which was released in 2017, showcased her brilliance as an actress and reaffirmed her position as one of the greatest stars of Indian cinema. The film received critical acclaim for her powerful performance as a mother seeking justice, and she was posthumously awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in it.
Sridevi’s death was a significant loss to the film industry, and she is remembered as one of the finest actresses to have ever graced Indian cinema.
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFLTu7tUsbA&pp=ygURc3JpZGV2aSBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D
