Bollywood superstar Sridevi dies aged 54
MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Sridevi Kapoor, one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, has died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai, her family told PTI Sunday.
The shock death of the beloved Indian star aged 54, who reportedly passed away while attending her nephew’s wedding in the emirate late Saturday night, prompted an outpouring of grief among fans and fellow Bollywood actors.
“I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved Sridevi. A dark day. RIP”, tweeted actress Priyanka Chopra.
Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayappan, Sridevi made her acting debut aged just four, and went on to have a career spanning over four decades.
Sridevi worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films before debuting in Hindi films. Her success led to other regional actresses like Jaya Prada to follow her to Bollywood.
She made her Bollywood debut when she was 12 in Julie, and landed her first adult role in the following year in K. Balachander’s Moondru Mudichu opposite Kamal Hassan.
She went on to gain Bollywood success after her first leading actress role in 1978’s Solva Sawna and 1983’s Himmatwala. She took a 15-year hiatus beginning in 1997, but returned in 2012 with the blockbuster English Vinglish. Last year she starred in Mom.
Sridevi was nominated for 10 Filmfare Awards and won five. She appeared in a string of blockbuster hit films including Chandni, Mr India, Mawali and Tohfa.
She was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for her services to the film industry.
“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.
“My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief,” he added.
Indian social media and news channels were buzzing with tributes to Sridevi.
One of Bollywood’s leading actors, Akshay Kumar, too expressed his shock at the “untimely demise.”
“A dream for many, had the good fortune of sharing screen space with her long ago and witnessed her continued grace over the years,” Kumar tweeted.
Lion actress Priyanka Bose also paid tribute. “She broke all conventions with her skill and still brought so much grace in all she did,” she wrote. — AFP
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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi