Sridevi birth anniversary: Sridevi: The eternal screen goddess who ruled Indian cinema

Sridevi, one of the most recognizable actresses in Indian movie history, celebrates her birth day on August 13 with millions of fans throughout the world. At 54 years old, Sridevi passed suddenly in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of more than 300 films in five different languages, spanning five decades. She was the first female superstar in Indian cinema, and with her diverse and compelling performances, she disproved gender norms and assumptions.

In Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, Sridevi was given the name Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan at birth. When she was four years old, she made her acting debut in the Tamil movie Kandhan Karunai. She continued acting in films as a youngster, garnering praise and prizes in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Telugu. She made her acting debut in a Hindi movie as a child in Julie (1975), when she played the lead actress's younger sister.

At the age of 13, she made the switch to adult roles with the Tamil film Moondru Mudichu (1976), in which she portrayed a sophisticated woman seeking revenge for the death of her lover. With movies like 16 Vayathinile (1977), Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), Meendum Kokila (1981), Moondram Pirai (1982), Aakhari Poratam (1988), and Kshana Kshanam (1991), she quickly made a name for herself as one of the top female stars of South Indian cinema. Her roles in Tamil and Telugu movies earned her four Filmfare Awards South.

Also read: Google Doodle celebrates Sridevi's 60th birth anniversary, pays tribute to her iconic roles 

With her debut leading part in Solva Sawan (1979), Sridevi also left her impact on Hindi film. She became well-known because to the hit movie Himmatwala (1983), in which she starred opposite Jeetendra. By starring in blockbusters like Mawaali (1983), Tohfa (1984), Mr. India (1987), Chandni (1989), Chaalbaaz (1990), and Lamhe (1991), she rose to become one of Bollywood's most well-known and highest-paid actresses. For her roles in Hindi movies, she was honored with three Filmfare Awards as Best Actress.

As a performer who could excel in any genre and any language, Sridevi was renowned for her adaptability and talent. She was equally at comfortable and convincing in the roles of a vindictive woman, a comedy heroine, an innocent rural belle, and an actor who can easily ace double roles. She was also recognized for her dance prowess and her expressive eyes, which were able to express a variety of emotions without speech. She enjoyed admiration from critics, viewers, co-stars, and directors alike.

Following her 1996 marriage to producer Boney Kapoor, Sridevi took a break from acting. With the highly praised and financially successful English Vinglish (2012), she made a comeback after 15 years, portraying a housewife who learns English to boost her confidence. She then starred in the critically acclaimed film Mom (2017) as a mother fighting for justice after her daughter was raped. 

The sudden passing of Sridevi on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, shocked the country and the entire world. She had accidentally drowned and was found dead in her hotel bathtub. In 2013, she received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. In a 2013 CNN-IBN survey, she was also chosen as India's Best Actress in 100 Years.

Numerous books, documentaries, and biopics have profiled Sridevi's life and career. In 2018, Janhvi Kapoor, her daughter, followed in her mother's footsteps by making her acting debut. Her second daughter Khushi Kapoor is also all set for her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar's The Archies, which will be released soon. Sridevi's films, which continue to uplift and enthrall audiences for years, carry on her legacy. She continues to be revered as an eternal goddess of the screen who dominated Indian cinema.