BIOGRAPHY OF SRIDEVI

 Sridevi , born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan on August 13, 1963, in Meenampatti village near Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, was a prominent Indian actress whose career spanned over five decades. Often referred to as the "first female superstar" of Indian cinema, Sridevi was celebrated for her versatile performances in films across various languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. She garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, awarded to her in 2013.

Sridevi was born to Ayyapan, a lawyer from Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, and Rajeswari, from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Though Telugu was her mother tongue, she was also fluent in Tamil. She grew up with a sister and two step-brothers. Her journey in cinema began remarkably early—at just four years old, with her debut in the 1967 Tamil film "Kandhan Karunai." This early start meant sacrificing traditional childhood experiences; she never completed formal education, going straight from child actor to leading lady. Her exceptional talent was evident early on, winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist for her performance in "Poompatta" in 1971.

Sridevi's journey in cinema began remarkably early - at just four years old, with her debut in the 1967 Tamil film "Kandhan Karunai." This early start meant sacrificing traditional childhood experiences; she never completed formal education, going straight from child actor to leading lady. Her exceptional talent was evident early on, winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist for her performance in "Poompatta" in 1971.

Sridevi established herself as a leading star in South Indian cinema, working across multiple film industries:

- Made her adult debut at age 13 in the Tamil film "Moondru Mudichu" in 1976.

- Appeared in nearly 95 Telugu films

- Worked extensively with leading actors like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and N.T. Rama Rao

- Won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for "Meendum Kokila" in 1981.

- Earned the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for "Moondram Pirai" in 1982.

After making her Hindi film debut with "Solva Sawan" in 1979, Sridevi truly conquered Bollywood with "Himmatwala" in 1983. She quickly established herself as the highest-paid actress of her time, commanding unprecedented fees of ₹1.1 million for "Mr. India" in 1987. Her notable films include:

- "Sadma" in 1983 which  earned critical acclaim for playing a child-woman with amnesia

- "Nagina" in 1986 which became the second highest-grossing film of the year

- "Mr. India" in 1987 with  Iconic performance including the famous "Hawa Hawai" song

- "Chandni" in 1989 which  established her as the nation's sweetheart

- "ChaalBaaz" in 1989 which  won Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her double role

- "Lamhe" in 1991,though commercially underwhelming, became a cult classic

- "Khuda Gawah"  1992 which successful dual role as an Afghan warrior and her daughter

- "Judaai" in 1997 which was  her last major film before a 15-year hiatus

After a long break, Sridevi made a triumphant return with "Judaai" in 1997, playing a housewife learning English. Her performance received universal acclaim, proving she hadn't lost her touch. Her final film "Mom" in 2017 earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously.

In 1996, Sridevi married film producer Boney Kapoor. The couple had two daughters: Janhvi was born in  1997 and Khushi was born  in 2000, both of whom later became actresses. Despite her vivacious on-screen presence, Sridevi was known to be extremely introverted and reserved in real life.

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Sridevi passed away on February 24, 2018, in Dubai, UAE, due to accidental drowning. Her funeral in Mumbai saw one of the largest gatherings for a film personality, with thousands of fans paying their respects. She was cremated with state honors, a rare distinction for an entertainment industry figure.

Sridevi's influence on Indian cinema cannot be overstated:

- Voted "India's Greatest Actress in 100 Years" in a 2013 CNN-IBN poll

- Inspired generations of actresses including Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt

- Known for her versatility, particularly in comedy and dance

- Recognized as a fashion icon

- Received numerous awards including the Padma Shri in 2013

- First female superstar of Indian cinema who commanded both critical and commercial success

Her legacy continues to influence Indian cinema, with her unique ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles setting a benchmark for generations of actresses to follow.

Sridevi’s  life and career were a testament to her extraordinary talent, dedication, and resilience. From her humble beginnings as a child actor to her rise as India's first female superstar, she left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry. Her versatility, whether in comedy, drama, or dance, made her a beloved figure across multiple generations of film enthusiasts. Sridevi's ability to portray strong, complex characters broke barriers for women in Indian cinema and inspired countless aspiring actors.

Despite facing personal challenges and public scrutiny, Sridevi's commitment to her craft never wavered. Her return to the screen with "English Vinglish" and her powerful performance in "Mom" demonstrated her enduring talent and relevance. Her untimely death in 2018 left a void in the industry, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence.

Sridevi's contributions to Indian cinema were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri, reflecting her significant impact on the cultural landscape. Her journey from a child prodigy to a legendary actress serves as a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering dedication. Sridevi  will forever be remembered as a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, whose work and legacy continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.