Tributes have poured in for Bollywood’s ‘first female superstar’ Sridevi who has died at the age of 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The legendary actress had been in Dubai for the wedding of her nephew when she died on Saturday.
Fellow Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra was among the first to pay tribute to the icon, writing on Twitter: ‘I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi. A dark day . RIP’.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the star, saying he was ‘saddened by the untimely demise’
Sridevi rose to fame after starring in 1983 Bollywood hit Himmatwala, appearing in over 100 movies during the course of her astonishing career.
She is survived by her producer husband Boney Kapoor and their daughters Jhanvi, 20, and Khushi, 17.
The mother-of-two had no history of heart disease, according to her brother-in-law and actor Sanjay Kapoor.
Tributes have poured in for Bollywood’s ‘first female superstar’ Sridevi (pictured with husband Boney Kapoor in 2017) who has died at the age of 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest
Sridevi shot to fame in 1983, after starring in the hit Bollywood film Himmatwala (pictured)
Fellow Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra was among the first to pay tribute to the icon
She added a quote from Yeh Lamhe Yeh Pal, a song from a 1991 Bollywood movie starring Sridevi opposite her future brother-in-law Anil Kapoor
Following the news of her death, Prime Minister Modi said in a statement: ‘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.’
Actor Aamir Khan also tweeted: ‘I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the untimely and tragic passing away of Sridevi.
Among the more recent films that Sridevi starred in was the 2012 movie English Vinglish (pictured)
She has starred in dozens of hit Bollywood films over the years, including Chandni in 1989
The actress starred alongside actor Rishi Kapoor in the popular romantic comedy
‘I have always been a huge fan of her work. Equally I have always been an admirer of the grace and dignity with which she conducted herself.
‘My heartfelt condolences to everyone in the family. I join all the millions of her fans in mourning her demise. Ma’am, we will always remember you with love and respect.’
Following her tribute, Priyanka also tweeted a quote from Yeh Lamhe Yeh Pal, a song from a 1991 Bollywood movie starring Sridevi opposite her future brother-in-law Anil Kapoor.
Born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapa in the state of Tamil Nadu, Sridevi began acting in south Indian cinema at the age of four.
She then moved into Bollywood, where she rocketed to stardom by way of the 1983 film Himmatwala.
Sridevi (pictured in 2012) appeared in over 100 movies during the course of her career
Sridevi (far right) had been in Dubai for her nephew Mohit Marwaha’s (third from left) wedding
The legendary actress is survived by her producer husband Boney Kapoor (seond from right) and their daughters Jhanvi and Khushi
The belle époque of her career was the 1980s and 1990s, during which her releases included the superhero movie Mr India, the separated-at-birth comedy ChaalBaaz, the revenge fantasy Nagina and the romantic triangle drama Tohfa.
Her incredible film career saw her work in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, and in 2013 she was fêted with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest of the civilian honours granted by the Government Of India.
Sridevi was in her heyday a massive box office draw, in addition to which she won five Filmfare Awards, the Hindi movie industry’s answer to the Oscars.
She allegedly began her affair with producer Boney Kapoor while he was still with his first wife Mona, as Mona recounted to DNA India more than a decade later.
Sridevi (pictured in June 2017) was born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapa in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu
The actress then moved into Bollywood, reaching the height of her career the 1980s and 90s
Sridevi shot to stardom after appearing in the comedy drama Himmatwala (pictured)
Mona, the late mother of Boney’s Bollywood star son Arjun Kapoor, claimed that by the end of her marriage ‘there was nothing left in the relationship to give it a chance because Sridevi was already with a child.’
After marrying Boney herself in 1996, Sridevi got another Filmfare nod for her performance in 1997’s Judaai before withdrawing from the movies.
A 15-year big screen hiatus followed, during which she and Boney brought up two daughters – Jhanvi, 20, and Khushi, 17.
The time eventually came when Sridevi itched to return to films, and she launched her comeback with the 2012 hit English Vinglish, which India submitted unsuccessfully to the Oscars.
Her last film release was the 2017 thriller Mom, which was reported to be her 300th motion picture, and of which the Times Of India rhapsodized that ‘Sri demonstrates why she is the high-priestess of desi cinema.’
Khushi appeared in several of Sridevi’s Instagram posts documenting the wedding functions during the actress’ final trip to Dubai. She and Boney are said to have been with Sridevi at the time of her death, per the BBC.
Her incredible career saw her work in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, and in 2013 she was fêted with the Padma Shri
Sridevi (pictured in January 2018) had no history of heart disease, according to brother-in-law and actor Sanjay Kapoor
Tributes poured in from Bollywood figures including Akshay Kumar, who co-starred with Sridevi in 2004’s Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin and tweeted Saturday: ‘Shocked beyond words to hear about the sad and untimely demise of #Sridevi.
‘A dream for many, had the good fortune of sharing screen space with her long ago and witnessed her continued grace over the years. Thoughts and prayers with the family. RIP’.
Parineeti Chopra, who’s playing opposite Arjun in the forthcoming Namastey England, wrote: ‘CANNOT believe this. I have no words. Rip Sridevi ma’am. You were the most beautiful. Strength to Boney uncle, jahnvi, khushi and the whole family.’
Anupam Kher, having acted alongside Sridevi in over 10 films, aded: ‘SHOCKING. JOLTED. Am I having a horrible dream. Sridevi no more?
‘This is SO SO SAD. AND SO SO NOT FAIR. One of the most brilliant, elegant and talented actresses ever. The queen of Indian cinema. And a friend. Worked with her in so many movies. So many amazing memories…..’
Professional respect: Fellow Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra tweeted in response to the news