MUMBAI (Diya TV) — Veteran Bollywood star, Sridevi passed away at the age of 54. Survived by her husband, Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor, the actress died late in the night reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai where she and her family were attending her nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding.
From hits such as Nagina (1986), Mr. India (1987), Chandni (1989) to Judaai (1996) and English Vinglish in 2012, Sridevi dominated as the leading lady in 1980s and 1990s.
“I think she really was one of India’s first female superstars,” Bollywood critic Rajeev Masand told CNN. “It didn’t matter who the male actors where, the movies were shouldered by Sridevi.”
Masand recalled watching Sridevi as she filmed “Judaai” in Hyderbad in 1996. “It was incredible,” he told CNN. “She was very, very conscious and very, very shy, and this is at the peak of her career.”
Judaai” was a box office hit, but it was Sridevi’s performance in Gauri Shinde’s 2012 hit, “English Vinglish,” that really solidified her comeback and confirmed her as one of Bollywood’s most treasured and enduring talents.
Sridevi took the starring role of Shashi, an Indian housewife who only speaks Hindi but is thrust onto the streets of New York to help arrange her niece’s wedding. After a series of humiliations, Shashi decides she needs to learn English and enrolls in a four-week crash course
Fans, including co-stars, celebrities and politicians alike are expressing their shock at her untimely passing:
Henceforth no more Moonlit nights! Chandni gone forever. Alas! pic.twitter.com/VUuO3dQebL
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) February 25, 2018
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: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018
I am at a loss for words & jolted as if struck by lightening at this late hour of the night to learn about the shocking & tragic news & untimely demise of #Sridevi ji. Heartbroken. She was India’s sweetheart, an incredible artiste & a beautiful human being. Gone too soon. RIP.🙏 pic.twitter.com/VEIveFY4tw
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) February 24, 2018
Just woke up to the terrible news of Sridevi passing. My heart goes out to her family. The world has lost a very talented person who left behind a huge legacy in film. #RIPSridevi
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) February 25, 2018
Nothing makes sense. I have no words.. just completely shocked. RIP Sri Devi. My icon forever. Love you.
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) February 25, 2018
Tribute to the #LegendaryActress #Sridevi .My SandArt at Puri beach in Odisha.#RipSridevi pic.twitter.com/evw78gKUfL
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) February 25, 2018
I just wish this wasn’t true. #RIPSridevi
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) February 25, 2018
💔💔 … You will live forever with our love and in our memories #RIPSridevi 🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/uglGPaiRdL
— Chitrangda Singh (@IChitrangda) February 25, 2018