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Sridevi Death Anniversary 2025: Starting her film career at a young age, she won hearts with her unforgettable dance performances, memorable roles, and classic songs. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of actors.
Sridevi with her daughter Janhvi Kapoor. (Image: janhvikapoor/Instagram)
Sridevi Death Anniversary 2025: Sridevi, who was hailed as the “first female superstar” of Indian cinema, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Beginning her journey in films at an early age, she captivated audiences with her iconic dance numbers, memorable roles, and timeless songs. Her influence extends beyond generations, inspiring many new-age actors.
As we mark her 7th death anniversary, here’s a look at her most celebrated films, unforgettable songs, family life and the tragic circumstances of her untimely passing.
Sridevi’s Top Movies
- Sadma: It was the 1983-released film which gave widespread critical acclaim to Sridevi. The movie was a remake of her Tamil film Moondram Pirai, and her performance as a child woman suffering from amnesia was applauded.
- Nagina: Those who know Sridevi would surely remember her snake dance in the 1986-released Snake Fantasy. The legendary star played the role of a shape-shifting woman in the movie, which turned out to be the second highest-grossing film of the year. Nagina also established Sridevi’s position as the biggest female star of the 1980s, rivalling Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, among others.
- Janbaaz: In the same year, Sridevi gave another box-office hit with Subhash Ghai’s multi-starrer Janbaaz. According to her fans, despite having a guest appearance in Janbaaz, she overshadowed the film’s lead heroine, Dimple Kapadia.
- Chandni: In 1989, she played the titular role in Yash Chopra’s romantic musical saga Chandni, which became one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The film not only reaffirmed her position as the top female star of the 1980s but also made her “the nation’s sweetheart”, with a huge number of people recreating the Chandni Look.
- English Vinglish: After a 15-year absence from film, Sridevi appeared in Gauri Shinde’s directorial comedy-drama. The actress’ performance in the 2012-released movie has been credited with critical acclaim and massive commercial success with 4 nominations and 7 awards at various shows.
Sridevi’s Top Songs
- Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau Choodiyaan: Sridevi’s song in the 1989 film got widespread popularity and is still one of the trendiest songs in weddings. Additionally, the actress has lent her voice to the film’s popular title track, making it more special.
- Hawaa Hawaai: Sridevi’s dance number in the 1987 science fiction Mr. India opposite Anil Kapoor, became a popular nickname for the actress. The song, voiced by Kavita Krishnamurthy, is immensely loved for its catchy beats, jumpy effects and modulation.
- Kaate Nahin Kat Te: Besides Hawaa Hawaai, Mr India also featured Sridevi’s other iconic song “Kaate Nahin Kat Te”. It shows the actress draped in a blue saree looking no less than a goddess of beauty.
- Chandni O Meri Chandni: Sung by Sridevi herself alongside Jolly Mukherjee, Chandni O Meri Chandni is from the romantic film Chandni. It features love-filled moments between the actress and late actor Rishi Kapoor, which is counted amongst some of the best-loved songs of the 80s.
- Taki Oh Taki: Sung by Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, and Bappi Lahiri is from Sridevi’s 1983 Bollywood movie Himmatwala. Its energetic, dance-inducing rhythm and catchy tune, signifying a playful mood is even loved by the music lovers of today’s generation.
Sridevi’s Family Life
Coming to Sridevi’s personal front, she was born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in Tamil Nadu on August 13, 1963, to Ayyapan, a lawyer by profession and Rajeswari. She had a sister and two step-brothers. Right from her four years of age, Sridevi started working as a child actor in the Tamil movie Kandhan Karunai.
In 1976, she got her first leading role in the Tamil film Moondru Mudichu, directed by K Balachander. However, it was while working on the 1987 film Mr. India when she met the already-married man, Boney Kapoor.
After facing a series of controversies, Sridevi and Boney tied the knot in 1966. They were blessed with two daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.
However, Sridevi tragically passed away in Dubai in 2018 reportedly due to “accidental drowning”. She was pronounced dead on February 24, 2018, in the hotel bathroom where her husband, Boney had found her. The family was reportedly attending a family wedding over there.
Initially, it was announced by her brother-in-law Sanjay Kapoor that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, but upon investigation, the cause behind her death was found “accidental drowning”. As per multiple official reports, water was filled in her lungs. Post her untimely demise, her fans, co-stars and other eminent celebrities have extended condolences.
