Sridevi’s Birth Anniversary: A Journey Through Her Iconic Films, From Chaalbaaz to Mom


Sridevi’s Birth Anniversary: A Journey Through Her Iconic Films, From Chaalbaaz to Mom
On the occasion of Sridevi's birth anniversary, fans and film enthusiasts alike take a moment to celebrate the unparalleled legacy of one of India’s most iconic actresses. Sridevi, who graced the silver screen for over five decades, left behind a filmography that continues to inspire and entertain generations. In this article, we revisit some of her most iconic films, spanning from her early days in cinema to her powerful comeback in her later years.
Sridevi: A Timeless Icon of Indian Cinema
Sridevi was more than just a star; she was a phenomenon. Her ability to effortlessly switch between genres, portray complex characters, and command the screen with her presence made her a legend in Indian cinema. Born on August 13, 1963, Sridevi began her acting career as a child artist and quickly rose to become one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
Early Years and Rise to Stardom
Sridevi’s early career was marked by her work in South Indian cinema, where she starred in numerous Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. Her transition to Bollywood in the late 1970s and early 1980s marked the beginning of a new era in Hindi cinema, with Sridevi becoming a household name.
Film | Year | Language | Role | Impact on Career |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moondru Mudichu | 1976 | Tamil | Selvi | Established her as a talented young actress in Tamil cinema. |
Himmatwala | 1983 | Hindi | Rekha | Major breakthrough in Bollywood, solidified her status as a leading actress. |
Sadma | 1983 | Hindi | Nehalata | Critical acclaim for her performance, showcased her acting range. |

Chaalbaaz (1989): The Quintessential Double Role
One of Sridevi’s most iconic performances came in the 1989 film Chaalbaaz, where she played the dual roles of twin sisters separated at birth. The film was a massive commercial success and is remembered for Sridevi’s impeccable comic timing and dancing skills.
Chaalbaaz: Plot and Performance
In Chaalbaaz, Sridevi portrayed two very different characters—Anju, a timid and submissive woman, and Manju, a bold and feisty street performer. Her ability to switch between these contrasting roles with ease showcased her versatility and cemented her place as the reigning queen of Bollywood.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Pankaj Parashar |
Co-stars | Sunny Deol, Rajinikanth |
Box Office | ₹9 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Chandni (1989): The Romantic Icon
The same year, Sridevi starred in Chandni, a romantic drama directed by Yash Chopra. The film became a cultural phenomenon and is credited with reviving the musical romance genre in Bollywood. Sridevi’s portrayal of the titular character, Chandni, is still considered one of her most memorable roles.
Chandni: Impact on Pop Culture
Chandni not only showcased Sridevi’s acting prowess but also her ability to connect with the audience through her emotional depth and screen presence. The film’s success further solidified her status as a leading lady in Bollywood.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Yash Chopra |
Co-stars | Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna |
Box Office | ₹14 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Sadma (1983): A Heart-Wrenching Drama
One of the most critically acclaimed films of Sridevi’s career, Sadma tells the poignant story of a woman who suffers from retrograde amnesia and regresses to a childlike state. Her performance in the film is often hailed as one of the finest in Indian cinema.
Sadma: Critical Reception
Sadma was not a commercial success upon its initial release, but it has since gained a cult following. Sridevi’s portrayal of Nehalata is remembered for its emotional intensity and authenticity.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Balu Mahendra |
Co-stars | Kamal Haasan |
Box Office | ₹1.75 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Lamhe (1991): A Bold and Unconventional Role
Lamhe, another Yash Chopra classic, was ahead of its time. The film explored complex themes of love and relationships, with Sridevi playing dual roles once again. The film was critically acclaimed but received a mixed response from the audience due to its unconventional storyline.
Lamhe: A Cult Classic
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Lamhe has since been recognized as one of the finest films in Sridevi’s career and is considered a milestone in Indian cinema for its bold narrative.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Yash Chopra |
Co-stars | Anil Kapoor |
Box Office | ₹6.5 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Mr. India (1987): The Superhero Saga
In the 1987 film Mr. India, Sridevi played the role of a feisty journalist named Seema. While the film is remembered for Anil Kapoor’s invisible superhero act, Sridevi’s performance added a significant charm and comic relief to the story. Her iconic “Hawa Hawai” song sequence remains etched in the memories of fans.
Mr. India: A Landmark Film
Mr. India became one of the highest-grossing films of the year and is still regarded as a classic in Indian cinema. Sridevi’s portrayal of Seema showcased her comedic talent and her ability to hold her own in a film dominated by special effects.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Shekhar Kapur |
Co-stars | Anil Kapoor, Amrish Puri |
Box Office | ₹10 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
English Vinglish (2012): The Remarkable Comeback
After a hiatus of 15 years, Sridevi made a stunning comeback with English Vinglish. The film, directed by Gauri Shinde, tells the story of a middle-aged woman who enrolls in an English-speaking course to gain self-respect and confidence. The film was a critical and commercial success, marking Sridevi’s triumphant return to the silver screen.
English Vinglish: A Global Hit
English Vinglish resonated with audiences across the globe, with Sridevi’s nuanced performance earning widespread acclaim. The film was screened at several international film festivals and remains one of her most celebrated works.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Gauri Shinde |
Co-stars | Adil Hussain, Mehdi Nebbou |
Box Office | ₹91 crore (approx.) |
Awards | Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actress |
Mom (2017): The Final Masterpiece
Sridevi’s final film, Mom, was a hard-hitting drama about a mother seeking justice for her daughter. Her powerful performance as a mother navigating a complex legal and emotional battle was widely praised. Mom was a fitting swan song for an actress who had given so much to Indian cinema.
Mom: A Powerful Farewell
Mom was both a critical and commercial success, and it earned Sridevi her first National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously. The film stands as a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Director | Ravi Udyawar |
Co-stars | Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Akshaye Khanna |
Box Office | ₹175 crore (approx.) |
Awards | National Film Award for Best Actress |
Sridevi’s filmography is a treasure trove of memorable performances that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. From her early days as a child artist to her final, critically acclaimed role in Mom, Sridevi’s journey is one of unparalleled talent, versatility, and grace. As we celebrate her birth anniversary, it’s a reminder of the immense contribution she made to the world of cinema, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
FAQs
- Which was Sridevi’s last film?
Sridevi’s last film was Mom (2017), for which she received the National Film Award for Best Actress posthumously. - What is Sridevi’s most iconic role?
Sridevi is known for many iconic roles, but
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