Bollywood woke up to bad news over the weekend, of iconic actress Sridevi's untimely death at the age of 54. The 'Chandni' actress' sudden demise came as a blow to her family, the industry, and her fans who have flocked to her Mumbai residence, camping out on the roads. Shree, as she was lovingly called, was at Mohit Marwah's wedding in UAE, when she allegedly drowned in a bathtub. She was with husband Boney Kapoor, and younger daughter Khushi in Dubai, her eldest daughter Janhvi could not be with them due to a shooting schedule.
Sridevi's funeral is set to take place on Wednesday, the family said in a statement. Family members, Boney, and step-son Arjun Kapoor got her body embalmed and flew to Mumbai on a private plane lent by industrialist Anil Ambani. Known as India's first woman superstar, Sridevi's death was followed by a lot of speculation and media coverage. While it was initially reported that she died of a cardiac arrest, it later emerged that she had drowned possibly accidentally in the bathtub in her room at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel, where she was staying.
The Dubai government's media office announced closure of the case. It tweeted, “Dubai Public Prosecution has approved the release of the body of the Indian actress Sridevi to her family following the completion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of her death.” It added, “Dubai Public Prosecution stressed that all regular procedures followed in such cases have been completed. As per the forensic report, the death of the Indian actress occurred due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. The case has now been closed.” No clarity has been given on why the actress lost consciousness.
Media hype around the death claimed several baseless allegations, including suspicion on Boney. The police had recorded the statement of Boney Kapoor, who reportedly discovered Sridevi unconscious in the bathtub filled with water. She was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead on arrival.
Gulf News also attached a copy of the UAE government's forensic report on its Twitter handle. The report, citing accidental drowning as the cause of death, has a stamp of the "Ministry of Health UAE" and the director of preventive medicine, Dubai. Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Navdeep Singh Puri has asked the public not to speculate over the cause of her death. "Our experience in similar cases tells us that it does take 2-3 days to complete processes. We leave it to the experts to determine cause of demise. Let's be responsible," he said.
A media source even went ahead to the level of connecting her death to that of Sunanda Pushkar's. The family, meanwhile, released a statement saying, “On behalf of Khushi, Janhvi, Boney Kapoor, the entire Kapoor and Ayyappan families, a sincere thanks to the media for your continued sensitivity and support during this emotional moment.” The family said her body will be kept at Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala near her home for people to pay their last respects from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm before it is taken for cremation on Wednesday. They have also allowed the media to pay their respects “provided camera, recording devices, etc are left outside the venue.” The statement added, “The last journey will commence at 2 pm from Celebration Sports Club to Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery.”
Several planned events have been cancelled post news. Actress Shabana Azmi announced calling off her annual grand Holi party, which she hosts with husband Javed Akhtar. Several film shoots have also been called off. Stream of stars, former co-stars and others arrived at Anil Kapoor's house, brother to Boney. Southern mega-stars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have also headed to Mumbai to pay their respects to Sridevi. Industry insiders and friends have been visiting the family in the home of actor Anil Kapoor. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tabu, Rekha, Farah Khan, Javed Akhtar and Shabana called on the family.
“The film fraternity, media, fans of late Sridevi Kapoor and all the well-wishers for their prayers, support, and sensitivity during our moment of immense grief. We request you to kindly join us in paying our last respect to a remarkable actor, beloved wife and loving mother,” the family's statement said.
Journey from child actor to cine goddess
Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyappan at Sivakashi in Tamil Nadu, the actress began working at the age of four. Accompanied by her mother Rajeshwari to sets, it has often been said how she heavily relied on her matriarch throughout her life. She made her debut in films with Tamil movie 'Kandan Karunai' in 1967, eventually dropping out of school to continue a career in the field. She initially played child versions of Hindu gods. The actor has worked with the best, starting off alongside thespians like Sivaji Ganesan and MGR.
Sridevi made her Bollywood debut with 'Solva Sawan' in 1979, a remake of her Tamil hit '16 Vayathinile' that featured Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. Called the only female superstar of the 90s, she was a versatile actor, loved for her impeccable comic timing and firm grip of the Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada film industry. Her best known Bollywood roles were in 'Sadma', 'Lamhe', Mr India', Chandni', and 'Himmatwala'.
Sridevi's success meant she became more demanding and was getting stronger roles. It is said she even refused an inadequate part in Steven Spielberg’s 'Jurassic Park'. The expressive, sensuous yet funny actress soon quit the stage after her marriage to Boney in 1996. She returned in 2012, with 'English Vinglish' which became a hit even in Hong Kong and England, proof that legends are legends for a reason.
Celebrities mourn loss
People of the industry took to Twitter to condole the loss. Actor Vidya Balan wrote, “My inspiration is no more...” Hrithik Roshan wrote, “I loved her, admired her so much. My first ever acting shot was with Sridevi. I was nervous in front of her and I remember her shaking her hands pretending to be nervous cause of me just to boost my confidence. We had to laugh, and she kept laughing until I got it right. Will miss you ma'am.”
Veteran singer Asha Bhosle, who playbacked for Sridevi in 'Chandni' song 'Parbat se kaali ghata takraee', paid homage to the actor saying, “Very sad to hear about Srideviji. We've had a long association. My deepest condolences to her family.” Shree's 'Chaalbaaz' co-star Sunny Deol wrote a dedication to the actor. “The moment the camera rolled SHREE would light up the floor. We did a few films together and I enjoyed working with her though we rarely spoke. I am going to miss her,” he tweeted. 'Quantico' star Priyanka Chopra wrote in a tweet, “I have no words. Condolences so everyone who loved Sridevi. A dark day.RIP.” Preity Zinta said, “heartbroken and shocked to hear that my all time favourite 'Sridevi' is no more. May God give peace to her soul and strength to her family.”
Farhan Akhtar shared a nostalgic post on Instagram and remembered his first job, which was in Sridevi's 'Lamhe' (1990). He also posted a still from her acclaimed film 'Lamhe' and wrote, "My first job in 1990 was on Lamhe and this song Megha Re Megha was the very first time I saw this legendary actor create her incredible magic on screen. From Sadma to Chaal baaz, from Mr India to Chandni, it was impossible to take your eyes off her when she appeared on screen. A true star. A gifted actor. A woman with tremendous dignity. Gone too soon. RIP Sridevi. Sad sad day."
