‘High Priestess Of Indian Cinema’, Bollywood Superstar Sridevi Kapoor Dead At 54
Sridevi, one of the Indian film industry's most popular actresses, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 24 in the United Arab Emirates. She was 54.
Cause Of Death
The Bollywood actress, dubbed by many as one of India's first female superstars, passed away due to a cardiac arrest, which she suffered days after attending a family member's wedding.
Her family released the following statement in the wake of her passing.
"Boney Kapoor, Jhanvi, Khushi and the entire Kapoor, Ayyappan and Marwah family is deeply bereaved and shocked with the untimely loss of Sridevi Kapoor. They thank the entire media for their prayers, support and sensitivity during their time of grief. Late Sridevi Kapoor's body will arrive in India tomorrow."
The late actress' body will be flown into Mumbai on Monday, Feb. 26, after which the last rites will be performed. Sridevi is survived by her husband, Boney Kapoor, and daughters Khushi and Jhanvi Kapoor, who is set to make her Bollywood debut later this year.
Bollywood Icon
Sridevi started her acting career at the tender age of 4 and went on to star in nearly 300 films spanning over four decades. She featured in several regional-language films before earning her big break in Bollywood.
Her Bollywood credits include films such as Mr. India, ChaalBaaz, Chandni, Lamhe, and Nagina among others. In 2013, the veteran actress was awarded the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian honor, from former President Pranab Mukherjee.
She took a break from acting after marrying Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor in 1996 but returned to the silver screen 15 years later with the blockbuster hit English Vinglish. Sridevi made her last appearance in the 2017 thriller, Mom.
Twitter Tributes
Shortly after news of Sridevi's death emerged, many people took to Twitter to offer tribute to the late actress, including the likes of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actress Priyanka Chopra. Check out some of the posts below:
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 have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 24, 2018
pic.twitter.com/DYMMKulTbL — Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) February 25, 2018
Shocked to hear of passing of movie star Sridevi. She has left millions of fans heartbroken. Her performances in films such as Moondram Pirai, Lamhe and English Vinglish remain an inspiration for other actors. My condolences to her family and close associates #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 25, 2018
This is how I will always want to remember #Sridevi - Happening, Vibrant, Brilliant, Beautiful, Bestest and Unique. #QueenOfIndianCinemaSridevi pic.twitter.com/Om4Yi0IbxR — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 25, 2018
