Jeetendra and Sridevi in Mawaali (1983)

Jeetendra and Sridevi in Mawaali (1983)

Shot in 28 days by the Madras movie factory, Mawaali was not loved by the critics - but it was by the masses. This was made in Tamil and Telugu and all the films were blockbusters.

TBH Sridevi is barely in the film - mostly in the songs and perhaps three scenes. It was early days of what went on to be an incredible career. Her song and dance routines were a huge hit from the get-go. Preliminary steps that lead her to the very top.

Doing a handful of glamorous roles, serious ones, memorable songs, in multiple languages, the then 20-year-old Sridevi, the "hardest working actress" of her time, Sridevi appeared in a whopping 21 films around India in 1983! 

You could love her, hate her - but sure as hell couldn't ignore her as Sridevi averaged nearly two movies a month in cinemas studded around India. The girl never took a break!

Below from IMDB.com:

1. Adavi Simhalu 
2. Adutha Varisu 
3. Devi Sridevi 
4. Kirai Kotigadu 
5. Lanke Bindelu 
6. Muddula Mogudu 
7. Mundadugu 
8. Rama Rajyamlo Bheermaraju 
9. Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu 
10. Sandhippu 
11. Shri Ranganeethulu 
12. Simham Navindi 
13. SP Bhayankar (Short) 
14. Urantha Sankranthi 
15. Kalaakaar 
16. Mawaali 
17. Justice Chaudhury 
18. Sadma 
19. Jaani Dost 
20. Trisulam 
21. Himmatwala