38 Years of Nagina: Sridevi's Career Defining Blockbuster

Released on 28 November 1986, no one expected the film Nagina to be the mega blockbuster that it was. An iconic film in Sridevi's incredible repertoire, several other Naagins are beneficiaries of Sridevi's success and creating the blueprint on how to portray the other-worldly role with conviction, sensuality and magical realism. Sridevi was just 23 when she shot the film.     

A modest film budget, it made a whopping and unprecedented ₹13 crore (equivalent to ₹177 crore in 2023) for a film led by a leading lady. Before Rishi Kapoor fans come for me--this is a direct quote from the man himself that Sridevi was a much bigger star than him at the time! Do note, it was said in the media back then too and is no reflection on the fine actor. 

Gorgeous Sridevi was dazzling in the movie - as a performer and that grand finale number especially. You couldn't take your eyes away from her in the movie. 

By the way, this ghaghra-choli and jewellery look is a definitive Bollywood costume, repeated innumerable times in innumerable films. 

• Nagina features and gallery here.