Sridevi as a teenage sensation in Tamil films

Sridevi in the 1970s in Tamil cinema (Johnny was released in 1980 but shot in 1979). She was experimenting with looks, perforamances, roles... as Tamil cinema was going through seismic change. Many refer to the The Golden Age of Tamil cinema to be the 1950s to the 1970s. This era was defined by the rise of legendary actors like M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Sivaji Ganesan, strong social narratives, and the establishment of landmark films that blended entertainment with social change. Some perspectives highlight the 1980s–2000s as a significant era for commercial cinema, starring actors like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Others refer to the 2000s (2001-2008) as a "golden age" for music and new-age filmmaking. 

The Sridevian era to us is obviously most fascinating as Sridevi redefined the role of a leading lady - from early on. Rarely a victim, she rebelled, she self-empowered, she fought back, she used her sensuality, she kept her innocence, she had agency and she had money. It is an uncomfortable conversation but in many ways, we cannot not talk about; Sridevi (and her fiercely protective mother) were very clear about monetary transactions, film contracts and legal notifications - Sridevi's father was after all, a lawyer. In the Tamil version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Sridevi mentions the conversation she had with Rajinikanth about dreaming about higher pay, or at least equal pay to the superstars of their time. Both achieved it and how - Sridevi was often touted as the highest paid Indian actress of her time. And Rajinikanth's remuneration in films made for the record books. Both of them refused to be long-suffering penniless artists and stars in the name of high art. It was commercial cinema all the way that built the mansions. And they paid the price for it; Sridevi's health, her sacrifice of a personal life, higher education, freedom. She mentioned in several interviews that she would look at the clock like a schoolgirl and wait for the time to turn six so she could run home; never wasted a second of her time longer than necessary to be on set. But while she was on; she gave it her all.