Sridevi, 9, as a child artist in her first Hindi film Rani Mera Naam (1972). The often forgotten Bollywood action/adventure/melodrama musical didn't get much coverage back then, it was just one of 147 Hindi films released that year, where Meena Kumari's swansong Pakeeza released as she faded away, and Seetha aur Geetha made young Hema Malini, 24, the number one star!
An extended guest appearance in the beginning of the film, Sridevi has rarely, if ever, mentioned Rani Mera Naam from her filmography. The movie is nothing special, apart from having the distinction of being the superstar's first Hindi film appearance. An altogether too short a role to register among critics and fans of Sridevi - including herself. I've combed through every interview of hers and she never brought up this movie.
As a fan (and quasi biographer, and self-appointed sentinel of her legacy!), forced myself to watch the movie... and lasted only about 20 minutes. When it was clear Sridevi would not appear longer than the first few minutes of the film, gave up on the long caper. A female Robin Hood of sorts, the only other remarkable factors I found was R.D.. Burman's catchy music and Aasha Bhosle's gifted singing.
Young Sridevi's teary appearance as a child who loses her entire family in a fire, is shockingly good. She hits all the right notes, her large expressive eyes emote more than any of the current model-turned-non-actors. She was "born to be an actress!".
