Sridevi in her famous Cema Ad

Perhaps Sridevi's most iconic and memorable ad film/song, Cema lights and bulbs from the mid 1980s! Have been looking for the full song clip on YouTube for ages now... 

The ruffles and the blue prom dress: Sridevi in 1980s fashion

The ruffles and the blue prom dress: Sridevi in 1980s fashion! "Seema" was Sridevi's memorable character in Mr.India, the intrepid crime reporter who would do anything for a scoop-- even hit the stage as Miss Hawa Hawai! Just months after the film's release, Sridevi was seen on television and print ad galore for "Cema" light bulbs and tubes! 

At that time, Anil Kapoor was not in favour of actors modeling for products and peddling goods and wares. Sridevi and her famed momager Rajeshwari, however felt otherwise and Sri did every job that paid well. Sridevi modeled famously for the lights, saris, and soaps without hesitation.  

For our gen, y'all remember the song and ad?! Looking for the clip on YouTube but so far, no luck. I'm sure it'll crop up one day. 
 

 

Cema ad - Sridevi, then Divya Bharti: Pays to look like Sri

Remember this fab ad from the 1980s?! Sridevi's song and dance + modeling for Cema lights and bulbs were everywhere... back in the day!

'Seema' was the name of Sridevi's character in Mr. India. It was just good timing with 'Cema' for the Devi. One of the first few mega-stars to join the advertising bandwagon early on, Sri was ahead of the curve as one of the first few superstar actresses who went into advertising and earning top dollar.... well, top rupee for it. 

There are a handful of stars in Bollywood who would not do ads for.... whatever reason. Its a quick buck for a few days shoot - if even that. 

Sridevi's classic ad for Cema

A comprehensive archive of every advert, every brand Sridevi has endorsed since the 1980s till date here.

Post-script: 

When Divya Bharati sprang into Bollywood, she was constantly compared to Sridevi. Instead of being irritated, she was a great sport about it. She said in an interview, "I don't think I resemble Sridevi but if people are comparing us, then it feels great. Sridevi's a great actress so they must like me too!"

One of the big perks of being a Sri lookalike was of course landing the advertising campaign that Sridevi made famous in the 1980s, by grabbing the brand in the '90s. Cema ad was redone and the corporation chose the 19-year old Divya.

Such a tragedy where the young actress' life was cut short...  RIP Divya Bharti.