Sridevi on the sets of Chandni - throwback to 1988

 

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. 

Sridevi on the sets of Chandni (1989)

Sridevi on the sets of Chandni (1989)
 

Keep your hat on: Sridevi in 1985

Outtake from a cover shoot Sridevi did in the early 1980s in Bollywood - more images in the archive here.

 

Sridevi

Rakesha Shreshta captured all the fun pics of Sridevi. 

Sridevi's microphone shoot with Rakesh Shreshta

 

Sridevi's microphone shoot with Rakesh Shreshta! This was shot long before Gumrah, but the image was used for film promotions. 

Sridevi in the Tamil classic Johnny (1980)

Released on 15 August 1980, young Sridevi, 17, gave a flawless performance in the Tamil film, Johnny. Sure Rajinikanth had the title role and ample screen time, but teen dream Sridevi gave such a precocious and mature performance that even her iconic co-star mentioned, she was better than him. 

Sridevi and Rajinikanth in the Tamil classic Johnny (1980)

Sridevi and Rajinikanth in the Tamil classic Johnny (1980)
 

Released on August 15, 1980, Sridevi stuns as a performer in this musical. She was barely 17, a prodigious talent. 

Sridevi in 1987

India Today: Has your stardom affected your attitude to life? 

Sridevi: It doesn’t give me a chance to get to know life. Whenever I want a saree or anything, it comes to me. I have never been shopping. But I’ve got so used to it that even if I get a chance to experience things, I withdraw. I feel very uneasy with anything new. I feel comfortable only with my lifestyle.
-- Sridevi, India Today. 1987

tinsel town: Sridevi: Enigma Next Door

tinsel town: Sridevi: Enigma Next Door 

Sridevi appeared on the cover of tinsel town several times, often photographed by Rakesh Shreshta.  

Sridevi in Pokkiri Raja (1982)

Sridevi in Pokkiri Raja (1982) 
 

Dark days: Adieu Sridevi

There isn't a day when we don't remember her... 

But this Yash Raj post... 

Sridevi in Laadla (1994)

 

Sridevi and her power suits in Laadla (1994)

Having turned 30 when she shot the film, the age of innocence, of playing wallflower or victim, was beyond the scope of all-powerful and all-knowing Sridevi. By then, Sridevi had already appeared in over 200 films since the age of four, so the omnipotent and omniscient one had to essay stronger parts, leads that were specially written with her in mind. 

Laadla was a flawed film (as was Judaai) but somehow, the power of conviction by the actress which helped the suspension of belief while watching powered the movies and made them so watchable and entertaining. 

The most iconic poster of Sridevi: Sensuous Sri in and as Chandni (1989)

 

Sridevi on the sets of Gurudev

 Sridevi on the sets of Gurudev 

Rare still: Sridevi at the mahurat/first shot of Chandni

Rare still of Sridevi from the mahurat/launch of Chandni - we have a dozen pics here in the archive. 
 

The pearls, the drop earrings - even the bindi was white. 

The Lady in Pink and Pearls: Sridevi

Mid 1990s in Bollywood, gorgeous Sridevi. 

Pearls and a perm: Sridevi's classic 90s look

Pearls and a perm: Sridevi's classic 90s look 
 

Sridevi

 

Tinsel town: Sridevi Enigma Next Door: 90s Indian Icon

Tinsel town: Sridevi Enigma Next Door: 90s Indian Icon