Veteran actress Sridevi passes away after suffering cardiac arrest in Dubai

Veteran Bollywood actress Sridevi, one of the biggest names in the film industry, passed away in Dubai. She was 54.

According to the family sources, the actor, wife of producer Boney Kapoor, reportedly died due to a cardiac arrest late in the night in Dubai, where she had gone, along with her family, to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding.

While some of the family members returned from Dubai after the wedding, Sridevi, Boney and Khushi stayed back.

A versatile actor, Sridevi made her Bollywood debut in 1978 with “Solva Sawan”. But it was only after five years with Jeetendra-starrer “Himmatwala” that she gained commercial success.

Her scintillating screen presence, and acting prowess soon made her one of the most sought-after artistes in the Hindi film industry. While films like “Mawaali” (1983), “Tohfa” (1984), “Mr India” (1987) and “Chandni” (1989) kept her at the top in the box-office game, her outings like “Sadma” (1983), “ChaalBaaz” (1989), “Lamhe” (1991), and “Gumrah” (1993) earned her critical acclaim.

She went on a hiatus for 15 years after starring in home production, “Judaai”, co-starring her brother-in-law Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar. It was director Gauri Shindes “English Vinglish” in 2012 that marked Sridevis comeback.

Her nuanced performance as a middle-class woman, learning to speak English to feel accepted by her family, won accolades, and the film was also a commercial success.

Last year, she was seen in revenge-drama — “Mom” — opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna. She shot for a special appearance in superstar Shah Rukh Khans upcoming film “Zero”, which releases in December.

But by the time she made her entry into Bollywood, the actor was a known face in South Indian films. She made her debut in Tamil films as a child artiste with “Thunaivan” in 1969.

As an adult, she debuted in Tamil cinema in late 70s. She also worked in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films.

Besides Boney and Khushi, she is survived by older daughter Janhvi Kapoor, who is currently working towards making her entry into the Hindi cinema.

Sridevi was step-mother to actor Arjun Kapoor and his sister Anshula, who Boney had from late first wife Mona.

The actress was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for her services to the film industry.

The shocking death of the beloved Indian star prompted an outpouring of grief among fans and fellow Bollywood actors. Here is what some of the Bollywood and other noted personalities said:

Rajnikanth tweeted: I’m shocked and very disturbed. I’ve lost a dear friend and the industry has lost a true legend. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I feel the pain with them #RIPSridev … you will be missed.

Priyanka Chopra tweeted: I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi. A dark day. RIP.

Kamal Hassan tweeted: Have witnessed Sridevi’s life from an adolescent teenager to the magnificeint lady she became. Her stardom was well deserved. Many happy moments with her flash through my mind including the last time I met her. Sadma’s lullaby haunts me now. We’ll miss her.

Sushmita Sen tweeted: I just heard Ma’am Sridevi passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest. I am in shock…can’t stop crying…

Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted: Unbelievable Shocking & Heartbreaking to hear about the demise of #Sridevi, one of the talented Actress of Indian Cinema. Prayers and strength to the family. #OmShanti

Annu Kapoor to ANI: I wanted to accept it as a rumour, but in the end it was a reality. Whereever she is may her soul rest in peace. Our prayers are with her family. Nation mourns, she was a heartthrob for cinema lovers. We will always remember her.

Hema Malini to ANI: Yeh khabar sunke bahot shock laga. Humne kabhi socha bhi nahi tha. Unhone apne talent se kaafi logon ko prabhaavit kiya. She was a wonderful actress & unhone apna sthaan banaya hindi film industry mein. It is a big loss for Bollywood.

Sachin Tendulkar to ANI: I have no words to express how i feel. We have grown up seeing her. It is difficult to digest that she is not with us. My heartiest condolences to her family.

Piyush Goyal to ANI: I was shocked to hear the news of her demise. She played an important role in the field of performing arts. We all have seen her capabilities on the screen. This is a huge loss for the nation. I give my heartfelt condolences to her family.

Ranjeet to ANI: Unbelievable. She was a humble and beautiful lady. She was an amazing artist who had the ability to convey everything through her eyes. It feels like we are all in an airport departure lounge waiting for our announcements.

Ashoke Pandit to ANI: Whatever movies she did, her performances were unmatched. My heartfelt condolences to her family.The entire industry is in ‘Sadma’ by hearing this news.