Remembering Sridevi on her 8th death anniversary: From Sadma to Mom, revisiting her best movies, craft and legacy

Sridevi was Bollywood's first female superstar

• Sridevi died in Dubai in 2018 at age 54 by accidental drowning
• She was India's first female superstar, winning the Padma Shri
• Her daughters Janhvi and Khushi continue her legacy in films

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Eight years have passed since the shocking death of Bollywood actress and legend Sridevi. Millions of fans across the world, her family and friends in the film industry woke up to the devastating news of Sridevi's accidental death in Dubai on On February 24, 2018.

She was 54 at the time of her death. What followed was a wave of shock, disbelief, and a national outpouring of grief for an actor who wasn’t just celebrated but cherished.

Sridevi was in Dubai with her family including husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi Kapoor for the wedding of nephew Mohit Marwah. It was at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, that the tragedy unfolded later that night.

Initial reports suspected cardiac arrest 

When the initial reports came out they cited cardiac arrest as the reason for her death but an official forensic report by Dubai authorities later stated that the cause of death was accidental drowning in a bathtub and traces of alcohol were found in her system.

The unexpected nature of her death led to widespread speculations and there was an intense media scrutiny which followed. However, the Dubai Public Prosecution concluded that there was no foul play.

Her husband, producer Boney Kapoor, completed the legal formalities before bringing her back home to Mumbai, where thousands gathered to bid her a tearful farewell.

India's first Female Superstar 

Sridevi was often called the country’s first female superstar and she commanded the box office at a time when the industry was largely male-dominated.

She started her career as a child actor in South Indian movies and then went on to become a Pan India actor.

Sadma, Mr. India, Chandni, and English Vinglish roles proved her versitality as an actor. It was her expressive eyes, her dance moves, and comic timing that set her apart from others in her generartion.

In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri, a recognition of her contribution to the Indian cinema.

At the 65th National Film Awards, Sridevi was posthumously honoured with the Best Actress National Film Award for her role in the 2017 thriller movie Mom.

It was announced in April 2018 and it was her first-ever National Award in a 50-year career. Her husband Boney Kapoor along with daughters Janhvi and Khushi accepted the award on her behalf.

Last Family PictureThe last kanown family photo aof Sridevi before her untimely demise shows her with husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi, radiating happiness together.

Janhvi and Khushi carry forward her legacy 

Today, her legacy continues through her daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.

At the time of her untimely death Sidevi's elder daughter Janhvi was preparing for her Bollywood debut. In her interviews, Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor has often spoken about the deep impact her mother had on her life and also her craft.

And now Khushi is also an actress, carrying on the work of her mother.

Sridevi has worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada movies during her long career.

Sridevi showed how good an actress she was in Hindi movies like Mr. India, ChaalBaaz, Chandni, Lamhe, Sadma, Khuda Gawah, Judaai, English Vinglish, and Mom.

People still talk about her roles in Moondram Pirai, 16 Vayathinile, and Sigappu Rojakkal in Tamil.

While in Telugu she delivered hits like Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Kshana Kshanam, and Padaharella Vayasu that actually showcased her wide range as an actor.

Janhvi and Sridevi

She was also appreciated in the Malayalam movie Devaragam. Sridevi changed what it meant to be a female superstar with her expressive eyes, comedic timing, emotional depth, and mesmerizing dance routines.

When fans remember Sridevi, they don't just think about her tragic death but they also celebrate her amazing career that lasted for 5 decades.