Daily Times

The legendary Bollywood actress Sridevi passed away suddenly on Saturday night in Dubai, after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest. She was in UAE for actor Mohit Marwah’s wedding, along with her daughter Khushi and husband Boney Kapoor, who is a renowned filmmaker.

Indeed, her death has left an indelible impact on the entertainment industry, where scores of people including celebrities from all walks of life, took to social media to express their disbelief and shock over the 54-year-old’s sudden demise.

The actress who had touched millions of her fans worldwide, through her beauty, dancing skills and impeccable acting mettle, had a large fan following all over the world, and in Pakistan, where those born in the 1980s and the early ‘90s, grew up on films such as ‘Chaal Baaz’, ‘Chandni’, ‘Khuda Gawah’, ‘Gumrah’, ‘Army’, ‘Judaai’, ‘Mr India’ and then her ultimate comeback after a hiatus of 15 years with ‘English Vinglish’.

Sri Devi’s persona was that of being more of a people’s person. She scintillated and evoked emotions of infatuation, admiration and love from men and women alike, with the bat of an eyelash and the twist of her waist. The characters that she essayed remained memorable and hence, her position as the ultimate ‘dream girl’ remained reserved for her only

She had last appeared in the dark thriller ‘Mom’, alongside leading Pakistani actors Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Ali. The film further cemented Sri Devi’s place as an actress par excellence, defying age. The famed actress connected more with today’s Pakistani audience, when she had expressed her love for Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui in a video, during the promotions for ‘Mom’ when the actors couldn’t rub shoulders with her at the promo events. She had broken down in tears and regretted their absence verbally. She called Sajal, ‘mera bacha’ (my kid), in the video that just went to show how much affection she had for the Pakistani actress.

Only but recently, the actress had mingled and posed with the leading Pakistani actresses during Masala Awards in Dubai, where Mahira Khan, Meera, Saba Qamar and Mawra Hocane posed with her.

Sri Devi’s persona was that of being more of a people’s person. She scintillated and evoked emotions of infatuation, admiration and love from men and women alike, with the bat of an eyelash and the twist of her waist. The characters that she essayed remained memorable and hence, her position as the ultimate ‘dream girl’ remained reserved for her only.

Leading fashion designer Feeha Jamshed tweeted, “When you talk about magic you think of her.. the scale of work she has achieved in a span of 50 years leaves a lot of legends behind. She broke the stereotype and proved female actors can work after marriage & have lead roles written for you even at 54. Rest in power #Sridevi.”

Actress and morning show host Juggun Kazim said, “There are no words… such a beautiful talented woman. Rest in peace Sridevi. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us all. An inspiration to millions. Gone too soon. #RIP #SriDevi ##RIPSridevi

Award-winning singer and actor Ali Zafar tweeted, “Rest in peace #Sridevi ji. You have left us with great memories of joy and tears.”

Acclaimed actress and host Sanam Baloch said, “Shocked to hear about #Sridevi Ji. you will always be remembered.”

“So grateful to have grown up and lived in the times of #sridevi . Thank you for the movies, thank you for the magic. You shall live on forever,” Mahira Khan said.

Actor Gohar Rasheed tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the shocking of #Sridevi RIP you were and you will always be my favourite.”

Award-winning actor Humayun Saeed was one of the first celebrities to tweet about the actress’s death. He said, “Shocked beyond words to hear about Sri Devi’s untimely death. A legendary actress whose work will continue to inspire many and forever remain cherished. May her soul rest in peace.”

Actor Ali Rehman Khan was also one of the first Pakistani stars to tweet about Sri Devi’s death. “Still can’t believe that #Sridevi just passed away. So sad. RIP you legend. You will live on forever,” he said.

Meera, who had rubbed shoulders with the starlet in many pictures both recently and in the past posted a picture of herself with the late actress and said, “An icon,legend and superstar actor who was a big inspiration for me. Really shocked with this news. She was always so nice and encouraging. RIP srideviji. Prayers.”

Published in Daily Times, February 26^th 2018.