On Saturday, 24 February, Bollywood actress Sridevi Kapoor, 54 has died, after suffering a cardiac arrest. The tragic news was confirmed by her brother-in-law to The Indian Express: “Yes, it is true that Sridevi passed away. I just landed here, I was in Dubai and now I am flying back to Dubai. It happened roughly around 11.00-11.30. I don’t know more details yet.”
She was reportedly at a wedding ceremony in the United Arab Emirates, with the entire Kapoor family, including her husband and daughter, shocking the Indian film industry and all the hearts she had touched all over the world.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sridevi ranked amongst the highest-paid actors, being considered as the most popular actress of the era, also dubbed as the “first female superstar.” In a mobile survey conducted by Vuclip, the world’s largest mobile research company, she was declared the most-admired Bollywood actress of 2012.
Her most remarkable films include Sadma, Chandni, Himmatwala, ChaalBaaz, Mr India, Nagina, Mawali, Tohfa and Gumrah among others. The last major film Sridevi starred in before she took a 15-year break from her acting career was Judaai, released in 1997, only to be back with English Vinglish in 2012. She was last seen in 2017 film MOM.
Fans, co-stars and politicians took it to Twitter to mourn the death of the star, and express their condolences:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he is “Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, paid tribute to the late star in a tweet: “Really enjoyed meeting Bollywood icon Sri Devi on my recent trip to India. So sad to hear the news of the death of such a terrifically talented actress, performer and producer.”
Sridevi fellow Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra tweeted: “I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi. A dark day . RIP”
Actor Aamir Khan also tweeted: “I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the untimely and tragic passing away of Sridevi. I have always been a huge fan of her work. Equally I have always been an admirer of the grace and dignity with which she conducted herself. My heartfelt condolences to everyone in the family. I join all the millions of her fans in mourning her demise. Ma’am, we will always remember you with love and respect.”
One fan tweeted: “She came. She saw. She conquered. And went back to the heavens from where she came.”
According to reports, the funeral rites are expected to be performed on Monday, in Mumbai.