Bollywood actor Sridevi dies of cardiac arrest at 54

Mumbai, February 25

Veteran Bollywood actor and Padma Shri awardee Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, passed away. She was 54.

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

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Confirming the news, a source close to the family said, “Yes, it’s true. We hear it’s cardiac arrest.”

While some of her family members returned from Dubai after the wedding, Sridevi, Boney and her younger daughter Khushi stayed back. Her elder daughter Janhvi had not travelled with the family because of the shooting schedule for her upcoming Bollywood film, her first in the industry.

Indian embassy officials in Dubai are working closely with the local authorities to ensure that the mortal remains of the diva.

It is, however, unclear when the transfer will take place as local procedures need to be completed before the body is repatriated.

According to sources in the consulate, forensic and lab reports are still awaited following which the process of repatriation will begin.

"Since this was declared a natural death, post-mortem is unlikely to be carried out," another source added.

Consulate officials said the actress's body is currently at the police headquarters morgue in Al Qusais and a consulate employee is with the family. They are trying to help expedite the procedures for repatriation.

Vipul, Consul General of India in Dubai, said, "We are working with the Dubai Police to expedite the procedure to repatriate her (Sridevi) body to India."      Earlier, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri, tweeted his condolences to the family stating, "Absolutely shocked to get the report about the untimely demise of #Sridevi. Conveyed my condolences to the family. Our consulate in Dubai is working with local authorities to provide all possible assistance."

Sridevi, known for her versatility as an actor, 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.

Before her entry into Bollywood, the actor had been a known face in South Indian films. She made her debut as a child artist in Tamil film “Thunaivan” in 1969. She also worked in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films.

Sridevi’s beguiling eyes, scintillating screen presence and acting prowess soon made her one of the most-sought-after actors 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 Shinde’s “English Vinglish” in 2012 that marked Sridevi’s 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 also shot for a special appearance in superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film, “Zero”, which releases in December.

Sridevi was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour, in 2013.

Besides Boney and Khushi, she is survived by older daughter Janhvi Kapoor. Sridevi was step-mother to actor Arjun Kapoor and his sister Anshula, who Boney had from late first wife Mona. — PTI

An absolute icon. Gone too soon, #Sridevi. Too soon...

— Jacqueline Fernandez (@Asli_Jacqueline) February 24, 2018

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

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 24, 2018

Heartbroken & shocked to hear that my all time favourite #Sridevi is no more. May god give peace to her soul & strength to the family #RIP

— Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 24, 2018

Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of #Sridevi. What a dark black terrible moment in time. Gutted.

— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) February 24, 2018

Cannot believe the heartbreaking news about #Sridevi Our industry lost a shining light today, way too early. Love and light to her family.

— Vir Das (@thevirdas) February 24, 2018