RIP Sridevi: Remembering Her Classic Performances

My Sunday morning did not turn up so good at all. Reason – the demise of veteran and legendary actress Sridevi. First, when I received the message, I googled to confirm whether it was an internet hoax, but it turned out to be a bitter truth. Literally, all her movies and her performances started flashing in front of my eyes. We really lost a gem from the Indian film industry and several times, she made me fall in love with her all over again. Thus, to honour her, I have compiled some of the best Sridevi movie list, which I have literally watched on a ‘repeat’ mode.

• English Vinglish

  I know she has given abundant hits, but English Vinglish tops the chart. This was her comeback film after a long hiatus and she sprawled back with a bang! This film is very close to my heart as she taught me that nothing is impossible and truly brought alive the saying – “where there is a will, there is a way”. There are two sides of her persona – first that starts with awkwardness and shyness and then the confidence of real independence. Her nuances of incapability in speaking English, constant mockery from her daughter and husband, support from her niece is so beautifully portrayed. Just can’t imagine any other actress, in her shoes!

• Mr India

  Who can forget her performance in Kate Nahi Kate Te and Hawa Hawai? Not just this, but her final act in the parody song, her Charlie Chaplin act, were equally mind blowing. Her shades of being ruthless towards kids made me angry, but her bonding time with kids really made me fall in love with her. Every time is onscreen, she just shines out!

• Judaai

  This is the last movie of Sridevi before going on for a sabbatical. Every time she showed the greed for money, my blood would start boiling and I think that’s the prowess of her acting. She literally over-shadowed Urmila Matondkar and Anil Kapoor in this movie. Her yearning for the materialistic world and later on for her husband and kids was a treat to watch.

• Nagina and Nigahen: Nagina Part II

  I literally started believing in naagin aka snake woman only and only because of Sridevi. Her expressions after a snake fight, made me really believe that yes, snake woman does exist! Her white contact lens would scare me, but they were meant to scare you and she portrayed the role with finesse. And yes, who will forget her outstanding performance in Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera!

• Lamhe

  She looks immensely beautiful in this movie and her double role as mother-daughter made her win abundant critical praise which she thoroughly deserved! The way she glances at Anil Kapoor, gets all decked up for him, tries her best to impress him, makes you believe that age doesn’t make a difference when someone is in love. Her songs Meri Bindiya, Morni and Medley song are worth watching for her expressions and comic timing.

• Chandni

  My first encounter with this movie was with the songs – Mere Haaton Main Nau Nau Choodiyan Hai and Chandni O Meri Chandni. The songs, her dancing and acting skills were so awesome that we couldn’t keep ourselves away from this movie. Not just this, but her sarees were a massive hit! By the way, even now a wedding celebration is incomplete with Mere Haaton Main song.

• Sadma

  When Sadma released, I was a kid. When I watched the movie, I just couldn’t understand the backdrop and why was she acting like this? But as I grew up, Sadma was regular on Doordarshan and later on cable TV and got to know the essence of the movie. I couldn’t believe that a grown-up girl could enact a childlike character so beautifully. Believe me, only Sridevi was capable of such role and she totally nailed it.

• Khuda Gawah

  I love this movie for the awesome Afghani dialect and dialogues from the entire crew. But Sridevi in a double role is a treat to watch. First half, she is a matured woman who is a fighter, bids adieu to her husband with a heavy heart and is yearning for him. While in the second half she reprises the role of her daughter who is childish, but with an adrenaline rush and is desperately searching for her lost father. Both the personalities are way too different, but she has played both the parts with utmost dedication. Her chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan is just amazing.

• Mom

  When this film released, I missed watching it in the theatre. However, I was lucky to watch it on Tata Sky and one shouldn’t miss this revenge drama. What a mother is capable of, can be measured with this movie and the title is so damn apt for this movie. Moreover, do not miss the climax of the film, I am sure it will bring tears to your eyes.

• Chaalbaaz

  Sridevi in a double role along with incredible comic timing equals to a double dhamaka. Two different parts portrayed by one actor can be so awesome, is elegantly proved by Sridevi. Her song Naa Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai made me fall in love with those transparent rainwear and umbrella ?. Her acting shades made this movie a classic and my all-time favourite.

In her long tenure, Sridevi has won several accolades not only for her acting skills, but also for dancing and her fashion sense. Even at the age of 55, she was the epitome of royalty and glamour. She was considered to be the most ideal female superstar of the Indian Film Industry.

Thanks a lot, Sridevi for abundant entertainment and we will miss you a lot. RIP!