Celebrating Sridevi: A Journey Through Iconic Roles

Sridevi's Unforgettable Filmography

1. Jaag Utha Insan (1984): While it was “Himmatwala” that catapulted her to fame, this lesser-known film produced by Rakesh Roshan and directed by K. Vishwanath showcased Sridevi's brilliance as a temple dancer caught between a Brahmin boy (Rakesh Roshan) and an underprivileged youth (Mithun Chakraborty). Her dance and emotional depth were captivating, making us forget the film's shortcomings.
2. Sadma (1983): This film marked a significant milestone in Sridevi's career. Portraying a girl who reverts to childhood after an accident, she masterfully captured the essence of her character's struggles without overdoing it. Her performance was so remarkable that even her co-star Kamal Haasan praised her portrayal, claiming she excelled even in the Tamil version, “Moondram Pirai.”
3. Nagina (1986): Despite being a poorly received film, Sridevi's role as a snake-woman left a lasting impression. Her mesmerizing dance to the song “Main teri dushman, dushman tu mera,” sung by Lata Mangeshkar, is unforgettable, overshadowing the film's overall quality.
4. Janbaaz (1986): Sridevi's legacy is as much about her performances as it is about her musical numbers. In “Janbaaz,” she had a brief yet impactful role, and her dance in a vibrant orange chiffon sari to the tune of “Har kisiko nahin milta” remains etched in memory.
5. Mr. India (1987): This film marked a pivotal moment in Sridevi's career. As a journalist who dislikes children, she delivered an outstanding performance. Director Shekhar Kapur allowed her to shine, showcasing her impeccable comic timing and sensuality in the iconic blue chiffon sari during the song “Kate nahin katt te.”
6. Chandni (1989): With this film, Sridevi became synonymous with Yash Chopra's heroines. She transformed into a stunning lead, showcasing her emotional range as she navigated love for a wheelchair-bound Rishi Kapoor. The film highlighted her talent through dance, song, and heartfelt moments.
7. ChaalBaaz (1989): In the same year as “Chandni,” Sridevi impressed audiences with her dual role as the gentle Anju and the spirited Manju. While others had played similar roles before, Sridevi infused them with a unique energy, thanks to director Pankaj Parashar's vision.
8. Lamhe (1991): Following “Chandni,” Yash Chopra brought Sridevi back in this daring love story where she played both mother and daughter. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions in one film left audiences in awe.
9. Army (1996): This film featured Sridevi alongside Shah Rukh Khan, showcasing a poignant scene where she reacts to his character's death. Her transition from laughter to shock and grief exemplified her exceptional acting skills, proving she often outshone the material she was given.
10. Judaai (1997): In her final film before stepping back to family life, Sridevi delivered a powerful performance in this melodrama directed by Raj Kanwar, elevating even the simplest scenes with her talent.
11. English Vinglish (2012): Marking her return to cinema, this film reaffirmed Sridevi's unparalleled talent. Her portrayal of Shashi, a woman rediscovering herself, was deeply engaging, allowing audiences to experience her journey of self-empowerment and growth.