Bollywood mourns Sridevi's demise

Stars from the Hindi film industry expressed their grief on the veteran actor's sudden demise 
Bollywood mourns Sridevi's demise

Ageless beauty, vibrant, beautiful, brilliant and iconic -- the Indian film fraternity outpoured its love for Sridevi as the news of her sudden and untimely death of the veteran actor left the country shocked.

From southern movie stars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, to Hindi cinema veterans like Anupam Kher, Hema Malini and Madhuri Dixit-Nene and younger actors like Farhan Akhtar and Alia Bhatt -- all were in disbelief over Sridevi's demise at the age of 54.

Actor-politician Hema Malini wrote: "Sridevi's sudden passing away has left me in deep shock. Can't imagine how such a bubbly person, a wonderful actor, is no more. She has left a void in the industry that cannot be filled. Boney is a good friend and I've seen their daughters grow up. My prayers are with the family."

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

Anupam Kher, who worked with Sridevi in a multitude of films like Lamhe, ChaalBaaz and Karma, said: "Am I having a horrible dream. Sridevi no more? This is so so sad. And so so not fair. One of the most brilliant, elegant and talented actresses ever. The queen of Indian cinema. And a friend. Worked with her in so many movies. So many amazing memories."

He said he wants to remember her as "happening, vibrant, brilliant, beautiful, best and unique."

Sridevi was in Dubai with husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi when she breathed her last. Her elder daughter Jahnvi, who is due to make her Bollywood debut, was in Mumbai.

Author Chetan Bhagat wrote: "She never seemed to age, and now she is suddenly gone. We grew up watching her, and she was still going strong. Can't believe she's not there anymore. God bless her soul."

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar recounted his time with Sridevi from Lamhe. "My first job in 1990 was on Lamhe and this song Megha re megha was the very first time I saw this legendary actor create her incredible magic on screen. From Sadma to ChalBaaz, from Mr.India to Chandni, it was impossible to take your eyes off her when she appeared on screen. A true star. A gifted actor. A woman with tremendous dignity. Gone too soon. RIP Sridevi. Sad sad day."

Her Chandni co-star Rishi Kapoor wrote: "Woken up to this tragic news. Absolute shock. Sad. Heartfelt condolences to Boney and their two daughters!"

Madhuri Dixit-Nene said, "The world has lost a very talented person who left behind a huge legacy in films".

Madhavan described her as a legend of Indian cinema. "Our industry will never be the same again. She was the kindest soul apart from being a Giant performer. The heavens are lucky."

Alia Bhatt tweeted: "Nothing makes sense. I have no words... just completely shocked. RIP Sridevi. My icon forever. Love you."

Composer Vishal Dadlani wrote: "Srideviji was a megastar in her own right. She put the early cracks in the glass ceiling and paved the way for female megastars that came after her. Her reinvention and comeback has been brilliant too. We lost more than a star, today. We lost a pioneer."

Vivek Oberoi described her as a "legend, an enigma, a superstar whose brilliance dazzled us for decades," adding, "Srideviji, you will live forever in our hearts."

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