As an expat kid living in Dubai, Bollywood became an inseparable part of growing up in the 80s and 90s, thanks to my mother's liking for renting the latest Hindi films from our local video store in Karama and also of course, Channel 33's Thursday night slot, which happened to be a Hindi movie, which we were allowed to stay up and watch.
So alongside catching up with TV shows from the US and UK (thanks to Channel 33's up to date programming) as well as the latest in the music world (what would we have done without Dubai 92) we were also being educated in the world of Bollywood - in an era ruled by big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and of course, the lovely and supremely talented Sridevi, who passed away on Saturday in Dubai at the age of 54.
The charming actress, born in Sivakasi in 1963, made her Bollywood debut in 1975's Julie as a child artist, going on to star in diverse roles in some of the most memorable films of the 80s and 90s, like Chandni, Lamhe and my personal favourite, 1989's Chaalbaaz, an amusing and inspiring tale of twin sisters with completely contrasting personalities who end up winning the day over their cruel, conniving relatives (Bollywood happy endings somehow always gave me a greater sense of satisfaction than their Hollywood counterparts).
An unforgettable series of moments from Chaalbaaz is the catchy track Naa Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai picturised on Sridevi and Sunny Deol and choreographed by Saroj Khan - it is this cheeky rain dance that stands out in memory above any other role of hers and made me smile this morning despite the sad news of her passing; the song has been playing on loop in my head since.
Yes, she appeared in many serious and dramatic roles (even a snake wasn't too difficult to portray, as she confidently did in 1986's Nagina, and her depiction of a young girl who becomes child-like upon suffering amnesia post an accident in the heart wrenching Sadma, earned critical acclaim) but it was her brilliance as a comic actress, that in my opinion, shone through above anything else.
When I think of Sridevi, I think of the decadence of the 80s (and some part of the 90s), when nothing was too bright, too loud, too colourful or too outlandish, neither plot nor dialogue, neither song nor dance, and it is these qualities that made this era, and her, stunning and memorable. #TheLastEmpressOfBollywood has been trending on social media since the news of her death spread. We can think of no better, or fitting title for this versatile Bollywood queen who will be sorely missed.
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