Dear Sridevi,
I had never written you a letter earlier because I was pretty sure that it would be lost amongst the thousands of fan letters you receive every day.
But now, you have left us for your heavenly abode, becoming the ‘Atiloka Sundari’ you portrayed with MegaStar Chiranjeevi. Ironically, I decided it was time to put pen to paper. Being up in the heaven with the Gods would give you innumerable powers to read the plenty of mail that you missed reading… and I am confident this will be one of them.
I am a child of the 70s and grew up watching your movies. In fact, my mother often commented that I actually got glasses after watching ‘Kshana Kshanam’ fourteen times! Every time a guest would come home, I would be delegated the job of entertaining them with your movies. The video cassette of your movie would be rewound and played. And I could watch it over and over again.
We came from a generation that had conservative backgrounds, and through your cinema, you showed that heroines could do much more than giving coy looks to the boys and sing duets. You could become the Manju in ‘Chaalbaaz’ and bash them up if they misbehaved, you could become an apsara, an iccha-dhari naagin or even the fun-loving lass ‘Chandni’ who follows her heart.
Even your most recent films of English Vinglish and MOM showcased resolve, and how one can be strong wherever they are.
No wonder, with all that you gave through cinema, it is hard to believe that you are no more. People came on to the streets, and conspiracy theories cropped up as everyone tried to find a reason for your untimely demise. Every other news seemed to fade before this, such was your popularity and the love your fans have for you.
All this only goes on to say that you’re immortal, and will always live through your colourful cinema.
Rest In Peace…’Roop Ki Rani’
From an ardent fan of Sridevi
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