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Veteran actor Sridevi, who redefined stardom as India’s first female superstar with a pan-Indian legacy spanning 50+ years across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions of her fans.
Beginning as a child artist in Tamil films at age four, she achieved unprecedented success with landmark roles in Mr. India, Chandni, and ChaalBaaz. Her 2012 comeback film English Vinglish grossed Rs 215 crore globally, proving her enduring appeal. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2013, she remains the only actress to headline 15 consecutive solo-heroine Hindi hits between 1987 and 1997.
It was on this day, she was tragically found dead. As we mark her 7th death anniversary, here’s a look into the tragic circumstances of her untimely passing:
Unresolved Controversies:
Despite Dubai Police ruling Sridevi's 2018 death as accidental drowning, persistent theories speculate foul play due to timeline discrepancies. Key controversies include conflicting initial reports of cardiac arrest vs drowning- a Rs 240 crore UAE-based life insurance policy only claimable through accidental death; and Boney Kapoor's delayed emergency response after discovering her unconscious.
Forensic reports revealed 0.02mg/L alcohol in her system - equivalent to one glass of wine - fueling speculation about intoxication preceding the incident.
Official Forensic Findings and Cause of Death:
The Dubai Police confirmed Sridevi’s death resulted from accidental drowning in her hotel bathtub after losing consciousness. The forensic report noted traces of alcohol in her system but ruled out foul play or cardiac arrest as initially speculated. The Ministry of Health UAE’s autopsy clarified that her strict diet regimen might have contributed to blackouts, though no direct causal link was established. The case was transferred to Dubai Public Prosecution for standard legal procedures, which concluded no criminal intent.
Circumstances Leading to Accidental Drowning:
Sridevi was alone in her hotel room at Jumeirah Emirates Towers when she collapsed in a filled bathtub while preparing for dinner. Her husband Boney Kapoor discovered her unconscious upon returning from Mumbai. Reports suggest she had stayed in Dubai post a family wedding, with Kapoor later joining her as a surprise. The absence of immediate medical assistance and delayed reporting (30–45 minutes) fueled speculation about negligence or procedural lapses.
Boney Kapoor’s Account and Family Reactions:
Kapoor attributed Sridevi’s blackouts to her salt-free diet during an emotional interview years later. He faced public scrutiny over timeline discrepancies, though Dubai Police cleared him post-investigation. Daughters Khushi and Janhvi Kapoor avoided public statements initially but later honoured her legacy through social media tributes.
