Ollywood mourns ‘Chaalbaaz’ Sridevi’s untimely demise

Bhubaneswar: Veteran Bollywood actress Sridevi passed away Saturday night following a cardiac arrest while she was with her husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi Kapoor in Dubai. She was 54.

The entire nation, Bollywood, Ollywood and the television industry is saddened by the sudden demise of the actress.

Sridevi - An icon who immortalised Mr India, who made Chandni look brightest, who was a Tohfa to the Bollywood, whose English Vinglish created a benchmark and Mom made many moms like her strong to stand for a cause

The news of death came as a shock for everyone in the Odia film industry. Actresses Mahasweta Ray, Aparajita Mohanty, Anu Choudhury, director Sisir Mishra and actor Raimohan Parida expressed grief, while many could not believe the news and shared their condolences.

“This is a saddening news. When we talk about Bombay industry, she was one of the greatest female artistes of all time. Acting was in her blood. It is unfortunate for the whole fraternity that she passed at such an age. Whichever role she was offered, she moulded hereself and gave her best,” expressed film director Sisir Mishra.

The director was further quoted saying about Sridevi "Aisa Kaam Kaise Karti Hai, Itni Acchi Artiste Hai".

Actress Mahasweta Ray condoled and said, “I have never heard such a shocking and painful news in my life. I still cannot believe this that she is no more. Losing an actress like her, the kind of personality she had made her veteran. The role she performed in English Vinglish and MOM was spellbound. She has raised her daughters in such a way that we can see a replica of her in them.”

“Be it a hit film or a flop one, Sridevi’s acting was the centre of attraction in all her movies. Her performance had dynamism,” added Mahasweta.

Ollywood veteran Aparajita Mohanty said, “I still cannot believe this. This is saddening. I am short of words and cannot express how I am feeling right now. She was the first lady superstar of Indian cinema. It’s a big loss for the whole cine fraternity.”

Anu Choudhury also expressed grief and said, “Nobody can take her place. She is above all and we cannot compare her with any other actress. She was one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema. She was known as the ‘Powerhouse’ of acting. From the childhood, we all have been inspired by her talent. May God give all strength to her family. I pray for the departed soul. May her soul rest in peace.”

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of the veteran actress.

Shocked to hear of passing of movie star Sridevi. She has left millions of fans heartbroken. Her performances in films such as Moondram Pirai, Lamhe and English Vinglish remain an inspiration for other actors. My condolences to her family and close associates #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 25, 2018

Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018

Here is what some of the Bollywood personalities tweeted:

Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of #Sridevi. What a dark black terrible moment in time. Gutted.

— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) February 24, 2018

I just heard Ma’am Sridevi passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest. I am in shock...cant stop crying...

— sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) February 24, 2018

Unbelievable Shocking & Heartbreaking to hear about the demise of #Sridevi, one of the talented Actress of Indian Cinema. Prayers and strength to the family. #OmShanti

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) February 24, 2018

I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP

— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 24, 2018

The news was confirmed by Sridevi’s brother-in-law and actor Sanjay Kapoor.

Sridevi was in Dubai to attend the marriage function of actress Sonam Kapoor’s cousin Mohit Marwah, along with husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi Kapoor.

Sridevi will be remembered by millions of fans for her performance in some of the iconic films like "Mr India", "Nagina", "Sadma", "Chaalbaaz", "Chandni" among many others. The Padma Shri recipient was last seen in "Mom" in 2017.