Lata Mangeshkar On Sridevi’s Sudden Demise: I’m At Loss Of Words

News Gateway /  Lata Mangeshkar On Sridevi / Mumbai / 

Indian cinema has lost of one its brightest stars in Sridevi and personalities such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan and South superstars Chiranjeevi, and Nagarjuna Akkineni and “Baahubali” director S S Rajamouli offered their condolences on the death of the legendary actor. The actor, who passed away late last night in Dubai at the age of 54 reportedly due to cardiac arrest, had worked in cinema across languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada in her career spanning almost five decades.

Inarguably, Sridevi was the first pan-India female superstar to rule the 1980s. Melody queen Mangeshkar, who lent her voice to Sridevi in memorable songs such as “Mere haathon mein”,”Morni baaga maa”, “Kabhi main kahoon” and “Nainon mein sapna”, tweeted her condolences. “I can’t believe Sridevi has left the world at such a young age.

“I’m at a loss of words. My condolences to Boney Kapoor and their two daughters,” she wrote. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle also paid homage to the actor.

“Very sad to hear about Srideviji. We’ve had a long association. My deepest condolences to her family,” Bhosle wrote, who playbacked for Sridevi in “Chandni” song “Parbat se kaali ghata takraee”.

Actor Vidya Balan, for whose recent release “Tumhari Sulu” Sridevi’s hit number “Hawa Hawaaii” was recreated, wrote on social media: “My inspiration is no more…”

Actor Chiranjeevi in a video message said, “The sudden demise of Sridevi is very sad for the Indian film industry. I extend my deep felt condolences to her family members. “She was a great actor and she will live forever in the hearts of her fans and her memories shall live as long as the film industry lives,” he said. “She dedicated her life for the art,” said Chiranjeevi, who acted opposite Sridevi in the 1990 blockbuster film “Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari”.

Nagarjuna Akkineni tweeted, “I have been trying all morning to gather myself to face the truth of dear #sridevi leaving us, trying to believe it’s just a bad dream/memories of her just keep coming back and I don’t know whether to smile or cry. We love you dear Sridevi #RIPSridevi.” The actor had worked with Sridevi in the 1988 Telugu action-blockbuster “Aakhari Poratam” among others.

S S Rajamouli also mourned the demise of “the first Lady Superstar of the Country”. “Shocked to hear the sad news… 50 of those 54 years as an actress par excellence. What a journey… And such an unexpected end. May your soul rest in peace. Sridevi garu,” he wrote.

Sridevi’s “Chaalbaaz” co-star Sunny Deol wrote a heartfelt dedication to the actor on social media. “The moment the camera rolled SHREE would light up the floor… We did a few films together and I enjoyed working with her though we rarely spoke. I am going to miss her,” Sunny tweeted alongside a photograph of the legend.

Kajol, like many, is inconsolable and called Sridevi’s death a major loss to the Indian cinema. “Shocked stunned. Still see her laughing talking. Unbelievable. Actor par excellence. A school in herself… learnt so much from her. Still can’t believe it. A huge loss. #Sridevi,” she wrote on Twitter.

Actor Mohit Marwah, Sridevi’s nephew for whose wedding the actor had gone to Dubai, took to Instagram to pay his respects to the actor. “You were more than a legend. Your vacuum will always be felt,” he wrote alongside a picture.

Director-producer Karan Johar recalled having a fan moment when he first met the superstar on the sets of his father’s film “Gumrah”. “Every time I met her I had a star-struck moment and a fanboy vibe… I don’t think I can believe it… Perhaps I don’t think I want to believe that she is no more… She is a huge reason I love the movies… I feel like Indian cinema just lost its smile… The heavens are fortunate they just inherited a gift of life… Heartbroken…” he wrote on Instagram.

Anushka Sharma tweeted, “I am shocked. I have no words. My condolences to the family, friends and fans of cinemas darling… Sridevi ji.”

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who worked with Sridevi in her last release “Mom”, also mourned his co-stars death. “It’s a heartbreaking news, can’t even imagine in the worst of my dreams – World loses the best performer – Condolences to the Family. Rest in Peace #Sridevi Ji,” he tweeted.

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar recounted working with Sridevi on his first job in the 1990 film “Lamhe”. “… This song ‘Megha re Megha’ was the very first time I saw this legendary actor create her incredible magic on screen. From ‘Sadma’ to ‘Chaalbaaz’, 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,” he wrote on Instagram.

Ranveer Singh gave his condolences to the greatest cinematic icons of the Indian film industry. “Shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely demise of one of Hindi cinema’s greatest superstars. She will always be one of my favourite actors of all time. May her soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to her family. RIP #Sridevi,” he said.