The Kannada film fraternity expressed shock and grief over the sudden demise of actor Sridevi, who died of a cardiac arrest in Dubai late on Saturday, as it cast a shadow of gloom over the ongoing 10th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes).
Before the day's schedule began on Sunday, BIFFes officials mourned the untimely death of the veteran actor, who had proven her acting prowess in films irrespective of language. Members, officials, patrons, actors and technicians offered their condolences.
Sridevi has acted in a few Kannada films in her five-decade career in celluloid. She had acted in Bhakta Kumbara (1974) directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy along with Dr. Rajkumar, Leelavathi, Manjula and others as child artist. Her other films as a child artist include Bala Bharata, Sampoorna Ramayanam and Yashoda Krishna. Later, she essayed a role in Hennu Samsarada Kannu (1975) directed A.V. Sheshagiri Rao along with yesteryear Kannada stars Srinath, Manjula, K.S. Ashwath, Balakrishna, Shivaram, Ashok, Leelavathi. This was in fact actor Ashok's first Kannada film opposite Sridevi.
Sridevi acted opposite Ambarish in Priya (1978), which was made in Tamil and Kannada by S.P. Muthurraman. Star-turned politician Rajinikanth also essayed a major character in this film. Priya was a blockbuster and ran for over 175 days in the theatres and still considered as huge box office hit.
Her co-star in Bhakta Kumbara and Hennu Samsarada Kannu, Leelavathi recalled the time when Sridevi sought her blessings. "She was glamorous actor who grew up in front of our eyes and is now no more," said a teary-eyed Leelavathi.
Tributes
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah paid rich tributes to departed actor. In his condolence message, Mr, Siddaramaiah, who is also a film buff said he was deeply shocked by the sad demise of Sridevi, who was an epitome of beauty. Her death has created a vacuum in the Indian film industry, he said.
Union Minister Ananth Kumar, former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also paid tributes to departed actor. Mr. Ananth Kumar, in his tweet, said: “Deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of sudden death of versatile actor, #Sridevi. She will be remembered for her brilliant portrayal in many unique roles. Condolences to her family & fans.”
