Mumbai: Priyanka Chopra paid tribute to late Bollywood icon Sridevi on her birth anniversary by sharing the first look of her upcoming biography, Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi. The actress shared the cover on social media, remembering Sridevi as an irreplaceable figure in Indian cinema.
The biography, written by Dhiraj U. Kumarr and published by Westland Books, is expected to explore Sridevi’s extraordinary journey, from her early years as a child artiste to becoming one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated stars. The book is currently listed as “coming soon”.
Priyanka Chopra remembers Sridevi
Priyanka shared the cover of Empress on X as part of her tribute to Sridevi. Alongside the image, she expressed how deeply the legendary actress continues to be missed.
Her tribute came on Sridevi’s birth anniversary, making the unveiling particularly meaningful for fans of the late actor.
The cover itself features a striking image of Sridevi, while the title Empress reflects the extraordinary stature she achieved during her decades-long career.
What is ‘Empress’ about?
Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi is designed to chronicle the life and career of one of Indian cinema’s most influential performers.
Sridevi began working in films as a child and went on to become a major star across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu cinema. Her career included critically acclaimed performances as well as some of Indian cinema’s biggest commercial successes.
The biography is expected to document her professional journey, her transformation into a pan-Indian star and the lasting influence she left on generations of performers.
Sridevi’s extraordinary journey
Sridevi’s career was unusual even by the standards of Indian cinema.
She entered the industry at a very young age and established herself as a leading performer across multiple Indian film industries before becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest female stars.
Films such as Mr. India, Chandni, ChaalBaaz, Lamhe and English Vinglish remain closely associated with her legacy.
Her ability to move effortlessly between comedy, drama, romance and emotionally demanding roles made her one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
A lasting influence on Indian cinema
Sridevi was widely regarded as one of the most influential female stars in Indian cinema.
Her success also helped challenge the long-standing perception that female-led films could not achieve major commercial success.
Her performances often carried films, while her screen presence and distinctive acting style influenced numerous actresses who followed.
Her contribution extended beyond Hindi cinema, with a career that connected several regional film industries.
Priyanka’s connection with Sridevi
Priyanka Chopra has previously spoken about her admiration for Sridevi and the influence of established Indian actresses.
Her decision to highlight Empress on Sridevi’s birth anniversary adds another layer to the tribute, with one prominent contemporary Indian star celebrating the legacy of another.
Priyanka herself has built a career spanning Bollywood and international entertainment, making her tribute especially notable among India’s younger generation of global stars.
Sridevi’s legacy continues through her family
Sridevi’s daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, have also continued her connection with the film industry.
Janhvi followed her mother into acting and has established herself as a leading young performer in Hindi cinema.
Khushi has also pursued acting, making Sridevi’s influence visible in another generation of the Kapoor family.
On Sridevi’s birth anniversary, Khushi shared a rare childhood photograph featuring herself with her parents, Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, offering fans a personal glimpse into their family memories.
Sridevi’s influence beyond acting
Sridevi’s impact was not restricted to her performances.
She became a major fashion and cultural icon, with several of her on-screen looks continuing to inspire audiences decades later.
Her chiffon sarees, particularly those associated with Chandni and Mr. India, remain among Bollywood’s most recognisable fashion moments. (The Times of India)
Her expressions, comic timing, dance performances and ability to portray complex female characters contributed to her enduring popularity.
Amitabh Bachchan’s words on the cover
The Empress cover also carries a tribute from veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who described Sridevi as the epitome of “unmitigated talent”.
The inclusion of Bachchan’s words underlines the respect Sridevi commanded among her contemporaries and across the Indian film industry.
Sridevi died in 2018
Sridevi died unexpectedly in Dubai in February 2018 at the age of 54.
Her death shocked the Indian film industry and fans across the world.
Even years after her passing, her films continue to be watched and discussed, while actors and filmmakers regularly acknowledge her contribution to Indian cinema.
Her birth anniversary remains an occasion for fans and colleagues to revisit her work and celebrate her legacy.
A biography fans have been waiting for
The biography was announced by Westland Books several years ago and is now generating renewed attention following Priyanka’s cover reveal.
The book’s “coming soon” status means an official publication date has not yet been announced in the available information.
For admirers of Sridevi, the biography could offer a detailed account of the woman behind some of Indian cinema’s most memorable performances.
Conclusion
Priyanka Chopra has remembered Sridevi on her birth anniversary by sharing the first look of Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi. Written by Dhiraj U. Kumarr and published by Westland Books, the upcoming biography will chronicle the legendary actress’s life, career and enduring impact on Indian cinema.
The tribute also comes at a time when Sridevi’s legacy continues through her films, fashion influence and daughters Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor. More than eight years after her death, the actress remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema.