R.I.P. Sridevi

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Sigh.

The loss of Sridevi had (has*) the world reeling. Like a pillar came crashing down. Whether you identified as a fan or not, her brilliance was inescapable. We always knew she was iconic, but after her death it truly came to surface just how colossal her impact was. She was a cornerstone of cinema throughout the country, a true Pan-Indian superstar - a rare feat. Through the garish, misogynistic '80s and '90s, she quietly built herself a throne adding hit after hit to her crown. She turned rain, choodiyaan, mountains, braids, lip gloss, white clothes, fog, sarees and big brown eyes into poetry.  She wasn't part of an era, she trailblazed an era. With her death that era comes to a heartbreaking close.

She didn't just play characters, she became them. Something about her artistry compelled us to suspend reality and embrace them. They entered our lives, grew with us and nestled into our hearts.  She gifted us Reshmi's endearing antics (Sadma), Manju's hilarious but fierce independence (Chaalbaaz),  Pooja's vivacious personality (Lamhe), Chandni's captivating charm (Chandni) and so so many more. And just as those women began to collect dust, she gave us Shashi's anxious entrepreneurial spirit (English Vinglish) and Devki's fiery conviction (Mom) reminding us of her longstanding place in our hearts.

It's mind boggling that such a quiet, introverted woman had the ability to deliver these explosive, colorful characters.  I read somewhere that Saroj Khan called her "light bulb" because she could switch on, dazzle and shut right off as soon as the job was done. The editor of Filmfare once wrote, "If acting is magic without props, then Sridevi has mastered the art." It's like we were unknowingly chasing an enigma, patiently waiting for her to crack and share with us the method to her madness. True to her craft, she never broke character leaving our queries forever unanswered.

It is so ironic that she kept her life so guarded while her death was anything but. I've been mulling over why this seems to feel personal almost universally. I think it's because we never realized just how deeply we treasured the magic she so seamlessly weaved into our lives for decades. There was so much of her left to celebrate.

In honor of celebrating, below is a slew of super random scenes I've always harbored in my little Bollywood heart. (I had no idea I cherished so many)

*Disclaimer* This isn't a list of her iconic scenes, but just random things about her that I appreciate and want to share with you.

Remembering Yash Chopra

Yesterday/two days ago was Yash Chopra's B-day so in honor of it, I wrote a little tribute post

Yash Chopra, the master.

Here's a stunning montage of his heroines set to a monologue by him about the beauty of women.

The man was a craftsman. He was so skilled in creating a well balanced formula that yielded gorgeous, classic Bollywood cinema. Nobody did/does it like him.

Here's an example of what I, personally, believe to be Bollywood perfection. Spot on music, the melodious Lata crooning Sahir Ludhianvi's (what a master of words) beautiful lyrics poetically blended with great cinematography on the enchanting Rakhee subtly emoting. He encapsulated the beauty of Desi culture effortlessly. Perfection. Watch.

A while ago Yash Raj Films teamed up with Karol Bagh Saree House and created the label Diva'ni. In honor of the late showman's birthday, the label held a show where nine of his leading ladies walked the ramp with Shahrukh Khan as host. 

(source: Missmalini.com)

More pics and quotes from the event after the jump:

Magazine Covers

If I were to sit and post every magazine cover that our lovely stars grace I would be so behind... but this particular one was so stellar I couldn't not share.



WOW. Right? Right.

Waheeda Rehman Ji, Hema Malini Ji, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone ALL ON ONE COVER? It kind of just takes your breath away... and then that record halting noise kicks in. Where the hell are the late '80s/early '90s ladies? Obviously getting all of these women on same date must have been hell and beyond but it would've just been perfect if Madhuri, Sridevi or Juhi were there. Regardless, I thought this cover was awesome.

Awards Season: Stardust Awards

Pictorials from the Stardust Awards for your viewing pleasure.

Neetu Singh is a gem. If I age half as gracefully as she I'll be more than happy.



Sophie Chaudhry donning a luscious red Alberta Ferretti gown.



I'm pretty sure you could give Lara Dutta a sack and she would make it look good. I absolute LOVE what she is wearing here.



Ladies in Leger:

I'm just going to say it. Back when Twinkle Khanna was acting I thought she was SO pretty. Now she's considered one of Bollywood's few fashionistas. I'm glad I always supported her. What I would give to own a Leger Bandage Dress, what I would give to own a McQueen Skull clutch, what I would give to have Akshay as arm candy. Alas, I have none of these so I shall vicariously live through Twinkle 'Tina' Khanna...Kumar? I do wish she omitted the necklace, but it wouldn't be a complete Twinkle outfit without her usual statement necklace.



Is it just me or is Sridevi ALWAYS wearing black/navys? Just sayin'. She, too, wore Herve Leger to the function and looks loverly.



These were a few photos that caught my eye if I come across more I'll be sure to update.

[Photo Sources: High Heel confidential, Hamara Photos]