In a significant event for the world of Indian cinema, acclaimed actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has officially revealed the cover of “Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi.” This forthcoming book promises a comprehensive exploration of the late, legendary actress Sridevi’s illustrious career, which spanned an impressive five decades, and her indelible mark on the industry. The biography, penned by Dhiraj Kumar and brought to readers by Westland Books, meticulously chronicles Sridevi’s remarkable ascent from a prodigious child artist to becoming the undisputed first true pan-Indian female megastar. Her career traversed the cinematic landscapes of five different languages and encompassed a staggering portfolio of over 300 films, as detailed in an official press release.Priyanka Chopra Jonas chose the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to unveil the cover on Thursday, a date strategically chosen to coincide with Sridevi’s birth anniversary, adding a layer of poignant tribute to the occasion. Her heartfelt post accompanying the reveal read, “The one and only. You are so missed. Happy heavenly birthday #Sridevi#Empress… coming soon.” This sentiment underscores the profound affection and respect Sridevi continues to command.The biography delves deeply into the nuances of Sridevi’s rise to unprecedented levels of stardom, a feat particularly noteworthy in an industry that has historically been male-dominated and hero-centric. It meticulously examines her groundbreaking performances, which redefined cinematic artistry, and analyzes her profound influence on subsequent generations of actors and captivated audiences alike.
Beyond her on-screen persona, “Empress” also endeavors to offer an intimate portrait of Sridevi as an individual, away from the dazzling glare of the spotlight, while simultaneously contextualizing her groundbreaking career within the broader evolution of Indian cinema itself.Adding further gravitas and authenticity to the biographical account, “Empress” is graced with seven forewords penned by prominent figures within the Indian film fraternity. Moreover, it features exclusive contributions from stalwarts such as Amitabh Bachchan and Javed Akhtar, alongside a rich collection of over 150 rare and captivating photographs that offer visual insights into Sridevi’s life and career.Karthika V K, the Publisher at Westland Books, expressed immense pride and considered it a profound honor to be the publisher of Dhiraj Kumar’s meticulously researched account of Sridevi’s life. She stated, “It’s an absolute privilege for us at Westland to be able to publish Dhiraj’s fantastic biography of Sridevi – it’s comprehensive, full of stories and uncommon details, and delivers on the promise of honesty.” This endorsement highlights the book’s depth and integrity.Author Dhiraj Kumar shared that his personal connection with Sridevi made the task of documenting her extraordinary journey an exceptionally rare and cherished privilege.
He elaborated, “Having known Sridevi personally, it has been a rare privilege to document her extraordinary journey across five languages, five decades and more than 300 films. She remains one of world cinema’s finest actors and a South Asian icon who has touched over a billion lives with her art and movies.” His words convey the immense impact Sridevi had on a global scale.Kumar extended his sincere gratitude to Sridevi’s husband, Boney Kapoor, for his invaluable support, which granted him access to a wealth of personal stories and rare photographic material. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of numerous film personalities from the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam film industries who generously shared their anecdotes and insights about the beloved actress.Among the poignant tributes featured within the book, the legendary megastar Amitabh Bachchan describes Sridevi as the “epitome of unmitigated talent,” a testament to her unparalleled skills.
Shabana Azmi fondly recalls her exceptionally expressive face, her impeccable comic timing, her mesmerizing dancing prowess, and her undeniable star power. The esteemed Telugu actor Brahmanandam refers to her as a “rarest of rare actor” and a “boon to earth,” emphasizing her unique brilliance. Similarly, writer-director Anees Bazmee asserts that Sridevi “was the hero and leading force of her films,” underscoring her commanding presence and cinematic dominance.Sridevi, who tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 54, embarked on her cinematic odyssey as a child actor. Her career trajectory saw her evolve into one of the most revered and celebrated female stars in the annals of Indian cinema, leaving an indelible mark across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam film industries.
Her legacy is further cemented by a string of iconic and commercially successful films, including but not limited to, “Himmatwala,” “Mr. India,” “Chandni,” “ChaalBaaz,” “Lamhe,” “Khuda Gawah,” “Judaai,” “English Vinglish,” and “Mom.””Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi” is slated for a comprehensive pan-India release in late 2026, promising to offer a definitive and enduring tribute to one of cinema’s brightest stars.
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