Remembering Sridevi: A Farewell Fit for Bollywood’s First Lady Superstar

August 13th is a date etched in the hearts of millions of Bollywood fans—it marks the birth anniversary of Sridevi, the legendary actress lovingly called “Chandni.” Had she been alive today, Sridevi would have celebrated her 62nd birthday. Instead, her fans across the globe remember her timeless beauty, her unparalleled talent, and the unforgettable way she was bid farewell—dressed like a bride, even in death.

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A Final Journey Like No Other

When Sridevi embarked on her last journey, the world watched in awe and heartbreak. Draped in a radiant red Kanjeevaram saree, adorned with real gold jewelry, a vermillion bindi on her forehead, and traditional bridal ornaments on her feet, Sridevi looked every bit the epitome of grace and beauty she was known for in life. Her appearance was so stunning that it seemed as though a bride was leaving for her new home, not a superstar bidding adieu to this world.

Her final rites were conducted with meticulous attention to her wishes and preferences. Sridevi always cherished her beauty and took immense care of her appearance, a fact well-known among her friends and family. Even in her last moments, those closest to her ensured she looked exactly as she would have wanted.

A Farewell Steeped in Love and Tradition

Four days after her untimely passing, Sridevi’s mortal remains were flown from Dubai to Mumbai. The city witnessed an outpouring of grief as thousands of fans and almost the entire Bollywood fraternity gathered to pay their last respects. Every detail of her final journey reflected her personality and preferences.

Close friend Rani Mukerji brought a special red and gold Kanjeevaram saree for Sridevi, while her sister-in-law Sunita Kapoor selected her favorite pieces from Sridevi’s jewelry collection. She was adorned with a mangalsutra and temple jewelry, with her makeup done by Rajesh Patil—her favorite artist—who completed her look in just five minutes.

Sridevi was particular about her eyebrows and bindi, so a bright vermillion bindi and red lipstick completed her look. Although she loved white, she had expressed a wish for her final journey to be surrounded by white flowers. Her funeral procession traveled in a truck decorated with mogra (jasmine) flowers, and her house was draped in white cloth. Her body was placed in a mandap adorned with white flowers, resembling a wedding mandap, fulfilling her wish for a serene and beautiful farewell.

A City in Mourning

The final procession stretched over 6 kilometers, from the Celebration Sports Club to the Pawan Hans crematorium in Vile Parle, Mumbai. A large portrait of Sridevi was placed on the truck, accompanied by her husband Boney Kapoor, daughters Janhvi and Khushi, and other family members. The entire Bollywood industry joined the journey, honoring the legacy of India’s first female superstar.

Sridevi’s final farewell was not just a ceremony—it was a celebration of a life that shone as brightly as the moon, a fitting tribute to a woman who redefined beauty, grace, and stardom in Indian cinema.