Shillong, August 13: On what would have been her 60th birthday, Shree Amma Yanger Ayyappan, known as Sridevi, is remembered for her iconic film journey.
Contrary to popular belief, Sridevi’s debut was not as commonly assumed. In ‘Sridevi: The South Years,’ Amborish Roychoudhury, a National Award-winning author, sheds light on her initial steps into cinema.
As a child artiste, Sridevi portrayed Lord Murugan in the Tamil devotional film ‘Thunaivan,’ directed by Sandow Chinnappa Thevar. This portrayal marked her entry into a career that would span over 300 films. Far from a mere start, it revealed her authentic acting skills, captivating even the discerning south Indian audience.
Before achieving film goddess status, Sridevi played child gods and demi-gods in various Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada movies. Notably, her success as Lord Murugan paved the way for subsequent divine roles.
Beyond ‘Thunaivan,’ Sridevi portrayed Murugan in films like ‘Kumara Sambhavam,’ ‘Aathi Parasakthi,’ and ‘Agathiyar.’ Her portrayal of Subramanian in the multilingual ‘Kumara Sambhavam’ showcased her versatility. In ‘Agathiyar,’ she embodied the role of Krishna.
Sandow Chinappa Thevar’s obsession with Lord Murugan’s stories influenced his films, including ‘Thunaivan.’ The deity, integral to the Tamil pantheon, played a significant cultural role akin to Ganesha in Maharashtra or Durga/Kali in West Bengal.
The book reveals the confusion around Sridevi’s debut, often linked to ‘Kandan Karunai’ (1967). However, closer examination confirms ‘Thunaivan’ as her authentic debut. The film narrates the tale of Valayudham, an orphan boy who steadfastly maintains his faith despite facing challenges.
Sridevi’s cinematic journey began with ‘Thunaivan,’ embodying the divine on-screen before becoming a revered film icon. Her early roles not only showcased her talent but also contributed to the rich cultural fabric of Indian cinema.
