On the birth anniversary of legendary screen icon Sridevi on August 13 (Thursday), actors and movie enthusiasts across the globe paid rich tributes to her memory. Marking the occasion, global star Priyanka Chopra shared the inaugural cover look of an upcoming official book chronicling the life and times of the celebrated actress on her Instagram story. Shortly after the post was published, Sridevi's husband and acclaimed film producer Boney Kapoor re-shared the image on his own Instagram story, signaling the family's complete endorsement of the upcoming biographical work.
Book Title Details and Amitabh Bachchan's Endorsement
The cover image posted online reveals the official title of the publication as Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi. Notably, the front cover prominently features a tribute quote from megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who lauded Sridevi as a rare example of unmatched artistic talent. Alongside the photo, Priyanka Chopra penned a heartfelt caption extending birthday wishes to the late actress and stating that she will always be remembered. She concluded her social media post by notifying fans that the book Empress is scheduled to arrive very soon.
Author Dhiraj U. Kumar and His Bond with the Family
The biographical book is authored by Dhiraj U. Kumar, marking his debut as a book author. Kumar has previously worked extensively as a researcher, writer, and media columnist. Over the years, he maintained an exceptionally close personal bond with Sridevi and her immediate family, with the actress considering him an extended member of her household. When the biography project was first greenlit, Boney Kapoor publicly expressed his satisfaction with Kumar heading the writing process, noting that Kumar's firsthand familiarity with Sridevi's life and artistic principles makes him uniquely qualified to present her extraordinary story with absolute authenticity.
Origins of the Biography and 2023 Announcement
The official announcement regarding an authorized biography of Sridevi was initially made in the year 2023 by Westland Books. At that initial stage, the work was referenced under the working title Sridevi: The Life of a Legend. The comprehensive book is structured to cover the entire expanse of her life, starting from her early childhood and career as a child artist to her rise as one of the most powerful box-office draws in Indian cinematic history. Specific focus is placed on the decades of the 1980s and 1990s, a period during which Sridevi maintained an absolute hold on Hindi and regional cinema. Beyond her filmography, the narrative delves into off-screen incidents, personal reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories from her movie sets.
Sridevi's Lasting Legacy and Passing in 2018
Sridevi passed away at the age of 54 on February 24, 2018, in Dubai. Across her multi-lingual career spanning over fifty years, she transformed the portrayal of female protagonists in mainstream commercial cinema. The publication of Empress serves as a comprehensive record of both her professional milestones and her private journey, providing film lovers with a detailed document of her legacy.
