Among a few heroines from down the south who ruled Bollywood, Sridevi has always got a special place not just in books of Bollywood but in the hearts of scores. And to all those who believe number 13 is a bad omen, Sridevi can prove that they were worn as this legendary actress was born on 13 in the month of August way back in 1963 in a small town in Tamil Nadu into a Tamil Brahmin family. Today, Sridevi has turned 49! On the eve of the star's birthday today, lets have a look at a few episodes of her success story.

Sridevi, who started her acting career when she was barely four years old, starting playing female lead with the film Moondru Mudichu, which was directed by Balachander. Later, she appeared in Telugu as heroine for the first time in Bangarakka (1977). However, Raghavendra Rao's Padaharella Vayasu fetched her name and fame. She, in fact, shot in spotlight and stole hearts of Telugu youngsters then. And Sridevi never looked back.  While appearing in block buster movies in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada, Sridevi rose to top in Tollywood (Telugu film industry).

At one point of time, Sridevi became so popular that she became the first choice of producers when it came to playing love interests of veteran actors such as N T Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageshwara Rao. Sridevi-NTR pair was said to be a hit-jodi and the duo's film 'Vetagadu' is till date evergreen in hearts of all NTR and Sridevi's fans.

Entry into Bollywood:

Sridevi, when entered into Bollywood, perhaps never thought she would become a number one star in B Town. Solva Sawan, which appeared in 1979 and was a remake of Telugu's Padaharella Vayasu. Her next movie, Himmatwale (released in  1983) became a super hit and Sridevi became popular film personality in Bollywood. She later appeared in movies such as Tohfa and Mawaali, which were well received at the box office.

Sridevi marked herself as a strong actress when the movie Sadma was released in 1983. Her extra ordinary performance as an amnesia (memory loss) patient not only won critical appreciation but also a film fare nomination. Her another film Nagina (1986) too became a super hit. It was after Nagina, Sridevi became number one star in Bollywood.

Nonetheless, them movie, which should not be forgotten when one speaks about Sridevi's career is Mr. India. Mr. India created a new record in Bollywood. And more than Anil Kapoor, it was Sridevi's performance, which literally dragged audiences to theatres not just once but over and again. Chandni movie released in 1986 added extra points to Sridevi's career graph. Chandni, a Yash Chopra film, even received National Award and the movie was all about Chandni, a character, which was well-played by Sridevi.

Khuda Gawah, one of the prestigious projects of Bollywood and the lengthiest films that world ever witnessed, happens to be another milestone in Sridevi's career. She played opposite Big B Amitabh Bachchan and received thumbs up from film critics. This movie even entered Limca Book of Records for being the first Bollywood flick, which had surround sound technique.

Continues to rock Tollywood:

Despite being a busy star in Bollywood, Sridevi never gave deaf ear to the requests of Tollywood producers. And therefore Sridevi's second innings in Telugu (with a more glamorous and sophisticated look) began in early 90s.  Ram Gopal Varma's Kshana Kshanam received average response at the box office. People in AP, however, wondered whether they saw the same Sridevi, who appeared opposite NTR and ANR. Sridevi, who underwent a cosmetic surgery, had hit Telugu screen with a completely different look.

Two years after the release of Kshana Kshanam,  Sridevi got another offer from Ram Gopal Varma in the movie Govinda Govinda. Although the movie didn't receive commercial success, it brought critical acclaim to Sridevi and Nagarjuna. Perhaps, Sridevi happens to be the only actress who worked with ANR and his son Nagarjuna.

Personal life:

Sridevi entered into wedlock with brother of actor Anil Kapoor and a producer, Boney Kapoor in 1996. She has two daughters Jahnavi and Khushi. Sridevi's father was an advocate and reportedly didn't discourage Sridevi when she wanted to enter films as heroine as she established herself as a noted child artiste in the film industry by then. She has a sister.

Current project:

Sridevi announced her reentry into Bollywood with English Vinglish movie. It has to be mentioned her that after a gap of 14 years, Sridevi will hit silver screen. While English Vinglish would be dubbed into Telugu, it would be released simultaneously in Tamil and Hindi. This much awaited flick is scheduled to be released on October 5, 2012.

Awards:

In her three-decade career, Sridevi won n number of awards. Here are a few famous awards she received.

Sridevi, who happens to be the role model to the upcoming actors in all film industries, is a down-to-earth personality. It would be no exaggeration or a surprise if she finds place in prestigious magazines such as Forbes and Time. On the eve of her birthday, Andhra Wishesh, Tamil Wishesh, Bangalore Wishesh and Metro Cable wish her a happy birthday!

(AW Phani)