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Silk Smitha

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Silk Smitha
Born
Vijayalakshmi Vadlapatla

(1960-12-02)2 December 1960
Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died23 September 1996(1996-09-23) (aged 35)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Cause of deathSuicide
NationalityIndian
OccupationFilm actress
Years active1979–1996
Parent(s)Ramallu, Sarasamma

Vijayalakshmi Vadlapatla (December 2, 1960 – September 23, 1996), better known by her stage name Silk Smitha, was an Indian film actress who worked predominantly in South Indian films.[1] She entered the industry as a side[2] actress and was first noticed for her role as "Silk" in the 1979 Tamil film Vandichakkaram. She became a major sex symbol and the most sought-after erotic actress in the 1980s.[3] In a career spanning 17 years, she appeared in over 450 films in Tamil,Malayalam,Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages. On 23 September 1996, she was found dead in her apartment in Chennai, having committed suicide.

Early life

Smitha was born in a Telugu family to Ramallu and Sarasamma in Kovvali village, Denduluru Mandal, Eluru. She left school after her fourth standard (when she was about 10 years of age) due to the family's financial constraints. Her striking looks burdened her with uninvited attention, and her family married her off at a very young age. Her husband and in-laws treated her poorly and she soon ran away.[4][5]

Career

Smitha started as a touch-up artist for an actress and soon got a break in small character roles.[4] Later, she was discovered by Vinu Chakravarthy, director at a flour mill near AVM studios. He changed her name to Smitha and took her under his wing; his wife taught her English and arranged for her to learn dancing,[6] though soon, due to her marked sex appeal, she switched to roles of cabaret dancers and vamps and inevitably found herself typecast.[4] After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role in the Tamil film Vandichakkaram,[7] in 1979, Smitha assumed the screen name "Silk", after her character's name in the movie.[8][9] After it became a big hit, she could not escape typecasting, severely limiting her range throughout her career.[4]

Smitha went on to star in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and a few Hindi films. Her dance numbers and bold performances in films like Moondru Mugam made her the ultimate symbol of sensuality in South Indian cinema. Her item numbers in films like Amaran, Halli Meshtru (in Kannada) were also celebrated at the box office. Some film critics, historians and journalists have referred to her as a "soft porn" actress.[10] A vast majority of her movies are considered "softcore" by Indian standards and a common theme is her playing a freakishly strong agent in skimpy bikinis and beating up huge thugs. Her acting prowess did not go completely unnoticed, and in her rare non-sexual roles she impressed critics and audiences, such as her portrayal of a wife hurt by her role in her husband's rape of their maid (which she passively allowed by not preventing him from entering the maid's bathroom and standing "guard" during the shameful act, to prevent embarrassment to their family) and when she poignantly admitted her mistake in her confrontation of her husband in Alaigal Oivathillai (1981).[4] One of her films, Layanam (1989), has earned cult status in the Indian adult film industry and was dubbed in numerous languages, including Hindi. (Reshma Ki Jawani, 2002), too, acquired cult status.[4][11] Her most respected film is Moondram Pirai, by Balu Mahendra, remade in Hindi as Sadma, with much of the top-drawer cast, including Sridevi, Kamal Hassan, and Silk Smitha reprising their roles.[12]

Such was her audience-drawing power that, at the peak of her career, according to Tamil film historian Randor Guy, "Films that had lain in cans for years were sold by the simple addition of a Silk Smitha song."[4]

Personal life

Silk Smitha had a small circle of close friends. She was an introvert and did not make friends quickly with anyone. She is also known for her short temper, willpower and straightforwardness, which some mistook for arrogance. In reality, she was punctual (arriving in movie sets well before the shooting commences), responsible, and ambitious (having learned to speak the English language fluently despite her limited education). She is also described as having a "soft" and "child like" personality by her friends and fans. She was skilled with makeup and made it her profession before entering the industry. She was naturally beautiful and well known for her doe-like eyes, golden complexion and physique.

Death

The morning of September 23, 1996, she had contacted her friend, dancer Anuradha, to discuss a matter that was disturbing her. Anuradha said she will visit, after dropping her child at school.

Later in the same morning, Smitha was found dead in her Chennai home, much to the shock of her fans. The reason behind her death remains a mystery. Some believe it was due to depression over her debt accumulated from producing movies, while others continue to suspect foul play. A few months after her death it was declared in the postmortem report that Smitha died of suicide by hanging herself from a fan with a sari and high amounts of alcohol was found in her body.[13][14]

Filmography

Main article: Silk Smitha Filmography
Year Film Role Language Notes
1979 Edutha Sabantham Mudipen Tamil
1979 Pushyaraagam Malayalam
1979 Ottapettavar Malayalam
1980 Saraswatheeyaamam Padmam Malayalam
1980 Rajaneegandhi Sheela Malayalam
1980 Ivar Susamma Malayalam
1980 Karimbana Malayalam
1980 Angadi Sainabha Malayalam
1981 Vayal Parvathi Malayalam
1981 Sneham Oru Pravaaham Malayalam
1981 Seethakoka Chiluka Telugu
1981 Gharana Gangulu Telugu
1981 Pinneyum Pookkunna Kaadu Malayalam
1981 Inaye Thedi Malayalam
1981 Alaigal Oivathillai Tamil
1981 Avatharam Thankamani Malayalam
1981 Poochasanyasi Malayalam
1981 Nizhal Yudham Malayalam
1981 Needhi Pizhaithathu Tamil
1982 Paap Ko Jala Dunga Hindi
1982 Moondram Pirai Headmaster's wife Tamil
1982 Ranga Ravi's girlfriend Tamil
1982 Neram Vandhachu Rekha Tamil
1982 Sagalakala Vallavan Lalitha Tamil
1982 Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai Mohan's wife
1982 Moondru Mugam Tamil
1982 Yamakinkarudu Telugu
1982 Paritchaikku Neramaachu Tamil
1982 Thanikattu Raja Special appearance Tamil
1982 Pattanathu Rajakkal Rekha Tamil
1982 Nandri Meendum Varuga
1982 Lottery Ticket
1982 Kozhi Koovuthu Chittu Tamil
1982 Adhisayappiravigal Tamil
1982 Naa Desam Telugu
1982 Allullostunnaru Telugu
1982 Idiyum Minnalum Smitha Malayalam
1982 Parvaiyin Marupakkam Anitha Tamil
1982 Theerpu Tamil
1982 Sivantha Kankal Tamil
1982 Kaalan Malayalam
1983 Thudikkum Karangal Seetha Tamil
1983 Imaigal Tamil
1983 Sattam Tamil
1983 Jaani Dost Laila Hindi
1983 Jeet Hamaari Soni Hindi
1983 Tarzan Sundari Hindi
1983 Sadma Soni Hindi
1983 Roshagadu Telugu
1983 Puli Debba Telugu
1983 Khaidi Telugu
1983 Vellai Roja Tamil
1983 Theeram Thedunna Thira Smitha Malayalam
1983 Soorakottai Singakutti Tamil
1983 Silk Silk Silk Tamil
1983 Rathilayam Rathi Malayalam
1983 Prathigna Dancer Malayalam
1983 Kokkarako
1983 Justice Raja Item dancer Malayalam
1983 Gedda Maga Kannada
1983 Eettappuli Rani Malayalam
1983 Attakkalasam Malayalam
1983 Adutha Varisu Tamil
1983 Sivappu Sooriyan Rani Tamil
1983 Paayum Puli Roopa Tamil
1983 Thai Veedu Tamil
1983 Malaioor Mambattiyan Tamil
1983 Thambathigal Tamil
1983 Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate Tamil
1983 Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal Malayalam
1983 Sumangali Tamil
1983 Aayiram Nilave Vaa Tamil
1983 Pankayam Malayalam
1983 Vaashi Malayalam
1983 Snehabandham Malayalam
1983 Thanga Magan Tamil
1983 Jothi Tamil
1983 Uruvangal Maralam Tamil
1983 Neethibathi Tamil
1983 Urangatha Ninaivugal Tamil
1983 Sampoorna Premayanam Telugu
1983 Gudachari No.1 Telugu
1983 Adavi Simhalu Telugu
1984 Vaazhkai Tamil
1984 Taqatwala Hindi
1984 Silky
1984 Qaidi Dancer in song Bongo Bongo Hindi
1984 Challenge Priyamvada Telugu
1984 Rustum Telugu
1984 Yuddham Telugu
1984 Tharaasu Tamil
1984 Kairasikkaran Aisha Tamil
1984 Iru Methaigal
1984 Idavelakku Sesham Dolly Malayalam
1984 Bullet Shobha Malayalam
1984 Alakadalinakkare Dancer Malayalam
1984 Abhimanyudu Telugu
1984 S. P. Bhayankar Telugu
1984 Hero Telugu
1984 Agni Gundam Telugu
1984 Aada Puli Telugu
1984 Rarajuh Telugu
1984 Bhola Shankarudu Telugu
1984 Bangaru Kapuram Telugu
1984 Seethamma Pelli Telugu
1984 Neengal Kettavai Tamil
1984 Prachanda Kulla Kannada
1984 Niraparaadhi Malayalam
1984 Umanilayam Reena Malayalam
1984 Shapatham Malayalam
1984 Avalude Shapatham Malayalam
1985 Toofan Rani Hindi
1985 Naagin Bani Deewani Hindi
1985 Anita Mera Naam Hindi
1985 Santhosha Kanavukal Tamil
1985 Pataal Bhairavi Dancer Hindi
1985 Jwala Telugu
1985 Bebbuli Veta Telugu
1985 Maya Mohini Telugu
1985 Vajrayudham Telugu
1985 Dongallo Dora Telugu
1985 Darja Donga ' Telugu
1985 Puli Tamil
1985 Visha Kanya
1985 Terror
1985 Ranarangam
1985 Mayaladi
1985 Illaliko Pareeksha
1985 Shri Datta Darshanam Telugu
1985 Aatma Balam Telugu
1985 Revenge Geetha Malayalam
1985 Prema Mayam
1985 Ottayan Rani Malayalam
1985 Moodila Muchata Telugu
1985 Lady James Bond Telugu
1985 Kumkuma Thanda Saubhagya
1985 Kiratham Dancer Malayalam
1985 Chorakku Chora C.I.D Silk Malayalam
1985 Jeevante Jeevan Malayalam
1985 Prathikarajwaala Malayalam
1985 Chattamtho Poratam Telugu
1985 Donga Telugu
1985 Kattula Kondaiah Item dancer Telugu
1985 Tirugubatu Telugu
1986 Khooni Meena Hindi
1986 Khazane Ke Lootere Hindi
1986 Izzat Aabroo
1986 C.I.D. Silk
1986 Khaidi Rudraiah Hindi
1986 Kirathakudu Hamsa Telugu
1986 Urukku Manushyan Malayalam
1986 Kulambadikal Malayalam
1986 Kaithi Rani Telugu
1986 Kutra Telugu
1986 Punnami Rathri Telugu
1986 Rakshasudu Telugu
1986 Papikondalu Telugu
1986 Kondaveeti Raja Telugu
1986 Nippulanti Manishi Item dancer Telugu
1986 Annoru Raavil Malayalam
1986 Pensimham Malayalam
1987 Toofan Hi Toofan Hindi
1987 Hanthakudi Veta
1987 Daku Raja
1987 Badla Aurat Ka Hindi
1987 Swatantraniki Oopiri Poyandi Telugu
1987 Veera Viharam Telugu
1987 Dayamayudu Telugu
1987 Penn Simham Reshma
1987 Alludu Kosam
1987 Anjatha Singam Tamil
1987 Aalappirandhavan Tamil
1987 Cooliekkaran Tamil
1988 Jawani Ka Dushman Hindi
1988 Gumrah Jawani Hindi
1988 Khaidi No.786 Telugu
1988 Ukku Sankellu Telugu
1988 Vegu Chukka Pagati Chukka Telugu
1988 Jeeva Monika Tamil
1988 Shri Datta Darshan Dancer
1988 Jyoti Devi Maa
1988 Poovukkul Boogambam Tamil
1988 Ganam Courtar Avargale Tamil
1988 Shenbagamae Shenbagamae Tamil
1988 Paatti Sollai Thattathe Anushiya Tamil
1989 Kameena Kahin Kaa Hindi
1989 Geethanjali Guest appearance in song Telugu
1989 Adharvam Ponni Malayalam
1989 Sonthakkaran Sudha Tamil
1989 Thiruppu Munai Tamil
1989 Pick Pocket Tamil
1989 O Varsham kurisina ratiri
1989 New Year Daisy Malayalam
1989 Miss Pameela Malayalam
1989 Layanam Malayalam
1989 Andru Peytha Mazhaiyil Capri Tamil
1989 Praayapoorthiyaayavarkku Maathram Malayalam
1989 Padippura Malayalam
1989 VIP Malayalam
1989 Preminchi Choodu Sudha Tamil
1989 Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata Anasuya Telugu
1989 Agni Telugu
1989 Parthudu Telugu
1989 Ayyappa Swamy Mahatyam Telugu
1990 Reshma Ki Jawani Hindi
1990 Pyasi Meri Nigahen Hindi
1990 Maut Se Mukabala Hindi
1990 Lady Tarzan Hindi
1990 Jawani Ki Jalan Hindi
1990 Aag Lagi Barsat Mein Hindi
1990 Avasara Police 100 Amulu Tamil
1990 Gulabi Raaten Advoate / Judge Sheela Mathur
1990 Adhisaya Manithan Nancy Tamil
1990 Shesham Screenil Malayalam
1990 Naale Ennundekil Jyothi Malayalam
1990 Neengalum Herothan Tamil
1990 Sunday 7 PM Sherly Malayalam
1991 Vikram
1991 Shiva Dada
1991 Qatil Nighahen
1991 Mission 369
1991 Hawai Dhamaka
1991 Doosri Biwi
1991 Chaitanya Smitha Telugu
1991 Aditya 369 Rajanarthaki Nandini Telugu
1991 Idhayam Tamil
1991 Thambikku Oru Paattu Tamil
1991 Thalattu Ketkuthamma Dr. Mary Tamil
1991 Onnum Theriyatha Pappa Tamil
1992 Pyas Bujhti Nahin
1992 Mera Farz Mera Karz
1992 Bombay Police
1992 Pandithurai Tamil
1992 Drohi Dancer Uncredited
1992 Thai Mozhi Tamil
1992 Rishi Malayalam
1992 Pangali Tamil
1992 Naadody Item dancer Malayalam
1992 Halli Meshtru Kannada
1992 Amaran Area Girl Tamil
1992 Deiva Kuzhanthai Kuyilu Tamil
1992 Kizhakku Veluthachu Alamelu Tamil
1992 David Uncle Singari Tamil
1992 Vasudha Malayalam
1992 Chevalier Michael Malayalam
1992 Antham Bar dancer Telugu
1992 Subba Rayudi Pelli Telugu
1993 Sikandar Ki Lalkar
1993 Rakshana Telugu
1993 Govindha Govindha Guest Appearance in song Telugu
1993 Chinna Alludu Telugu
1993 Aarambham Telugu
1992 Chillara Mogudu Allari Koduku Telugu
1993 Sabash Babu Tamil
1993 Ulle Veliye Tamil
1993 Kongu Chatu Krishnudu Telugu
1993 Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga Raja
Marthanda Raja Gambeera
Kathavaraya Krishna Kamarajan		 Tamil
1993 Kunthi Puthrudu Telugu
1993 Nallathe Nadakkum Ramadevi Tamil
1993 Moondravadhu Kann Item dancer Tamil
1993 Bava Bavamaridi Chintamani Telugu
1993 Saakshaal Sreeman Chaatthunni Herself special appearance in song Malayalam
1993 Mafia Item Dance Malayalam
1993 Aadhityan Manga Tamil
1993 Alimayya Kannada
1993 Muta Mestri Telugu
1993 Rowdy Annayya Telugu
1993 Thodu Dongalu Telugu
1993 Minmini Poochigal Tamil
1994 Kishkinda Kanda Heroine
1994 Ek Hatyara
1994 Aaya Jawani Jhoom Ke
1994 Gharana Alludu Telugu
1994 Atta Kodallu Telugu
1994 Vijaypath Hindi
1994 Naaraaz
1994 Seeman Tamil
1994 Pari Poyina Khaideelu
1994 Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu SP'S Wife Telugu
1994 Oru Vasantha Geetham Tamil
1994 Athiradi Padai Tamil
1994 Priyanka Tamil
1994 Seevalaperi Pandi Tamil
1994 Vaanga Partner Vaanga Menaka Tamil
1994 Palnati Pourusham Bala Telugu
1994 Samaram Telugu
1994 Bhale Mavayya Telugu
1994 Donga Rascal Telugu
1994 President Gari Alludu Telugu
1994 Bangaru Mogudu Telugu
1994 Maro Quit India Telugu
1994 CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed. Malayalam
1994 Chinna Kannada
1994 Makkala Sakshi Item number Kannada
1994 Lockup Death Item Number Kannada
1994 Gentleman Security Item Dance Malayalam
1994 May Madham Palakkattu Machanukku song Tamil (Guest Appearance)
1994 Hero Tamil
1994 Veera Padhakkam Tamil
1994 Allarodu Beauty Queen Sneha Telugu
1995 Play Girls
1995 Om Shakti Naag Shakti
1995 Karma Item Dancer Malayalam
1995 Spadikam Laila Malayalam
1995 Lucky Man Tamil
1995 Vaanga Partner Vaanga Tamil
1995 Raja Muthirai Tamil
1995 Mazhavil Koodaram Rathi Teacher Malayalam
1995 Hijack Dalia Malayalam
1995 Bhale Bullodu Item number Telugu
1995 Chilakapachcha Kaapuram Telugu
1995 Subhamastu Telugu
1995 Villadhi Villain Tamil
1995 Thottil Kuzhandhai Tamil
1995 Puthiya Aatchi Item number Tamil
1995 Witness Special role Tamil
1995 Special Squad Madhumathi Malayalam
1995 Highway Malayalam
1995 Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Aana Malayalam
1995 Thumboli Kadappuram Clara Malayalam
1995 Three Men Army Item Dancer Malayalam
1995 Arabikadaloram Vaishali Malayalam
1995 Ganeshana Galate Contract Killer Kannada
1995 Muddayi Muddugumma Telugu
1995 Aasthi Mooredu Asha Baaredu Telugu
1995 Kondapalli Rattayya Telugu
1996 Coimbatore Mappillai Item Number Tamil
1996 Time Bomb Malayalam, Hindi[15]
1996 En Pondatti Collector
1996 Pallivathukkal Thommichan Kathreena Malayalam
1996 K. L. 7/95 Ernakulam North Malayalam
1996 Karnataka Suputhra Kannada
1996 Sugavaasam Malayalam
1996 Sulthan Hyderali Volga Malayalam
1996 Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar Rajamma Malayalam
1996 Dominic Presentation Item number Malayalam
1996 Hitlist Malayalam
1996 Aavathum Pennale Azhivathum Pennale item Number Tamil
1996 Pacha Thoranam KanyaKumari Telugu
1996 Maa Aavida Collector Telugu
1996 Subash Item Number Tamil
1996 Rajali Tamil
1996 Thirumbi Paar Tamil
1997 Badmashon Ka Raja
1998 Mera Desh
1998 Haiwan (final film role)

Legacy

In 2011, a film inspired by Silk Smitha's life, titled The Dirty Picture, was produced in Hindi by Ekta Kapoor. The movie was directed by Milan Luthria[16] and starred Vidya Balan (who later won National Film Award for Best Actress). The movie was released on Smitha's birthday along with its dubbed versions in Tamil and Telugu (2 December 2011) and received favourable reviews. Reports suggest that the family of Silk Smitha, on whom the film is based, is not happy with the movie. Smitha's brother V. Naga Vara Prasad claimed the film was made without the family's consent.[17] After the claim, Ekta Kapoor immediately changed her statement by quoting The Dirty Picture is not based on Silk Smitha's life.[18]

However, in 2013, a Kannada film titled Dirty Picture: Silk Sakkath Hot, starring Pakistani actress Veena Malik was released. The film was based on Silk Smitha and Veena Malik was praised for her performance in the film. The film was a hit in Karnataka.

A Malayalam film titled Climax, starring Sana Khan as Silk Smitha released on 24 May 2013.

References

  1. ^ Zainab Mulla (2 December 2014). "Silk Smitha Happy Birthday: Top song videos of the bad girl of Southern cinema!". India.com. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  2. ^ Anupama Chopra (28 September 2011). "Why Silk Smitha is Bollywood's favourite bad girl". NDTV Movies. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011.
  3. ^ "The mysterious death of India's biggest sex symbol Silk Smitha". 23 February 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Silk Route: Ekta Kapoor's forthcoming film 'The Dirty Picture' revisits a sequins-and-pelvic-thrust era of Tamil cinema". Mint. 30 September 2011.
  5. ^ Kuldip, Hussain (27 September 1996). "Obituary". The Independent cited in BNET. Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
  6. ^ "Chronicle of a death foretold". Rediff India Abroad. 4 April 1997. Retrieved 2 January 2009.
  7. ^ "கவர்ச்சி நடனத்தால் ரசிகர்களைக் கவர்ந்த 'சில்க்' சுமிதா தூக்கில் தொங்கினார்" [Sexy dance, attracted the fans 'Silk' Sumita hung herself to death]. Cinema.maalaimalar.com. 22 September 1996. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  8. ^ Staff Correspondent, Pradeep (26 October 2006). "Some reel-life role models". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
  9. ^ Vicky Lalwani (21 February 2011). "Ekta slams Silk Smitha's boyfriend". The Times of India.
  10. ^ Sebastian (6 March 2005). "Magic workers". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
  11. ^ Bhattacharya, Roshmila (8 November 2002). "Sex Sells". Screen Weekly. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
  12. ^ Ashok Kumar, SR (6 September 2006). "A saga of success". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2006.
  13. ^ "'சுமிதாவுக்கு திருமணத்தில் நம்பிக்கை இல்லை': 'சில்க்' சுமிதாவின் காதலர் பேட்டி" [' Sumita does not believe in the marriage ': Silk 'Sumita's Valentine Interview]. Cinema.maalaimalar.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  14. ^ "'எனக்கு வாழ்க்கை தருவதாக" [Give me life]. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  15. ^ "Time Bomb (1996)". Retrieved 15 August 2017.
  16. ^ "Vidya's nothing like Silk". Pune Times of India. 2 September 2011.
  17. ^ "'The Dirty Picture' irks Silk's kin". Indianexpress.com. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  18. ^ "THE DIRTY PICTURE is not about Silk Smitha! – Bollywood news". glamsham.com. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2012.

Further reading

  • Ashish Rajadhyaksha, Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema, Oxford University Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-85170-669-X)
  • Roopa Swaminathan, Star Dust: Vignettes from the Fringes of the Film Industry, Penguin, 2004 (ISBN 0-14-303243-7)
  • Suparna Bhaskaran, Made in India: Decolonizations, Queer Sexualities, Trans/National Projects, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004 (ISBN 1-4039-6726-1)
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