Srividya's Journey Full Of Hardships, Success, Heartbreaks And Early Demise Due To Cancer

Behind the glamorous world, there often lie some unknown struggles of the stars. Facing struggles at the beginning of an acting career is nothing new, but some struggles shock many.

Here comes the journey of Srividya Vasantha Kumari, a prominent actress in Tamil and Malayalam films, marked by struggles. In 2006, the veteran actress, Srividya Vasantha Kumari left for the heavenly abode.

Srividya started acting at the age of 14

Born in 1953, in Chennai, Srividya started her acting career at the early age of 14. Shortly after Srividya’s birth, her father, Krishnamurthy, a famous comedian in the Tamil industry, got ill due to an accident. The entire family had to face extreme poverty. 

As per reports, Srividya said her mother, M.L. Vasantha Kumari, a Carnatic classical singer, couldn’t breastfeed her as well. So, Srividya started her career as a child artist to run the household. She made her acting debut as a child artist with the Tamil film, Thiruvarutchelvar, opposite Sivaji Ganeshan in 1967. Srividya worked in 800 films in her entire acting career.

She practised hard to improve her acting skills, and this practice brought her the chance to work in many Tamil films like Kumara Sambhavam (1969) and Tata Manavadu (1972). Soon, Srividya became the star of Tamil cinema. By making consecutive hit films in Tamil, she also made her name in Malayalam cinema. Along with Tamil and Malayalam films, she also appeared on the screens for a few Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films.

Srividya’s hit films

After Srividya’s first screen appearance in the film, Thiruvarutchelvar, Srividya stepped into the Malayalam industry with a dance sequence in the film, Kumara Sambhavam, directed by P. Subramanium. In 1972, she made her debut in the Telugu film, Tata Manavadu, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. Although, she started working from a very young age, Srividya’s breakthrough came in 1971, with the film, Nootrukku Nooru. Srividya’s first project as a lead actress was in the film, Delhi to Madras.

During the mid-70s, Srividya became a prominent face in the Tamil industry. Srividya got a chance to work with Kamal Haasan on many films, including Annai Velankanni, Unarchigal, and Apoorva Raagangal. She worked in many blockbuster films included Velli Vizha, Sollathaan Ninaikkiren, and Apoorva Raagangal, which were all directed by K. Balachander. But K. Balachander’s film, Apoorva Raagangal made her a star.

The film, Apoorva Raagangal included Kamal Haasan in the lead role and Rajinikanth was playing a side character. Her role in the film, Amba Ambika Ambalika (1976) as Amba, a mythological character, was widely appreciated by many.

Srividya got a marriage proposal from Kamal Haasan

During the shooting of the film, Apoorva Raagangal, Srividya fell in love with Kamal Haasan. Haasan had proposed to Srividya, who was two years older than him. As per reports, Srividya’s mother opposed the relationship between Kamal and Srividya. 

Later, he started dating Vani Ganapathy and married her. Their marriage broke Srividya’s heart, and they had a heartbreaking end to their relationship. In 2006, Kamal Haasan and Srividya made headlines when Kamal visited Srividya while she was on her deathbed. As per many reports, the 2008 Malayalam film, Thirakkatha, is inspired by their love story.

Srividya’s breakup with Bharathan

After Srividya’s heartbreaking end of the relationship with Kamal Haasan, she moved on with film director, Bharathan. She appeared as a female lead in many films made by Bharathan, but his marriage with K. P. A. C. Lalitha ultimately led to their breakup.

Srividya’s marriage to George Thomas in 1978

After failing in love twice, Srividya again fell in love with George Thomas, an assistant director in her film, Teekkanal. She went against her parents, and as per Thomas’s wish, she was converted. The two tied the knot in 1978. 

Srividya’s divorce in 1980

Soon after their marriage, the demonic side of George Thomas came out. He forced her to work instead of quitting her career, citing financial issues. Srividya realized her wrong decision when George took control of her property and threw her out of the house. The couple got divorced in 1980. She had to take legal action against George as she lost her properties as well as prizes. Later, she won the final verdict.

Srividya’s cancer diagnosis

As per reports, the director of the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Dr. M Krishnan Nair, said in a book written by him that as the actress was known for her charming persona and magnificent looks, she was afraid due to the side effects of the medicine. She thought the side effects of the medicine might harm her appearance. He also said that she had apprehensions and misconceptions about cancer treatment.  He also mentioned in the book that the doctors of RCC decided to give her a new medicine that would have fewer side effects on her lungs. He also mentioned that the cost of one injection for Srividya’s cancer treatment would be around one lakh.

Srividya’s death

Srividya underwent a biopsy test in 2003 and was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. At the age of 53, in 2006, Srividya died of cancer. Two months before her tragic death, Srividya decided to build a trust. She gave charge of the trust to actor cum MLA, K. B. Ganesh Kumar. As per her will, the trust will provide help to deserving students and ailing artists who are going through financial crises. The trust will also provide scholarships to deserving candidates who want to continue their studies. 

Srividya’s noble cause is appreciated by us. May her soul rest in peace. For such stories, follow us.

Also read: Nayanthara Once Used To Work As A TV Host On A Malayalam Show With Her Unknown Birth Name

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