PERSONAL INFORMATION
Real name: Vijayalakshmi Vadlapatla
Profession: Actress
Famous for: Her bold scenes in Indian films.
Date of Birth: 2 December 1960 (Friday)
Birthplace: Kovvali village, Denduluru Mandal, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Age (at the time of death): 35 Years
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Kovvali village, Denduluru Mandal, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Ethnicity: Telugu
Age: 35 Years (at The Time Of Death)
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EDUCATION
Educational Qualification: Class 4
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): 5′ 5″ (165 cm)
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status (at the time of death): Divorced
Affairs/Boyfriends: • Rajinikanth (actor, rumoured) • Vinu Chakravarthy (film director; rumoured)
Parents: Father – Ramallu Mother – Sarasamma
Siblings: Brother – V. Naga Vara Prasad (younger)
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: Film (Malayalam): Pushyaraagam (1980) as hotel dancer Film (Tamil): Vandichakkaram (1980) as ‘Silk’ Film (Telugu): Gharana Gangulu (1981) in a small role Film (Kannada): Gedda Maga (1983) in a small role Film (Hindi): Paap Ko Jala Dunga (1982) as Asha
OTHER INFORMATION
Date of Death: 23 September 1996
Place of Death: Her home in Kodambakkam, Chennai
Death Cause: Suicide
Actor(s): Kamal Haasan , Chiranjeevi
Film Director(s): Bharathiraja, Balu Mahendra
Death Date: 23/09/1996
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Silk Smitha was born into a family struggling with financial hardships, a background that shaped much of her early life. Due to her family’s circumstances, she had to leave her education after completing the fourth grade, yet this setback did not diminish her aspirations. From an early age, she felt a powerful pull towards the world of cinema, dreaming of becoming an actress. Her fascination with films was coupled with a love for makeup, often mimicking the heroines she admired on screen. This passion would serve as the foundation for her eventual career in the film industry.
Determined to pursue her dreams, Silk Smitha moved to Madras (now Chennai) where she began her professional journey as a makeup artist. Her hard work and dedication quickly caught the eye of filmmakers, leading to an opportunity as a touch-up artist for South Indian actresses. It wasn’t long before a filmmaker recognized her potential and offered her a small role in a film. Eager to embrace this chance and determined to fulfill her lifelong dream, she accepted the offer without hesitation, marking the beginning of her transition from behind the scenes to the spotlight.
As her career blossomed, Smitha garnered attention for her work in various Malayalam films, including ‘Pushyaraagam’ (1979), ‘Saraswatheeyaamam’ (1980), ‘Ivar’ (1980), and ‘Angadi’ (1980). It was during this time that director Anthony Eastman bestowed upon her the name ‘Smitha,’ a moniker that would become synonymous with her burgeoning fame. Her talent soon led her to take on roles as a cabaret dancer in several films, as well as a few negative characters, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Smitha’s reach extended beyond Malayalam cinema, as she also appeared in films in Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi, gradually gaining popularity for her bold performances.
Her filmography includes notable titles such as ‘Vandichakkaram’ (1979), ‘Adutha Varisu’ (1983), ‘Paayum Puli’ (1983), and ‘Miss Pameela’ (1989) in Tamil and Malayalam, as well as Hindi films like ‘Jaani Dost’ (1983), ‘Jeet Hamaari’ (1983), ‘Sadma’ (1983), and ‘Gulabi Raaten’ (1990). Alongside her acting skills, she made efforts to improve herself by learning basic English from the wife of actor-writer Vinu Chakravarthy and enrolling in acting and dance classes. Despite being an introvert with a small circle of friends, her punctuality and straightforward nature endeared her to many. However, the pressures of fame took their toll, and in 2011, her life story was depicted in the Hindi film ‘The Dirty Picture,’ portrayed by Vidya Balan, albeit without the consent of Smitha’s family, which led to controversy.
Silk Smitha’s life was not without its struggles; she battled severe depression that ultimately culminated in her tragic death on September 23, 1996, at her home. Reports indicated that she had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and had taken her own life. In the days leading up to her death, she had reached out to friends, including actor Ravichandran, though he was unable to take her call. The complexities of her life and career drew comparisons to Marilyn Monroe, an icon of beauty and tragedy. Silk Smitha remains a poignant figure in Indian cinema, remembered not only for her contributions to film but also for the heart-wrenching story behind her life.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.
