20 Lesser Known Facts about Silk Smitha.

Silk Smitha was an iconic figure in the South Indian film industry during the 1980s. Known for her bold and sensuous performances, she captivated audiences with her magnetic screen presence.

While many may be familiar with her on-screen persona, here are 20 lesser-known facts about Silk Smitha:

1 Real Name:

Silk Smitha’s real name was Vijayalakshmi Vadlapati. She adopted the stage name “Silk Smitha” after her breakthrough role in the film “Vandichakkaram.”

2 Early Life:

Silk Smitha was born on December 2, 1960, in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. She grew up in a small village and faced many challenges before entering the film industry.

3 Entry into Films:

Silk Smitha started her career as a supporting actress in the Tamil film industry. It was her bold and glamorous roles that brought her into the limelight.

4 Iconic Dance Moves:

Silk Smitha was known for her seductive dance moves, which became her trademark. Her performances in songs like “Lakshmana Rekha” and “Nayakuralu Nagamma” are still remembered today.

5 Language Barrier:

Despite being a South Indian actress, Silk Smitha was not fluent in Tamil or Telugu. She often had to learn her dialogues phonetically and relied on her expressions to convey emotions.

6 Range of Roles:

While Silk Smitha was primarily known for her seductive roles, she also showcased her versatility by portraying characters with depth and complexity. She received critical acclaim for her performances in films like “Moondram Pirai” and “Sadma.”

7 Collaboration with Rajinikanth:

Silk Smitha shared screen space with superstar Rajinikanth in several films, including “Moondru Mugam” and “Thalapathi.” Their on-screen chemistry was widely appreciated by the audience.

8 Entrepreneurial Ventures:

Silk Smitha ventured into business by opening a film production company called Silk Smitha Productions. However, the venture was short-lived and faced financial difficulties.

9 Controversies:

Silk Smitha’s bold image often attracted controversies. She was criticized for her explicit scenes and was even accused of being a bad influence on society. However, she remained unapologetic about her choices.

10 Recognition:

Despite facing criticism, Silk Smitha was highly popular among the masses. She received several awards for her performances, including the Nandi Award for Best Actress.

11 International Fame:

Silk Smitha’s fame extended beyond the South Indian film industry. She gained international recognition when her film “Moondram Pirai” was remade in Hindi as “Sadma,” starring Sridevi.

12 Personal Life:

Silk Smitha’s personal life was filled with ups and downs. She faced financial difficulties and struggled with relationships. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 35.

13 Legacy:

Silk Smitha’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of her fans. She remains an iconic figure in the history of Indian cinema and is remembered for breaking barriers and challenging societal norms.

14 Inspiration for Bollywood:

Silk Smitha’s bold and glamorous image inspired many Bollywood actresses, including Vidya Balan, who portrayed a character inspired by Silk Smitha in the film “The Dirty Picture.”

15 Biopic:

A biographical film titled “The Dirty Picture” was made on the life of Silk Smitha. The film received critical acclaim and Vidya Balan won a National Award for her portrayal of the iconic actress.

16 Music Videos:

Apart from films, Silk Smitha also appeared in music videos. Her sensuous and captivating presence added an extra charm to these videos.

17 Unfulfilled Dreams:

Silk Smitha had dreams of becoming a successful producer and director. Unfortunately, she couldn’t fulfill these aspirations due to her untimely demise.

18 Popularity in the 80s:

Silk Smitha’s popularity reached its peak in the 1980s. She was one of the most sought-after actresses during that era and was considered a sex symbol.

19 Multiple Languages:

Silk Smitha acted in more than 450 films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.

20 Tragic End:

She faced financial and personal struggles, leading to depression. Silk Smitha died by suicide on September 23, 1996, at the age of 35.