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Silk Smitha

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Native name
  
సిల్క్ స్మిథ

Occupation
  
Film actress

Full Name
  
Vijayalakshmi

Years active
  
1979–1996


Cause of death
  
Suicide

Name
  
Silk Smitha

Nationality
  
Indian

Role
  
Film actress

Silk Smitha smiling while riding on the horse and wearing a striped swimsuit

Born
  
2 December 1960 (
1960-12-02
)
Somavarappadu, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India


Died
  
23 September 1996 (1996-09-23) (aged 35) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Similar
  
Disco Shanti, Anuradha (actress), Jayamalini

What happened to silk smitha last days of her personal life v6 news


Vijayalakshmi Vadlapati (2 December 1960 – 23 September 1996), better known by her stage name Silk Smitha, was an Indian film actress who worked predominantly in South Indian films. She entered the industry as an extra actress and first got 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. In a career spanning 17 years, she appeared in over 450 films in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi languages. On 23 September 1996, she was found dead in her apartment in Chennai, apparently having committed suicide.

Contents

Silk Smitha looking afar while biting her finger and wearing a traditional Indian dress and some pieces of jewelry

Goundamani Silk Smitha Rare Comedy Video | Tamil Comedy Scenes | Goundamani Non Stop Comedy


Early life

Silk Smitha looking at her side with a tongue out pose while wearing a blouse, scarf, necklace, and earrings

Smitha was born in a Telugu family to Ramallu and Sarasamma in Eluru. She left school after her fourth standard (in India, at about 8 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. When she was ill-treated by her husband and in-laws, she ran away to Madras (now known as Chennai) and started living with an aunt.

Career

Silk Smitha raising her hand while posing and wearing a sexy sleeveless top, wrap-around skirt, and some pieces of jewelry

Smitha started as a touch-up artist for an actress and soon got a break in small character roles. 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, though soon, due to her marked sex appeal, she switched to roles of cabaret dancers and vamps and inevitably found herself typecast. After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role in the Tamil film Vandichakkaram, in 1979, Smitha assumed the screen name "Silk", after her character's name in the movie. After it became a big hit, she could not escape typecasting, severely limiting her range throughout her career.

Silk Smitha smiling while wearing a red dress, white and green dupatta, necklace, and earrings

Smitha went on to star in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, 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, Hallimeshtru Kannada were also celebrated at the box office. Some film critics, historians and journalists have referred to her as a "soft porn" actress. 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 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). One of her films, Layanam (1989), has earned a cult status in the Indian adult film industry and was dubbed in numerous languages, including Hindi (Reshma Ki Jawani, 2002), which, too, acquired cult status. 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.

Silk Smitha with her eyes closed and mouth open

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."

Personal life

Silk Smitha had a small circle of close friends. She was an introvert and did not make friends very quickly with anyone that easily. She is also known for her short temper and straightforwardness, which some mistakenly took for arrogance. In reality, she was punctual (arriving in movie sets way before the shooting commences), responsible, and very 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 close friends and fans. She was very skilled with make up 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

On the night of September 22, 1996 she had contacted her friend, dancer Anuradha, to discuss a matter that was disturbing her. Anuradha said she could not come during the night, as her husband would be coming home shortly, but would meet her in the morning.

In the morning of September 23, 1996, 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 suicide, due to depression over her debt accumulated from producing movies, while others call it foul play.

Legacy

In 2011, a biographical film on Silk Smitha's life, titled The Dirty Picture, was produced in Hindi by Ekta Kapoor. The movie was directed by Milan Luthria and starred Vidya Balan (who later won National Film Award for Best Actress). The movie was released on Smitha's birthday (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. After the claim, Ekta Kapoor immediately changed her statement by quoting The Dirty Picture is not based on Silk Smitha's life.

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 huge hit in Karnataka.

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

Filmography

Actress
1998
Haiwan
1998
Mera Desh
1997
Baduku Jataka Bandi
1997
Badmashon Ka Raja
1996
En Pondatti Collector
1996
Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar as
Rajamma
1996
KL 7/95 Ernakulam North
1996
Pallivathuckal Thommichan as
Udumbu Kathreena / Susanna
1996
Sukhavasam
1996
Sulthan Hyderali as
Volga
1996
Time Bomb
1996
Subash
1996
Coimbatore Mappillai
1995
Arabikadaloram as
Vaishali
1995
Bhale Bullodu as
Item number
1995
Hijack as
Dahlia
1995
Kaatttile Thadi Thevarude Ana
1995
Mazhavilkoodaram as
Rathi Teacher
1995
Puttamalli
1995
Raja Mudra
1995
Special Squad as
Madhumathi
1995
Three Men Army as
A dancer
1995
Thumboli Kadappuram as
Clara
1995
Vaanga Partner Vaanga as
Menaka
1995
Villathi villain
1995
Lucky Man
1995
Spadikam as
Laila
1995
Karma as
Item Dancer
1995
Om Shakti Naag Shakti
1995
Play Girls
1994
Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu (as Smitha)
1994
Allariodu as
Beauty Queen Sneha
1994
Gentle Man Security
1994
Oru Vasantha Geetham
1994
Pari Poyina Khaideelu
1994
Seeman
1994
Naaraaz
1994
Vijaypath
1994
Pacha Thoranam (as Smitha)
1994
Gharana Alludu
1994
Raithu Bharatam
1994
Aaya Jawani Jhoom Ke
1994
Ek Hatyara
1994
Kishkinda Kanda as
Heroine
1993
Kunti Puthrudu
1993
Rajadhi Raja, Raja Kulothunga, Raja Marthanda, Raja Gambeera, Karthavaraya Krishna, Kamarajan
1993
Ullae Veliae
1993
Sabash Babu
1993
Chinna Alludu
1993
Govindha Govindha
1993
Rakshana as
Special Appearance
1993
Mutamestri as
Dancer
1993
Aadhityan as
Manga
1993
Sikandar Ki Lalkar
1992
Chevalier Mikhael
1992
Halli Mestru as
Sex Education Teacher
1992
Nadodi
1992
Pangaali
1992
Rishi
1992
Vasudha
1992
Drohi as
Dancer (uncredited)
1992
Thai Mozhi
1992
Pandi Durai as
Sindamani
1992
Bombay Police
1992
Kanoon Aur Sazaa
1992
Mera Farz Mera Karz
1992
Pyas Bujhti Nahin
1991
Thambikku Oru Paattu
1991
Thalatu Kekuthamma as
Dr. Mary
1991
Idhayam
1991
Aditya 369 as
Rajanarthaki Nandini
1991
Chaitanya
1991
Doosri Biwi
1991
Hawai Dhamaka
1991
Qatil Nighahen
1991
Vikram
1990
Gulabi Raaten as
Advoate / Judge Sheela Mathur
1990
Naale Ennundengil as
Jyothi
1990
Shnesham Screenil
1990
Sunday 7.P.M. as
Shirley
1990
Avasara Police 100 as
Amulu
1990
Aag Lagi Barsat Mein
1990
Jawani Ki Jalan
1990
Lady Tarzan as
Lady Tarzan
1990
Layanam as
Smitha
1990
Maut Se Mukabala
1990
Pyasi Meri Nigahen
1989
Miss Pamela
1989
New Year as
Daisy
1989
O Varsham kurisina ratiri
1989
Pick Pocket
1989
Prayapoorthi Aayavarkku Mathram
1989
Thiruppu Munai
1989
Sonthakkaran as
Sudha
1989
Adharvam as
Ponni
1989
Gitanjali as
Special Appearance
1989
Kameena Kahin Kaa
1988
Jyoti Devi Maa
1988
Shri Datta Darshan as
Dancer
1988
Jeeva
1988
Khaidi No. 786 (as Smitha)
1988
Aaj Ki Jung
1988
Gumrah Jawani
1988
Jawani Ka Dushman
1987
Aalappirandhavan
1987
Anjatha Singam
1987
Kulikkaran
1987
Penn Simham as
Reshma
1987
Badla Aurat Ka
1987
Hanthakudi Veta
1987
Toofan Hi Toofan
1986
Annoru Ravil
1986
Kaithi Rani
1986
Kulambadikal as
Agnes
1986
Urukku Manushyan as
Gloria
1986
Kiraathakudu as
Hamsa (as Smitha)
1986
Badle Ki Jwala
1986
C.I.D. Silk
1986
Izzat Aabroo as
Miss Silk
1986
Khazane Ke Lootere
1986
Khooni Meena
1985
Chorakku Chora as
Shanthi
1985
Jeevante Jeevan
1985
Kiraatham as
A dancer
1985
Kumkuma Thanda Saubhagya
1985
Maaya Laadi
1985
Moodila muchata
1985
Ottayan as
Bhagya lakshmi
1985
Prema Mayam
1985
Revenge as
Geetha
1985
Shabash Vikram
1985
Shri Datta Darshanam as
Dancer
1985
Terror
1985
Visha Kanya
1985
Puli
1985
Jwala
1985
Pataal Bhairavi as
Dancer
1985
Santhosha Kanavukal
1985
Anita Mera Naam
1985
Naagin Bani Deewani
1985
Paayum Puli as
Roopa (as 'Silk' Smita)
1985
Toofan Rani
1984
Aada Puli
1984
Alakadalinakkare as
A Dancer
1984
Bullet as
Shobha
1984
Edavelakku Sesham as
Dolly; a cabaret dancer
1984
Iru Methaigal
1984
Kairaasikkaran as
Aisha
1984
Prachanda Kulla
1984
Sampoorna Premayanam
1984
Tharasu
1984
Uma Nilayam as
Reena
1984
Rustum
1984
Agnigundam
1984
Challenge (as SilkSmitha)
1984
Neengal Kettavai as
Arun's Girl Friend
1984
Qaidi
1984
Goonda
1984
Allulu Vasthunnaru as
Item number
1984
Silky
1984
Taqatwala
1984
Vazhkai
1983
Attakkalasam as
Cabaret Dancer
1983
Eettappuli as
Rani
1983
Gedda Maga
1983
Justice Raja as
A Dancer
1983
Kokkarako
1983
Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal as
A cabaret dancer
1983
Prathigna as
Dancer
1983
Rathilayam as
Devikutty
1983
Silk Silk Silk
1983
Soorakkottai Singakkuutti
1983
Theeram Thedunna Thira
1983
Thudikkum Karangal as
Seetha
1983
Vellai Roja (in a Guest Appearance)
1983
Thanga Magan as
Rekha
1983
Khaidi
1983
Sumangali
1983
Roshagadu as
Neelima
1983
Sadma as
Soni
1983
Adutha Varisu as
Usha
1983
Gudachari No.1
1983
Tarzan Sundari
1983
Jeet Hamaari as
Vijay's Girlfriend (as 'Silk' Smitha)
1983
Jaani Dost as
Laila
1983
Sivappu Sooriyan as
Rani
1983
Sattam
1983
Thayi Veedu as
Vijay's Lover
1983
Imaigal
1983
Uruvangal Maralam
1982
Adhisayappiravigal
1982
Kozhi Koovuthu as
Chittu
1982
Lottery Ticket
1982
Pattathu Rajakkal as
Rekha
1982
Paritchaikku Neramchu
1982
Yamakinkarudu
1982
Moondru Mugham as
Asha
1982
Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (1982) as
Mohan's wife .
1982
Sakalakala Vallavan as
Lalitha
1982
Nandri Meendum Varuga as
Guest Appearance
1982
NERAM VANTHACHU as
Rekha
1982
Ranga as
Girlfriend of Ravi
1982
Thanikkattu Raja as
Special Appearance
1982
Moondram Pirai as
Boss's Wife
1981
Alaigal Ooivathilai
1981
Inaye Thedi
1981
Nizhal Yudham as
A dancer
1981
Pinneyum Pookkunna Kaadu
1981
Seethakoka Chilaka (as Smitha)
1981
Sneham Oru Pravaaham
1981
Vayal as
Parvathi
1980
Ivar as
Susamma
1980
Lady James bond
1980
Rajaneegandhi as
Sheela
1980
Saraswathi Yaamam as
Padmam
1980
Vandichakkaram
1979
Edutha Sabantham Mudipen
1979
Pushyaraagam
Producer
1987
Penn Simham (producer)
Self
1993
Sakshal Sreeman Chathunni as
Self

References

Silk Smitha Wikipedia


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