Telugu Actress Silk Smitha Biography

Silk Smitha (December 2, 1960 – September 23, 1996) was a South Indian cinema actress. Even though Smitha appeared in some character roles, she became popular through her glamourous appearances in softcore films.

Biography

Born Vijayalakshimi into a poor family in Eluru (in Andhra Pradesh), she left school after the fourth standard, determined to become a film star. Moving in with her aunt in Madras (then the centre of the South Indian film industry), she soon found a sponsor who renamed her Smitha. After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role, in the Tamil movie Vandi Chakkaram (The Wheel), in 1979, Smitha assumed the name "Silk," after her character's name in the movie.

she soon found a sponsor who renamed her Smitha. garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role, in the Tamil movie Vandi Chakkaram (The Wheel), in 1979, Smitha assumed the name "Silk," after her character's name in the movie

Career
Silk Smitha went on to star in over 200 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and a few Hindi films. Her dance numbers and her bold performances in films like Moondru Mugam have made her the ultimate symbol of sensuality in Tamil, Kannada. Malayalam and Telugu cinema. Her item numbers in films like Amaran were also celebrated at the box office. Some film critics, historians and journalists have referred to her as a "soft porn" actress. One of her films, Layanam, has earned a cult status in the Indian adult film industry, and was remade as Reshma ki Jawani. Her most respected film is Moondram Pirai, remade as Sadma.

Death

In 1996, Smitha was found dead in her Chennai apartment. In the previous year she had tried to shift career in order to become a film producer. Financial problems and the loss of support among former friends and colleagues apparently led to depression. It is suspected that Smitha committed suicide.

Selected filmography

* Yamakinkarudu (1982)
* Moondru Mugam (1983)
* Khaidi (1983)
* Challenge (1984)
* Layanam (1989)
* Halli Meshtru (1992)
* Sphadikam (1995)
* Adharvam (1989)

Drohi (October 25, 1992) (Released) ...... (As Silk Smita)
Izzat Aabroo (1990) (Released)
Kanwarlal (July 29, 1988) (Released)
Pataal Bhairavi (1985) (Released) ...... Dancer
Toofan Rani (1985) (Released)
Taqatwala (1984) (Released)
Sadma (July 8, 1983) (Released) ...... Soni
Jeet Hamari (June 17, 1983) (Released) ...... (As 'Silk' Smitha)
Moondru Mugham (1983) (Released)
Paayum Puli (1983) (Released) ...... (As 'Silk' Smita)

Footnotes

1. ^ "Obituary" (in English), The Independent (1996-09-26). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
2. ^ "Chronicle of a death foretold" (in English), Rediff India Abroad (1997-04-04). Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
3. ^ "Some reel-life role models" (in English), Deccan Herald (2006-10-26). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
4. ^ "Magic workers" (in English), The Hindu (2005-03-06). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
5. ^ "Sex Sells" (in English), Screen Weekly (2002-11-08). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
6. ^ "A saga of success" (in English), The Hindu (2006-09-06). Retrieved on 2006-11-09.
7. ^ Vasudev, Shefalee (2002-12-23). "Young Affluent and Depressed", India Today. Retrieved on 2007-12-22.