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.
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.Even in the rare non-sexual roles, she impressed critics and audiences, such as her role of a wife hurt by her husband's infidelity in Seethakoka Chilaka (1981).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, a disillusionment in love and an alcohol dependency 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)
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