So, the little boy inside me is freaking out. Why? Simply because Sridevi could possibly, and most likely will be making a glamorous appearance at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. She will be coming to Toronto for the Gala Presentation of her upcoming film English Vinglish. Now, you must be asking yourself…what’s so good about Sridevi? and for those of you asking that question, I ask..How dare you? Sridevi defined the 1980′s in Bollywood cinema. She brought her South Indian charm to the Hindi movie scenario and wooed everyone with her dancing and brilliant comic timing.

She’s a powerhouse.

My early childhood was spent admiring two women. Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. The former ruled the 1980′s and the latter ruled the 1990′s – two eras in which I was 1) alive, 2) learned that Bollywood films were a PASSION and 3) I learned how to dance. All in all, Sridevi and Madhuri were both integral in my schooling as a Bollywood passionista.

What made Sridevi special was that she could portray the most complex of characters and still deliver light-hearted moments with her comic capabilities. Anyone remember that hilarious scene from the 1985 Bollywood classic Masterji where Sridevi tries to sexually arouse the late Rajesh Khanna without being too forward – only to achieve what she intended through a song and dance? I do. Hilarious.

Scene and “Swami ji” song from Masterji

And of course, she knew how to dance. Sridevi came from a time when natural talent was admired and when Bollywood actors were what the industry liked to call “complete packages”: actors that looked good, acted well and knew how to dance. After her Filmfare Award nominated role as Jhanki in 1997′s Judaai, Sridevi left the business and hasn’t graced the big screen since.

15 years later, Sridevi is back with Gauri Shinde‘s English Vinglish. The film tells the story of an Indian woman who struggles to learn the English language in order to help provide for her family – hence the “Vinglish” in the title. From the first look of the trailer, we can witness Sridevi’s brillance in comedy and how she brings an innocence on screen that is captivating. What’s more, the film is being simultaneously release in Tamil as well, since Sridevi was first a Tollywood (Tamil cinema) megastar before become extremely successful in Bollywood cinema as well. A Tamil version of the films Trailer has also been released.

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival has chosen a Bollywood film that truly is international in nature. With scenes shot in New York City and the representation of both Indian and North American society, the film promises to be a comedic cultural fusion – in pure Sridevi style.

Theatrical Trailer of English Vinglish (Hindi)

~~~

For your viewing pleasure as well as the unitiated, below are some of Sridevi‘s most memorable dance sequences.

Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau – Chandni

Mein Teri Dushman – Nagina

Naino Mein Sapna – Himmatwala