Legendary actress Sridevi’s sudden death in a bathtub in Dubai on February 24, 2018, sent shockwaves throughout India and around the world. She was not just a superstar but also a beloved wife and mother, and her demise left her family and fans devastated. While initial reports stated she died due to accidental drowning, several conspiracy theories emerged. From whispers of foul play to accusations and endless speculation, the mystery surrounding her death dominated headlines for weeks.
Years later, Boney Kapoor, her husband and well-known film producer, finally opened up about the tragic circumstances that led to the untimely death of India’s first female superstar. In a heartfelt and emotional interview with The New Indian, Boney Kapoor revealed the real cause behind Sridevi’s death—and it wasn’t anything sinister. It was something that had plagued her silently for years: her obsession with dieting and staying slim for the screen.
The Pressure To Look Good On Screen Took A Toll On Sridevi’s Health
Sridevi was known for her timeless beauty, grace, and elegance on screen. But behind that perfection was a woman constantly battling with the pressures of stardom. Boney Kapoor disclosed that Sridevi had a history of blackouts and fainting spells, largely because of her rigorous and salt-free, crash diets. She was determined to maintain her slim figure and glowing on-screen presence, often ignoring medical advice in pursuit of physical perfection.
“She often used to starve. She wanted to look good, to make sure she stayed in good shape for her films. From the time she was married to me, she had blackouts on a couple of occasions. The doctor kept saying she had low BP, but unfortunately, she didn’t take it seriously,” Boney said.
Despite warnings from doctors and close calls in the past, Sridevi continued her strict diet regime, even during family functions. In fact, during their trip to Dubai for a family wedding, she had reportedly continued with her crash diet, and Boney believes it ultimately led to her losing consciousness and drowning in the bathtub.
Sridevi’s Earlier Bathroom Fainting Incident: A Chilling Reminder
In the same interview, Boney Kapoor recalled a shocking revelation made by Telugu actor Nagarjuna. He visited the Kapoor family to offer condolences after Sridevi’s passing. During their conversation, Nagarjuna recounted an incident that occurred during a film shoot, where Sridevi had fainted in the bathroom due to her crash diet and had broken her teeth.
“Nagarjuna told me that during one of her movies, she was again on a crash diet, and that’s how she fell in the bathroom and broke her teeth,” Boney shared.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. According to Boney, Sridevi’s health had always been fragile when it came to her dietary habits, and she often ignored the red flags. It painted a grim picture of the dangerous side of beauty standards in the entertainment industry.
Boney Kapoor Faced Intense Scrutiny And Custody After Sridevi’s Death
What made the situation worse for the grieving family was the intense media scrutiny and suspicion that followed Sridevi’s death. Boney Kapoor revealed that he was taken into custody by Dubai authorities for nearly 24 to 48 hours, where he underwent multiple rounds of questioning, including lie detector tests.
“I was interrogated and taken into custody because of the media pressure and all the wild speculations. But after the investigations, the Dubai police gave me a clean chit and concluded that Sridevi’s death was accidental,” he said.
While the Dubai authorities cleared Boney Kapoor of any wrongdoing, the trauma and emotional toll it took on him and his daughters—Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor—was immense. Instead of being allowed to grieve in peace, the family had to deal with public blame, wild theories, and unnecessary sensationalism.
A Heartbreaking Lesson On The Pressures Of Fame
Sridevi’s death serves as a grim reminder of the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on celebrities, especially women in the film industry. Even in her 50s, Sridevi felt the pressure to look youthful and flawless, leading her to follow extreme diets that ultimately compromised her health.
Her story sheds light on the darker side of fame—where staying in shape can sometimes come at the cost of one’s well-being. Boney Kapoor’s candid revelations give closure to a mystery that has haunted fans for years and offer a sobering insight into the toll of perfection.
In Memory of Sridevi
Sridevi was not just a star; she was a phenomenon. With a career spanning over four decades, she lit up the silver screen in countless films such as Mr. India, Chandni, Sadma, English Vinglish, and many more. Her contribution to Indian cinema remains unparalleled.
As fans continue to remember her legacy, Boney Kapoor’s emotional revelations only deepen the love and respect people have for the actress who gave her all—even at the cost of her health.