Sridevi biography 'Empress' update: Priyanka Chopra shares cover on birth anniversary
Synopsis
On Sridevi's birth anniversary, Priyanka Chopra revealed the cover of 'Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi', featuring a tribute from Amitabh Bachchan and the tag 'coming soon' — the clearest public signal yet that the long-announced Westland Books biography is nearing release.
Key Takeaways
Priyanka Chopra shared the cover of 'Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi' on 13 August , Sridevi's birth anniversary.
The cover features a tribute from Amitabh Bachchan : 'The epitome of unmitigated talent.' The biography is authored by Dhiraj U.
Kumarr , described as a researcher, writer, and columnist close to the Kapoor family.
Boney Kapoor reshared Chopra's post, indicating family endorsement of the project.
The book was first announced by Westland Books in 2023 ; Chopra's caption confirmed it is 'coming soon.' Sridevi passed away on 24 February 2018 in Dubai at the age of 54 due to cardiac arrest.
Actor Priyanka Chopra on 13 August shared a fresh update on 'Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi', the much-awaited book on the life and legacy of the late screen icon, on what would have been Sridevi's birth anniversary. Chopra posted a glimpse of the book's cover on her Instagram stories, keeping the memory of one of Indian cinema's greatest performers alive.
What Priyanka Chopra Shared
Chopra shared the cover of the biography, which carries a tribute from Amitabh Bachchan — 'The epitome of unmitigated talent' — alongside the author's name, Dhiraj U. Kumarr. Her caption read: 'The one and only. You are so missed. Happy heavenly birthday #Sridevi #Empress….coming soon.'
Boney Kapoor, Sridevi's husband and veteran film producer, reshared Chopra's post on his own Instagram stories, signalling the family's continued involvement in the project.
About the Biography
The book was first announced by Westland Books in 2023 under the working title 'Sridevi: The Life of a Legend'. Written by debut author Dhiraj Kumar — a researcher, writer, and columnist whom Sridevi reportedly considered a part of her family — the biography is expected to offer a detailed account of her journey both on and off screen.
Boney Kapoor, in an earlier statement, expressed his happiness that Kumar was the one capturing Sridevi's extraordinary life, describing the author as someone who shared a close personal bond with the family.
Sridevi's Legacy
Sridevi dominated commercial Indian cinema through the 1980s and 1990s, delivering iconic performances in films such as 'Mr. India', 'Chandni', and 'Himmatwala'. She is widely regarded as one of the most complete performers in the history of Hindi and South Indian cinema, celebrated for her range across comedy, drama, and dance.
Her Passing
Sridevi passed away on 24 February 2018 at the age of 54 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She had travelled to Dubai to attend the wedding of actor and relative Mohit Marwah. According to reports at the time, she collapsed in her hotel room; a medical team attempted to revive her but was unsuccessful. She was subsequently declared dead after being taken to a hospital, with the cause of death recorded as cardiac arrest.
With 'Empress' now confirmed to be coming soon, the biography is poised to offer fans and film historians a definitive account of a career that redefined stardom in India.
Point of View
Combined with Amitabh Bachchan's blurb and Boney Kapoor's reshare, gives the book a cross-generational stamp of authority that few Bollywood biographies ever secure before release. The deeper question is whether 'Empress' will go beyond hagiography. Sridevi's career spanned decades, industries, and languages; a definitive biography must reckon with the full complexity of that journey — including the industry's treatment of female stars — not merely celebrate it.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Empress' biography of Sridevi?
'Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi' is an upcoming book authored by Dhiraj U. Kumarr, published by Westland Books, that chronicles the life and career of the late actress Sridevi. It was first announced in 2023 and is described as 'coming soon' as of August 2024.
Why did Priyanka Chopra share an update on the Sridevi biography?
Priyanka Chopra shared the book's cover on her Instagram stories on 13 August, Sridevi's birth anniversary, as a tribute to the late actress. Her caption — 'The one and only. You are so missed' — framed the update as a personal remembrance alongside a publication update.
Who wrote the Sridevi biography 'Empress'?
The biography is written by Dhiraj U. Kumarr, a debut author described as a researcher, writer, and columnist. According to Boney Kapoor, Sridevi considered Kumar a part of her family.
When did Sridevi pass away and what was the cause?
Sridevi passed away on 24 February 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 54. The cause of death was recorded as cardiac arrest. She had been in Dubai to attend the wedding of actor and relative Mohit Marwah.
What films is Sridevi best remembered for?
Sridevi is best remembered for her iconic roles in 'Mr. India', 'Chandni', and 'Himmatwala', among many others. She dominated commercial Indian cinema through the 1980s and 1990s across Hindi and South Indian film industries.
