Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess by Satyarth Nayak [Hardcover]

Book Summary

Published in December 2019 by Penguin Random House in India, this biography by Satyarth Nayak chronicles the life and cinematic journey of Sridevi, India’s first true pan‑Indian superstar . Spanning ten chronological chapters, the book traces her evolution—from her 1963 birth in Egmore and early days as a child actor in South Indian cinema to dominating Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi industries across five decades and nearly 300 films .

Nayak draws heavily on original research and nearly 70 interviews with family, colleagues, filmmakers, and contemporaries—backed by film magazines and archival material—bringing depth and nuance to both her public triumphs and private life . The narrative touches key films such as 16 Vayathinile, Moondram Pirai/Sadma, Chandni, Mr. India, English Vinglish, and more, offering detailed commentary on her performances, versatility, and screen charisma .

Critics describe the book as a passionate, readable tribute. Some label it more hagiographic than critical, but acknowledge its meticulous research, structured storytelling, and emotional resonance—made richer by contributions like a foreword by actress Kajol and candid recollections from those close to her .

About the Author: 

Satyarth Nayak (born 29 October 1981, in Cuttack, Odisha) is an Indian author and screenwriter based in Mumbai. A former SAARC Award–winning correspondent with CNN‑IBN, Delhi, he earned his master’s degree in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi . Nayak’s debut novel, The Emperor’s Riddles (2014), became a bestseller and earned comparisons to Dan Brown; his short fiction has been honored by the British Council and featured in Sudha Murty’s anthology Something Happened on the Way to Heaven . He also scripted Porus (2017–2019), touted as one of India's costliest and most ambitious historical TV shows .

An ardent admirer of Sridevi, Nayak began the biography soon after her milestone 300th film Mom (2017), and particularly after her untimely demise in February 2018. With the support of husband Boney Kapoor, he conducted exhaustive interviews and archival research over roughly 18 months to craft this as his first non‑fiction work—a detailed, affectionate tribute to a screen icon .