When talking about the leading actresses of Tamil cinema in the bygone era, one might not include Silk Smitha’s name but there is no denying the fact that she was extremely popular in the 80s. She was not what one would typically call a mainstream actress as she mostly appeared in B-grade erotic films, solidifying her position as one of the most popular sex symbols in Indian cinema. After maintaining her position as the most sought-after erotic actress in Tamil cinema as well as Malayalam softcore films, Silk Smitha died by suicide at the mere age of 35 on September 24 1996. Let us revisit her short-lived but eventful career on the occasion of her death anniversary.
Vijayalakshmi, widely known by her screen name Silk Smitha, was born on December 2, 1960. Over an 18-year career, she made a remarkable impact, appearing in over 450 films. She initially entered the film industry as a supporting actress, but her breakout role came in the 1979 Tamil film Vandichakkaram, where she portrayed a character named Silk. This role brought her widespread recognition, and she was rechristened ‘Silk Smitha,’ a name that became synonymous with bold and glamorous roles in South Indian cinema.
Silk Smitha’s early life was marked by hardship. Due to her family’s poor financial situation, she had to drop out of school. Married off at the young age of 14, her life took a difficult turn as she faced mistreatment from her husband and in-laws, which eventually led her to run away. Seeking a fresh start, Smitha began working as a touch-up artist for actress Aparna which eventually led to a career in films. Silk Smitha’s immense popularity and star power were undeniable. At the height of her career, her appeal was so strong that, according to Tamil film historian Randor Guy, “Films that had lain in cans for years were sold by the simple addition of a Silk Smitha song.”
In 2011, Bollywood made a film inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, The Dirty Picture where Vidya Balan played the lead role.
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