'Sridevi was one of the reasons I became an actor': Read Priyanka Chopra's eulogy for idol

Veteran actress Sridevi, 54, passed away in Dubai due to “accidental drowning”, engulfing the entire country in a pall of gloom. Indian stars, political personalities, fans and admirers all expressed shock and disbelief at losing such a talented and beloved actor.

Priyanka Chopra was one of the first to offer her condolences to “everyone who loved Sridevi” calling it a “dark day”. Now, the Quantico star has written an emotional tribute in Time magazine to an actress she believes was “born for the silver screen.”

The 35-year-old actress credits Sridevi for inspiring her to become an actor when she was a child. She calls her “India’s first female superstar” and “the ultimate actor” citing her uncanny ability to be “childlike, grown up, funny, serious, beguiling and sexy” on cue. Other than her versatility, Priyanka also commends Sridevi’s remarkable ability to own each frame whether she was in a Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada or Malayalam film.

“When the news first broke of her passing, I was immobilized. All I could do then was listen to songs from her films, revisit her interviews and watch her iconic scenes over and over again. I knew I was not alone; millions were feeling that exact emotion of shock and loss. Her connection with the audience was so strong that that each one of us has special memories linked to her,” she writes.

Priyanka talks about her last meeting with Sridevi when the veteran star pulled her into a tight hug on the red carpet and spoke about her daughters Jhanvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.