Silk Smitha Biography

Silk Smitha (December 2, 1960 – September 23, 1996) was a South Indian cinema actress. Even though Smitha appeared in some character roles, she became popular through her glamourous appearances in softcore films.

Born Vijayalakshimi, into a poor family in Eluru (in Andhra Pradesh), she left school after the fourth standard, determined to become a film star. Moving in with her aunt in Madras (then the centre of the South Indian film industry), she soon found a sponsor who renamed her Smitha. After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role, in the Tamil movie Vandi Chakkaram (The Wheel), in 1979, Smitha assumed the name "Silk," after her character's name in the movie.

Career

Silk Smitha went on to star in over 200 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and a few Hindi films. Silk Smitha dance numbers and her bold performances in films like Moondru Mugam have made her the ultimate symbol of sensuality in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu cinema. Silk Smitha item numbers in films like Amaran were also celebrated at the box office. Some film critics, historians and journalists have referred to her as a soft porn actress. One of her films, Layanam, has earned a cult status in the Indian adult film industry, and was remade as Reshma ki Jawani. Silk Smitha most respected film is Moondram Pirai, remade as Sadma.

Death

In 1996, Smitha was found dead in her Mumbai apartment of an apparent suicide

Filmography

Sphadikam

Jeeva

Challenge

Moondru Mugam

Layanam

Adutha Varisu

Khaidi

Yamakinkarudu

Rustum