Bollywood legend Sridevi suddenly dies at age of 54

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      The Indian cinema world and people of South Asian ancestry around the world are reeling with the news of the death of Sridevi Kapoor.

      Simply known as Sridevi to her many millions of adoring fans, she's been described as the first female superstar in Bollywood.

      She died of cardiac arrest in Dubai at the age of 54.

      Sometimes described as the female Bachchan (in reference to Bollywood acting legend Amitabh Bachchan), Sridevi's career took off in the 1980s and 1990s. Even in 2012, she was ranked first on a list of Rediff's top actresses.

      A native of Tamil Nadu, Sridevi was showered with many honours in her career, including Filmfare Best Actress awards for Lamhe, ChaalBaaz, Kshana Kshanam, and Meendum Kokila. One of her greatest performances came in the title role in the blockbuster 1989 film Chandni, which was directed by Yash Chopra and which transformed fashion in India.

      Songs from Chandni continue to be played at Indian weddings across the globe.

      In 2013, she was named the NDTV Indian of the Year, the same year she won the Stardust Award for Best Actress Drama for English Vinglish.

      Sridevi's passing is being widely noted on social media, including by three female Bollywood superstars who followed in her footsteps: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Preity Zinta.

      Here's what some of Bollywood's major male stars have said:

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