16 Facts About Silk Smitha

Vadlapati Vijayalakshmi, better known by her stage name Silk Smitha, was an Indian actress and dancer who worked mainly in Telugu and Tamil cinema, in addition to some Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi films.

Silk Smitha was part of several successful dance numbers in the 1980s Indian films.

Silk Smitha entered the industry as a supporting actress, and was first noticed for her role as "Silk" in the 1979 Tamil film, Vandichakkaram.

Silk Smitha was born in Kovvali village in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh on 2 December 1960 to a Telugu couple, Vadlapati Ramallu and Sarasamma.

Silk Smitha was a school dropout due to her family situation.

Silk Smitha's family married her off at a very young age.

Silk Smitha started as a touch-up artist for the actress Aparna and soon got a break in small character roles.

Silk Smitha was given her first movie role as a heroine by Malayalam director Antony Eastman in his film Inaye Thedi, though the movie was released very much later.

Silk Smitha went on to star in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and a few Hindi films.

Silk Smitha's acting prowess did not go completely unnoticed, and in her rare non-sexual roles she impressed critics and audiences in Alaigal Oivathillai.

Silk Smitha's most respected film is Moondram Pirai, by Balu Mahendra, remade in Hindi as Sadma, with much of the top-drawer cast, including Sridevi, Kamal Hassan, and Silk Smitha reprising their roles.

Silk Smitha was often known for her short temper, determination and straightforwardness, which some mistook for arrogance.

Silk Smitha was punctual, responsible, and ambitious.

Silk Smitha was described as having a "soft" and "child like" personality by her friends and fans.

Silk Smitha was skilled with costume design, makeup and made it her profession before entering the industry.

Later that morning, Silk Smitha was found dead by hanging in her hotel room.