The tragic demise of “Silk Smitha” remains mired in controversy
It has been more than 24 years since Silk Smitha left this world, allegedly by suicide. No one has ever known the real reason behind her mysterious death.
Who was Silk Smitha?
Silk Smitha was a famous South Indian movie star who ruled the box office as one of the most famous adult stars of the eighties. Even though Smitha appeared in some character roles, she became popular through her glamorous appearances in softcore films.
Born as 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 (now Chennai), the hub of the South Indian film industry then, she soon found a Godfather who renamed her Smitha.
She becomes Silk from Vijaylakshmi
After garnering much attention and acclaim for 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.
Silk Smitha’s Career
Known as the Marilyn Monroe of Indian cinema, Silk Smitha went on to star in over 200 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Her dance numbers and her bold performances in films like Moondru Mugam have made her the ultimate symbol of sensuality in Tamil, Kannada. Malayalam, and Telugu cinema. Her 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.
The vast majority of her movies are softcore, and a common theme is her playing a freakishly strong agent in skimpy bikinis beating up huge thugs. Even in the rare non-sexual roles, she impressed critics and audiences, such as her role of a wife hurt by her husband’s infidelity in Alaigal Oivathillai (1981). One of her films, Layanam, has earned a cult status in the Indian adult film industry and was remade as Reshma ki Jawani. Her most respected film is Moondram Pirai, remade as Sadma.
Silk Smitha’s Death
On September 23, 1996, Silk Smitha was found dead in her Chennai apartment. Financial problems, disillusionment in love, and an alcohol addiction apparently led to depression. It is suspected that Smitha committed suicide. However, there has been immense speculation and controversy surrounding Silk Smitha’s death cause.
Silk Smitha Death Mystery
According to her post-mortem report, Silk Smitha died of alcoholism and alcohol intoxication. Though the reason behind her suicide remains unknown, it is believed that she was plagued by multiple problems, including a financial crunch, disillusionment in love, and severe depression. Some reports even hint toward a possible murder angle.
Incidentally, on the night before her death, Silk had called her friend, Anuradha, and asked if she could come to her house and meet her as she wanted to say something important. But Anuradha could not go that night and told Silk that she would meet her the next day. However, the next day, Anuradha woke to the tragic news of Silk’s demise.
Just hours before her death, Silk had also called her friend, actor Ravichandran, but she could not speak to him as he was busy shooting. Ravichandran revealed the startling fact in one of his interviews. He said –
“I was busy shooting that day (September 23, 1996) and was surprised to see Smitha trying frantically to reach me a few times. I tried to speak to her, but the call never got through due to poor connectivity. I thought it was a routine call. However, the next day, to my horror, I realized that Smitha had killed herself. I shudder to think of what could have been the reason for her call. This haunts even me now.”
A suicide note was recovered from Silk Smitha’s home, but it could not be deciphered as to who was to be blamed for driving her to suicide.
Silk Smitha’s tragic suicide note goes viral
Just before her death, Silk Smitha had written a letter in which she shared the pain and heartbreak that she was going through in her life. The tragic note has gone viral on the Internet. Here is a rough translation of the letter :
“Only I know how hard I worked to become an actress. No one loved me. Only Babu (Dr. Radhakrishnan) treated me with some love. Everyone exploited my work. I have so many desires in life which I want to fulfill. But I get no peace wherever I go. Everyone’s actions are disturbing to me, and that’s why death beckons me. I have always done good for everyone and yet my life is like this? God, what is the justification for this? I have to give half of my property to Babu. I loved Babu so much and sincerely too, and I believed that he would never cheat on me, but he did just that.
If there is a God, he (Babu) will surely be punished. I could not bear the abuse he did to me. It hurt me every day. They think that what they are doing is fair. Babu is also in the group. He did not return the jewelry he took from me. It doesn’t matter if I live anymore. Why did God create me? Ramu and Radhakrishnan tempted me a lot. I have done so many good things for them, but they are pushing me to my death.
Lots of people used my body. Many have taken advantage of my work. I do not want to thank anyone except Babu. For the past five years, someone has been saying that he would give me life. Do you know how much I longed for that life? But when I realized that it was all just words, I am exhausted and cannot stand it anymore. I found it very difficult to write this letter. I’m not even buying the jewelry I love. Who’s going to get it now? I do not know ….”
Conspiracy theories refuse to believe suicide was Silk Smitha’s cause of death; they believe she was murdered to silence her from divulging some big stars who had been physically using her.
The tragic death of Silk Smitha brought back the haunting memories of Sushant Singh Rajput , whose death was declared a suicide but conspiracy theorists refused to believe the suicide angle.
