While often celebrated for her versatility, Sridevi was a skilled dancer with training in Bharatanatyam from a young age. Though she did not pursue a professional stage career in pure classical dance, her training provided the technical base for her iconic "cinematic classical" style. Her ability to master rhythm, posture, and facial expressions was rooted in the grammar of Bharatanatyam.

She was initiated into dance by her mother and later honed her skills for cinema. While she did not publicize a specific classical guru in the traditional sense, she worked closely with choreographers who revered her natural grasp of rhythm and mudras. She believed that innovation was only possible if one had a firm grasp of tradition.

Sridevi started acting at age four, meaning her dance training happened alongside her film career. Her practice was practical and intense, allowing her to master complex routines in Himmatwala or the classical frenzy of Bhool Bhulaiyaa's climax effortlessly. Interestingly, Sridevi became a Vegetarian later in life as a vow to help her husband, Boney Kapoor, quit smoking. Despite initial concerns regarding her strength, she remained steadfast in her sacrifice until he finally gave up the habit, showcasing her immense willpower.

The "First Female Superstar" of Indian cinema, she ruled Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi industries with films like Moondram Pirai, Mr. India, and English Vinglish. She was married to producer Boney Kapoor and had two daughters, Janhvi and Khushi. Her passing in 2018 left a void in the industry, but her legacy lives on through her daughters and her vast body of work that continues to inspire dancers.