Sridevi began her acting career as a child star in the 1960s, gradually transitioning to leading roles in the 1970s. During this period, her on-screen relationships were often portrayed as innocent and romantic, reflecting the social norms of the time. Films like Thunaivan (1969) and Raja (1972) showcased her as a naive and lovestruck heroine, with her male co-stars playing the roles of idealistic heroes. These storylines reinforced the notion of romantic love as a pure and selfless emotion.