MUMBAI, INDIA (CelebrityAccess) Actress Sridevi Kapoor’s funeral will take place tomorrow (Feb. 28) late afternoon in Mumbai, the family said in a statement.
The 54-year-old Bollywood icon, Indian cinema’s first woman superstar, died of accidental drowning in a bathtub late Saturday (24) in Dubai following a loss of consciousness.
Her death sent shock waves around the world.
A shocked Indian nation, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to social media to offer their condolences. “Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi,” the prime minister tweeted. “She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace.”
The Dubai Media Office said on Tuesday (Feb. 27) that the investigation into her death was complete, upon which her body will now be handed over to her family. It added that the inquest into her death has been closed.
Sridevi’s body is being flown to Mumbai from Dubai this evening. Family members, including her filmmaker husband Boney Kapoor and stepson Arjun Kapoor, are flying to Mumbai for her final journey home on a private plane.
“On behalf of Khushi, Janhvi, Boney Kapoor, the entire Kapoor and Ayyappan families, a sincere thanks to the media for your continued sensitivity and support during this emotional moment,” a statement by the family said.
Sridevi was in Dubai to attend a family wedding.
At first, it was reported that she had died of cardiac arrest but, it later emerged that she had drowned in the bathtub in her room at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel. On Monday (26), her death certificate was released, which stated the actor died due to “accidental drowning.”
“Dubai Public Prosecution has approved the release of the body of the Indian actress Sridevi to her family following the completion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of her death,” it said.
“Dubai Public Prosecution stressed that all regular procedures followed in such cases have been completed. As per the forensic report, the death of the Indian actress occurred due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. The case has now been closed.”
Although the pages of the death certificate accessed by media do not mention it, Gulf News has reported that traces of alcohol were found in Sridevi’s blood samples.
In its statement, the family said her body will be kept at the Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala near her home for people to pay their last respects before it is taken for cremation at the Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery.
The family said media can also pay their respects “provided camera, recording devices, etc are left outside the venue.”
In Mumbai, industry insiders and friends visited the family in the home of actor Anil Kapoor, Boney Kapoor’s younger brother.
“For me it’s the most painful thing I have dealt with after my dad’s passing away. And her face is coming in front of me again and again,” actor Rani Mukherji told PTI.
Sridevi’s nephew Mohit Marwah paid his respects on Instagram. “You were more than a legend. Your vacuum will always be felt,” he wrote alongside her picture.
While celebrities went to condole her death at Anil Kapoor’s residence, crowds have gathered outside Sridevi’s home in Lokhandwala.
The family issued a statement thanking “the film fraternity, media, fans of late Sridevi Kapoor and all the well-wishers for their prayers, support and sensitivity during our moment of immense rief.”
“We request you to kindly join us in paying our last respect to a remarkable actor, beloved wife and loving mother,” it added.
