Bollywood celebs offer condolences to Sridevi’s family

Mumbai : Bollywood personalities like Karan Johar, Tabu, Saroj Khan and Madhuri Dixit-Nene gathered at actor-producer Anil Kapoor’s residence here on Monday to offer condolences to the family of actress Sridevi, who breathed her last on Saturday.

Amidst tight security, paparazzi and fans, veteran actress Sarika was among the ones to arrive early with her daughters Shruti and Akshara Haasan. Their father and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is expected to meet the Kapoors soon.

Right after the news of her sudden demise got viral on Sunday, Kamal, her co-star from “Sadma”, tweeted: “Have witnessed Sridevi’s life from an adolescent teenager to the magnificent lady she became. Her stardom was well deserved. Many happy moments with her flash through my mind including the last time I met her. Sadma’s lullaby haunts me now. We’ll miss her.”

While Sarika and her daughters, actress Jaya Prada and director-writer Shashank Khaitan chose white outfits, some donned black to express grief.

Karan turned up in a grey sweatshirt and black ripped jeans with white sneakers. Choreographer Saroj Khan who had worked with Sridevi in films like “Judaai”, “Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja” and “Lamhe”, walked in in a black and white suit.

Madhuri also arrived at the venue in a black, white and blue outfit surrounded by guards who made way for her.

Ace designer Manish Malhotra was also one of the celebrities who seemed to be greatly affected by Sridevi’s death.

“Sridevi and I first met in 1990 when she was already a superstar and I was beginning my career. Working with an icon I always called ‘Ma’am’ was a turning point in my career, as it was the beginning of many associations and a longstanding friendship beyond work,” Manish said in a statement.

Manish dressed the actress a number of times in his creations.

He added: “We have seen each other grow professionally and personally — it was amazing to see the roles she blossomed into, her passion for painting, and the doting wife and mother she was. I met Sridevi very recently in Dubai and we just had so much to share.”

Actress Ameesha Patel, choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, actor Venkatesh Daggubati wore black tops and blue jeans. Actress Tabu had her hair tied in a bun and sported a black and beige suit.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar also showed up in black fitted T-shirt, shades, head band and bottoms.

Veteran actor M. Nassar was also seen entering Anil’s residence to pay tribute to the late actress, where even politician Amar Singh was spotted.

A Dubai Police forensic report stated that the 54-year-old had passed away due to accidental drowning in the bathtub in her hotel room in Dubai.

According to reports, her body will be flown to Mumbai later on Monday.

IANS