LAHORE/DUBAI: The death of legendary Bollywood actress Sridevi has grieved her Pakistani and Indian fans. She brought Pakistani and Indian film fans closer. Pakistani, Indian stars and sports persons expressed their condolences on passing away of the spell-binding actress who was not known to have a history of heart disease.
Sridevi Kapoor’s death not only has shocked the world but stipulated the investigators to probe the cause of death from every angle.
“As soon as the news of tragic death of Sridevi reached Pakistan, it spread like wildfire, shocking the fans and celebrities of Pakistan. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feed was overwhelmed with messages of condolences and tribute paid to Bollywood diva who died of cardiac arrest in Dubai. The tremendous reaction from Pakistan even shocked some Indian who thanked Pakistani fans. "Look at the sheer number, and heartfelt nature of condolences pouring in from Pakistan on Sridevi’s demise" highlighted an Indian socio-political activist, Sudheendra Kulkarni, adding that "Great artistes unite humanity," writes Gulf News.
A Pakistan media anchor, Anila Shigri responded, "Love has no boundaries. We are in absolute shock and disbelief. Gone too soon."
Eminent Pakistani sportsstars, artists, singers and others expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad and tragic death of Sridevi.
Waqar Younis: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Sridevi's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
Shoaib Akhtar: "Saddened by her sudden demise!"
Eminent Pakistani stars like Mahira Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ahmed Ali Butt and Saba Qamar Zaman etc have also posted condolence messages on Twitter and Instagram.
The "Khaleej Times" writes: "Paying her respects, Mahira thanked the actress for her 'movies and magic.’ Rahat Fateh Ali sent his condolences to her husband and the Kapoor family: Paying tribute to 'Chandni', Ahmed Ali Butt posted a collage of her film posters on Instagram: My condolences to Boney Kapoorji and the Kapoor family. Deeply saddened to lose an icon like Sridevi. Saba Qamar , who earned critical acclaim and commercial success with her Bollywood debut movie, 'Hindi Medium', posted a picture of her meeting with the legend in Dubai. Young star, Sajal Aly - who had co-starred with Sridevi in her Bollywood debut film, 'Mom' – also shared an emotional picture of her with the actress, saying that she had lost a mother again (Aly's mother passed away in 2017). Pakistani TV superstar, Adnan Siddiqui, took to Instagram to condole over the actress' death, reminiscing about shooting 'Mom' with her and meeting her for the last time at the wedding in UAE."
The daily English language newspaper published from Dubai added: ‘Expressing heartfelt condolences to the family members of the actress, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Sridevi was a versatile actress who proved her mettle in showbiz through stellar performances in films. Several Pakistani TV channels dedicated the broadcast to beloved Bollywood actress Sridevi, claiming that "Sridevi was the heart beats of millions of Pakistani fans."
Condolences on Sridevi's sudden demise flowed on Twitter, where she herself had 1.4 million followers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also among the many who expressed shock at Sridevi's death, with a tweet extending his condolences to her family.
Premier Narendra Modi tweeted: "Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. 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."
President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, wrote on his Twitter account: "Shocked to hear of passing of movie star, Sridevi. She has left millions of fans heartbroken. Her performances in films such as Moondram Pirai, Lamhe and English Vinglish remain an inspiration for other actors. My condolences to her family and close associates."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Shocked to hear about the sudden and untimely death of one of India’s favourite actress, Sridevi. She was an incredibly talented and versatile actress whose vast body of work spanned a range of genres and languages. My condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace."
Actress Kareena Kapoor tweeted: "Heartbreaking. Rest in peace."
Actor Anupam Kher viewed: "This is how I will always want to remember Sridevi" Happening, Vibrant, Brilliant, Beautiful, Bestest and Unique."
Singer Adnan Sami tweeted: "I am at a loss for words & jolted as if struck by lightning at this late hour of the night to learn about the shocking & tragic news & untimely demise of Sridevi jee. Heartbroken. She was India's sweetheart, an incredible artiste & a beautiful human being. Gone too soon."
Legendary Madhri Dixit opined: "Just woke up to the terrible news of Sridevi passing. My heart goes out to her family. The world has lost a very talented person who left behind a huge legacy in film."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also paid tributes to the actress, whom he met last December.
He said on Twitter:"Really enjoyed meeting Bollywood icon Sri Devi on my recent trip to India. So sad to hear the news of the death of such a terrifically talented actress, performer and producer."
However, Indian television channel "NDTV" said Sridevi's "Chandni" co-star Rishi Kapoor has objected to the late star's remains being referred to as the 'body.'
The "NDTV" reported: "The media coverage of actress Sridevi's death has provoked a furious tweet from her Chandni co-star Rishi Kapoor who has objected to the late star's remains being referred to as the 'body.' Sridevi, just 54, died suddenly in Dubai where she was attending a family wedding with husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi. "All television channels reporting 'the body will be brought to Mumbai in the night.' Suddenly your individuality gets lost and becomes a mere body?" tweeted Rishi Kapoor angrily. How has Sridevi all of a sudden become the "body?" All television channels reporting "the body will be brought to Mumbai in the night!" Suddenly your individuality gets lost and becomes a mere body?"
This is how leading Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra expressed her thoughts: "I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved Sridevi . A dark day."
Another superstar of Indian cinema, Priety Zinta, chipped in by saying: "Heartbroken & shocked to hear that my all time favourite Sridevi is no more. May god give peace to her soul & strength to the family. "
Actor Hrithik Roshan is saddened too: "I loved her, admired her so much. My first ever acting shot was with Sridevi, I was nervous in front of her and I remember her shaking her hands pretending to be nervous because of me just to boost my confidence. We had to laugh, and she kept laughing until I got it right. Will miss you ma'm."
Moreover, from Pakistan to India, sportspersons have also mourned Sridevi's death with condolence messages.
Shikhar Dhawan: "Very saddened by the news of Srideviji passing away. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family."
Yuvraj Singh: "Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing away of our Bollywood queen Sridevi. May her soul rest in peace, my deepest condolences to the family."
Sania Mirza: "So shocking and heartbreaking you will be missed dearly Sridevi Ma'am... life is so unpredictable and scary sometimes."
Virender Sehwag: "Shocked to hear about the demise of Srideviji. Heartfelt Condolences to the family. Om Shanti!
The first female superstar of Bollywood Sridevi Kapoor’s death not only has shocked the world but stipulated the investigators to probe the cause of death from every angle.
The source confirmed The News that Dubai police took different tests of blood samples of the star who, according to their close relatives, has never had cardiac problem in the past.
According to the hospital sources, the police forensic laboratory conducted the “blood level test” to scrutinise alcohol levels and any other toxic substance in the blood. Doctors believe that the reports of the blood test will come by Monday.
Along with blood sample tests, Dubai police conducted the postmortem and forensic investigation. Sridevi reportedly died of a heart attack after collapsing in the bathroom late on Saturday night at Jumeirah Emirates Towers where she was staying.
Initial investigation claims that Sridevi died after a suspected cardiac arrest.
Sources informed The News that the actress died before reaching the emergency ward of Rashid Hospital. Therefore, the hospital has to issue “Received Dead” report to Dubai police, according to doctors in the Rashid Hospital.
Dubai police has been investigating the cause of death due to sudden death of a healthy superstar and the report “Received Death” also is the reason for thorough investigation.
But, according to law expert, it is normal practice in Dubai to investigate the death of a person if the hospital reports “Received Dead.”
Sources also claimed that the room of the legend in the hotel was declared the “crucial spot” for the investigation so that the forensic experts could visit the room and investigate from every corner.
It is expected that the final investigation reports would be ready on Monday. Only then Sridevi’s body will be repatriated after legal paperwork.
Indian officials in Dubai have said that Sridevi’s body will be sent to Mumbai from Dubai’s Al-Maktoum Airport on Monday.
The actress and her family were in town to attend her nephew and actor Mohit Marwah’s wedding which took place in Ras Al Khaimah.
Her body is currently at the mortuary of Dubai Police Headquarters in Al Ghusais.
At 6.20 pm Sunday evening, a widely-subscribed Indian newspaper "The New Indian Express," which had a daily circulation of more than three hundred thousand a few years ago, had also shocked many with its report titled "Mysterious conditions shroud Sridevi's death as Dubai authorities ask for postmortem."
The newspaper said: "Doubts have been raised concerning the sudden death of Indian powerhouse actress Sridevi. The actress, 54, star of films like 'Mr. India', '16 Vayadhinile', 'Moondram Pirai' and 'Kshana Kshanam' reportedly died of cardiac arrest in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. Many, including Sridevi's brother in law, Sanjay Kapoor, have shared that the actor was not known to have a history of heart disease."
It added: "Moreover, Sridevi was known to be a fitness freak and has always been appreciated for maintaining a slim figure. Some netizens like Soumyadipta on Twitter have pointed out that Dubai authorities have asked for a postmortem to be conducted on her body due to circumstances surrounding her death.
"It is being reported that she hadn't ventured out of her room for 48 hours which is unusual for her. It is being investigated in if the hotel staff did enquire about her health. It was very unusual for her to not come out of her room for two days in her row. No doctor visited her."
Sridevi, along with her second husband Boney Kapoor and daughter Khushi, was in Ras al-Khaimah to attend the wedding function of her nephew, Mohit Marwah. Her elder daughter -- Janhvi -- had not travelled with the family because of the shooting schedule for her upcoming Bollywood film 'Dhadak', her first in the industry.
The function took place at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Hotel. The family had checked out on Thursday, February 22. Since then, Sridevi and family had moved to the Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai, where the actress breathed her last.
Ranked amongst the highest-paid actors in the 1980s and 1990s and considered to be the most popular actress of the era, Sridevi was also voted 'India's Greatest Actress in 100 Years' in a "CNN-IBN" national poll conducted in 2013 on the occasion of the centenary of Indian cinema.
Sridevi, starting her career at age four, had featured over five decades in almost 300 films, in classics like Mr. India, Chandni, ChaalBaaz and Sadma etc.
During her illustrious career, she had also received the 'Ultimate Diva' award at the Ciroc Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards in 2015.
A key British newspaper "The Guardian" writes: "Sridevi Kapoor was a Bollywood legend, and one of the rare female stars with enough celebrity mega wattage to match the lions of the Indian film industry, and enough above-the-title prestige to carry a film on her own."
The "CNN" had reported: "Bollywood is paying tribute to Sridevi, one of the Indian film industry's most popular actresses, who died suddenly Saturday at 54. Citing family sources, the Press Trust of India reported Sridevi died after suffering cardiac arrest in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, where she was attending a family wedding. Bollywood greats and Indian political elites authored a flood of tributes on social media to the actress whose work spanned five decades and included some of the country's most beloved films."
She was married twice to Gourang Chakraborty (better known by his stage name Mithun Chakraborty) and Boney Kapoor (brother of actors Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor).
Sridevi was thus the aunt of Anil Kapoor’s daughter and one of the highest-paid Indian actresses, Sonam Kapoor, who is the recipient of several awards, including a Filmfare and a National Film Award, besides having appeared in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 based on her income and popularity.
She tied a knot with Mithun Chakraborty in 1985, but sought a divorce in 1988.
