After almost three days of investigation and procedural delay in Dubai, Indian superstar Sridevi’s mortal remains reached Mumbai on Tuesday, 27 February.
The actor, who ruled Indian cinema for around five decades, passed away from "accidental drowning" on 24 February, in Dubai. Although initial reports suggested that the cause of her death was a cardiac arrest, forensic reports later stated that Sridevi drowned in her hotel room’s bathtub following a loss of consciousness.
Sridevi’s body arrived in Mumbai on a private chartered jet owned by industrialist Anil Ambani, around 10:30 pm, and was accompanied by her husband Boney Kapoor, brother-in-law Sanjay Kapoor, and her stepson Arjun Kapoor. Anil Ambani, his wife Tina Ambani, and Sonam Kapoor were among those at the airport when the plane landed.
Amidst heavy security, and scores of fans waiting to catch a final glimpse of the actor, her mortal remains were brought to her residence in Lokhandwala in an ambulance.
Sridevi’s body was released by the authorities in Dubai after two days of investigation, and the conclusion of the embalming process.
Sridevi’s funeral and last rites will reportedly be held at Vile Parle’s Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery in Mumbai on Wednesday, 28 February at 3.30 pm.
Earlier on Tuesday 27 February, the Dubai Public Prosecutor's Office put an end to speculation about the cause of her death, saying she accidentally drowned in the bathtub after losing consciousness, and that the case was “now closed". It did not say what caused the 54-year-old superstar to lose consciousness.
Sridevi, known as Indian cinema's first woman superstar, leaves behind her husband and two daughters Jahnvi and Khushi.
"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.
(Hey there, lady! What makes you laugh? Do you laugh at sexism, patriarchy, and misogyny? Do 'sanskaari' stereotypes crack you up? This Women's Day, join The Quint's Ab Laugh Naari campaign. Pick up that beer, say cheers, and send us photographs or videos of you laughing out loud at buriladki@thequint.com.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)