The last rites of Zohra Sehgal, the 102-year-old actor who passed away following a cardiac arrest on Thursday, were performed at the Lodhi Road crematorium here.
Even though the mood of those who turned up to pay their last respects was sombre, they were not mourning, in a suitable homage to Ms. Sehgal’s persona. They talked about her warm and cheerful personality.
The moment her pyre was lit, somebody from the crowd shouted: “Zohra aapa, laal salaam, Amar rahe Zohra aapa.” Immediately many joined in, raising the cry.
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Among those who turned up were actor-politician Shabana Azmi, writer Javed Akhtar, theatre personality M.K. Raina and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
Mr. Akhtar said the history of 21st Century theatre could not be written without Ms. Sehgal in it. “She is an inspiration to every woman who has a dream and a desire to excel,” he said.
“She contributed immensely to every field she worked in – be it dance, theatre or cinema. She also had an extremely cheerful personality,” added Mr. Akhtar.
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Ms. Azmi said she got the opportunity to work with Ms. Sehgal for the first time in 2002. “I was lucky to have worked with her. I first worked with her in 2002 in a play. She was around 90 years old then. She was a thorough professional and she always used to crack jokes,” she recalled.
While remembering the “many inspiring memories” of Ms. Sehgal, Ms. Dikshit said: “It is not easy to describe Zohra Sehgal. She was a great artiste and a very cheerful human being.”
“Whenever I used to meet her, I used to come back happy. She had a brilliant memory,” added the Kerala Governor.
Mr. Raina, who was very close to Zohra Sehgal, said with her passing away an era in theatre had come to an end. He specifically talked about her “mischievous smile and the twinkle in her eyes that would make any person fall in love with her”.
Mr. Raina also narrated one episode which displayed Ms. Sehgal’s child-like innocence and excitement. In 2012, when her 100th birthday celebration was going on while she was singing and chatting with people, she whispered in the ears of Mr. Raina and said: “I hope I am not overdoing it.” “I told her, aapa, it is your day. Enjoy it,” he said.