Jinnah’s daughter Dina Wadia dies at 98

She wished to spend her last years in the Jinnah House in Mumbai that belonged to her father.

(FILES) In this picture taken 18 September 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Father of the nation of Pakistan poses for photographers during an interview in Karachi.

Dina Wadia, daughter of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and mother of industrialist Nusli Wadia, died at her New York home on Thursday. She was 98. A statement issued by the Wadia family said that she died peacefully. It read, “She is survived by her daughter Diana, son Nusli, her grandsons, Ness and Jeh, Jeh’s wife Celina and two great grandchildren, Jah and Ella Wadia.”

Dina Wadia wished to spend her last years in the Jinnah House in Mumbai that belonged to her father. In 2010, she approached the Bombay High Court demanding that the house be handed over to her as she was the sole heir of Jinnah.

Sheela Reddy, author of Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah , said: “Her father indulged her. But they were estranged after she decided to marry Neville Wadia.”

Dina Wadia had a neglected childhood despite being born to a rich father and a celebrity mother. “She was brought up by servants,” said Ms. Reddy.

After estrangement with her father following her marriage with the Parsi industrialist, they got back on speaking terms, but did not become close again. “When Jinnah was unwell, Dina Wadia tried to visit Pakistan, but he refused her a visa. She could eventually go only after his funeral.”