Senior citizens recall their youth

It was not just the youth who thronged to catch the glimpse of mortal remains of superstar Sridevi. Senior citizens equally made it a point to turn up despite all the challenges and hassles of old age.

Renuka Pandya, a 74-year-old resident from Vile Parle walked up to the skywalk to get a better glimpse. “I am her fan. I really liked her work in Mr. India and the Hawa Hawai song. When she passed away, I spoke with my daughter in Nairobi about her work. I have been watching the news about her on TV but since the body came here, I wanted to be physically present to see her mortal remains for the last time,” said Pandya, who is also an advocate. Pandya reached the spot at around 1.30 pm — nearly two hours earlier to ensure that she is at a place from where she can get a better view.

She added, “I do not think any word can do justice to her skills. Words like versatile, great actor fall short because the kind of work she has done is too wide. She was a gifted actor.” Daksha Vanza, 65, had come from Chakala. The two managed to find a corner for themselves. Vanza said, “I had gone to the airport too on Sunday when I heard that the body was to go from cargo. That day it did not come. I went again the other day but I could not catch a glimpse of her. Today I have come to take my chances again. I really like her work because she was a very good actor.”

Both tried taking shots from their camera phones but were shooed away by policemen due to surging crowd. “We will see if we can take the picture from a better place,” said the women.