Rani Mukerji mourns Sridevi's demise: I have lost a guiding light in my life

Actor Rani Mukerji today remembered Bollywood diva Sridevi as a "guiding light" in her life, saying her untimely death is the most painful thing she has dealt with after her father's demise.

The actor said she felt close to Sridevi, known has India's first female superstar, considered her an "inspiration personally and professionally." "For me it's the most painful thing I have dealt with after my dad's passing away. And her face is coming in front of me again and again. The love she had for me was so tremendous and intense that I feel somewhere I have lost a guiding light in my life. "She has been my inspiration personally and professionally. She was very close to me. She was like my 'maasi'. She was someone I looked up to. I just feel there is one more person I have lost in my life I loved and who loved me back," Rani told PTI. 

The 54-year-old actor passed away in her hotel room in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers late on Saturday. Her funeral will take place tomorrow late afternoon here, the family said in a statement. In a detailed announcement, the family said her body will be kept at Celebration Sports Club in Lokhandwala for people to pay their last respects before it is taken for cremation.

"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," the statement read. It said that well-wishers can pay their condolences from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Celebration Sports Club, Garden No 5, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. The family said media can also pay their respects "provided camera, recording devices, etc are left outside the venue". 

"The last journey will commence at 2 pm from Celebration Sports Club to Vile Parle Seva Samaj Crematorium and Hindu Cemetery." The cremation will take place at around 3.30 p.m.