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Sridevi funeral news updates: Dubai Police releases body for embalming, but probe into death will continue

FP Staff

Feb,26 2018 18:01 54 IST

Sridevi funeral news updates: Dubai Police releases body for embalming, but probe into death will continue

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sridevi's body may not come back tonight; repatriation experts say 3 more papers needed: CNN-News 18

    CNN-News 18 reported that three more papers are needed to finish the repatriation process and it is not normal for Dubai authorities to release any papers after 4.00-4.30 pm (6.00 pm IST). In this case they may make an exception because a celebrity is involved but the chances that the body may be repatriated today appear slim. 

  • Bikram Vohra, consulting editor

    Now that Dubai Police has released the body for embalming and repatriation, is the probe over? Is it all clear? 

    The answer is a NO. And here’s why:

    The Dubai police, backed by state of the art equipment and a forensic laboratory that is comparable to anything in the world, have a first rate investigative record and have resolved crimes often in hours of their occurring.

    At this moment there is no crime committed but the police will investigate the circumstances that led to Sridevi’s death by drowning. The first step is to send the forensic report to the public prosecutor's office which will assess the merit of the case and then decide on further action. And if they believe that there are persons of interest who can shed light on the issue — whether it concerns the alcohol content in her blood or the reason why the bath tub was reportedly full or even why a friend was called by husband Boney Kapoor rather than the hotel doctor and support staff — they will detain and question anyone they feel can shed light on how she drowned.

    There is no guilt or suspicion and it is only procedure and the answers may well clear the air. . 

    If there is even a shred of doubt or a grey area they will not allow people to leave the country. The police probe is mutually exclusive from the medical report and the body’s release has no bearing on the police taking further steps.

    Much of the mess created in what will now be a trying time for all has been by conjecture. Indian media’s feeding frenzy and the premature conclusion that she died of a cardiac arrest is what has led to the confusion. It would be better to just let the police in Dubai get on with their task and till then a freeze on guesswork would be appropriate.

    The author is a Firstpost coloumnist and former editor of Gulf News and Khaleej Times

  • Arjun Kapoor, Anshula Kapoor reach Anil Kapoor's residence to pay their condolence    

  • Dubai public prosecutor questioning immediate family members in Dubai: CNN-News 18

    The Dubai public prosecutor is currently questioning the immediate family members of Sridevi about the circumstances around the actor's death. Police have said that no foul play is suspected but a investigation is still on. The police is investigating who was with the actor around the time of the accident. 

  • 'Sridevi treated makeup artists, others as family'

    Subhash Shinde, who did Sridevi's make-up at actor Mohit Marwahs marriage in Dubai last week, says the late actress had "so much warmth and positivity" and always treated everyone, including make-up artistes, present on a film's set like a family.

    "I still cannot believe she is no more. I was there in Dubai with her for her make-up at Mohit Marwah's (her nephew) marriage. She was looking so pretty, happy and bright as ever. I came back two days ago, and on Saturday late night the news started coming in (about her death). I am still in shock," Shinde told IANS.

    "She was one of the icons with so much warmth and positivity. I started working with her after ‘English Vinglish' released (2012). She always treated, all of us, whether make-up artistes, dress people, everyone... like a family. We were one unit."

    Shinde said she would ask him if he ate on time and how his family was doing.

    IANS

  • Dubai Police transfers case to Dubai Public Prosecution

  • Authorities say Sridevi drowned following loss of consciousness   

  • Investigation underway to determine circumstances surrounding 'accidental drowning' 

    The exact circumstances that lead to the accidental drowning are not yet clear. CNN-News 18 reported that the forensic reports only said that accidental drowning caused the death but the reasons or causes which led to the accident are unclear. The news channel also said that a caridac arrest cannot be ruled out and may have led to the accident. 

  • Sridevi's body released by Dubai police for embalming

    Sridevi's body has been released for the 90-minute process of embalming. Her body will soon be moved to the Al Muhaisana embalming unit and will be repatriated to India at the earliest.

  • Sridevi died of accidental drowning, reveals autopsy report; traces of alcohol found in blood sample

    Quoting the forensic and autopsy reports of the actor, Gulf News reported that Sridevi died due to accidental drowning in the bath tub of her hotel room. However, the exact circumstances that lead to the "drowning" are not yet clear. 

    The Dubai-based news paper, however, said that the Sridevi was under the influence of alcohol because of which she may have lost her balance and she fell into the bathtub. Reports confirmed that her blood stream has shown traces of alcohol. 

  • Death Certificate states cause of death as accidental drowning

    Image Credit: Gulf News

  • Sridevi getting ready for dinner with husband when she suffered cardiac arrest

    As anxious crowds milled around her Mumbai home and stars visited the family to pay their condolences, a Dubai paper reported that Bollywood superstar Sridevi was getting ready for dinner with husband Boney Kapoor when she suffered a cardiac arrest. Boney and Sridevi, 54, were in Dubai to attend nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding.

    On Saturday, Boney, who produced Mr India, which gave Sridevi one of her most remembered roles, flew back to Dubai to surprise his wife with a dinner, the paper reported.
     
     
    He reached the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel around 5.30pm (Dubai time) and woke her up and they chatted for about 15 minutes, the report said.
     
     
    Sridevi then went to the bathroom to get ready. When she didn't come out for 15 minutes, Boney knocked on the door. He did not get any response and forced open the door, to find her lying motionless in the bathtub that was full of water.
     
     
    "He tried to revive her and when he could not, he called a friend of his. After that, he informed the police at 9 pm," Khaleej Times quoted a source as saying. The police and paramedics rushed to the site, but she was pronounced dead. 
     
    PTI

  • Akshara, Shruti Hassan reach at Anil Kapoor's residence to pay condolences

  • Indian officials reach Bur Dubai police station

    According to CNN-News 18, Indian Embassy officials and family members of Sridevi have reached the Bur Dubai police station with the forensic report on the causes of her death. The police sources also said that Dubai police will soon hand over the body to Indian authorities for further procedures. 

  • Forensic reports released to Sridevi's family: Gulf News

    According to a report in Gulf News, the forensic report of the veteran actor has been handed over to her family and an embassy official. The reports haven't been opened yet.

    "It has been sent to the Bur Dubai police station. Both the representatives have gone to the police station with it. Once it is opened by Dubai Police and the information revealed to them, then the next step for the process of repatriation will be decided," the news report claimed.

  • Dubai Police rule out foul play, say death certificate to be issued soon

    According to CNN-News 18, the Dubai Police has ruled out foul play in the veteran actor's death. Police sources told the news channel that it would take three more hours to complete all formalities on its end, which includes giving an NOC and a local police visa for the repatriation of the body. The death certificate, however, is expected shortly.

  • Madhuri Dixit, Sriram Nene reach at Anil Kapoor's residence

  • Indian consulate officials say paperwork to conclude by 3.30 pm: Khaleej Times

    The Dubai-based news agency reported that Indian consulate have said the paperwork and all formalities are expected to conclude by 3.30 pm IST after which the Indian side can begin the procedure of bringing Sridevi's mortal remains home. 

    The report further said that the embassy official and Saurabh Malhotra, a relative of the Kapoor family, who were called inside the morgue earlier have been asked to leave and come back by 3.30 pm. 

  • Indian consulate to cancel Sridevi's passport after receiving autopsy report

    As part of the normal procedure, if a foreign national dies outside a hospital in Dubai, a police case has to be registered and an investigation is launched. 

    As per procedure, the body is first kept in the morgue at Al Qusais. After forensic examination, the body is handed over to the police, who issue a clearance after recieving the autopsy report. A death certificate is given and after that the police clears a visa for the deceased peron and subsequently, the Indian consulate in Dubai cancels their passport, issues a death certificate as well as a no-objection certificate. 

  • Sridevi and family were in Dubai for a marriage

    Sridevi, Boney, and their younger daughter Khushi Kapoor were in Ras Al Khaimah last week to celebrate the wedding of her actor-nephew Mohit Marwah. Boney had returned to Mumbai after the wedding, but decided to return to Dubai to "surprise" his wife.

  • Latest updates from Dubai

    According to Khaleej Times, an official from the Indian Consulate, accompanied by a family member, has been called inside the morgue. The report also adds that Dubai Forensic Department officials have ruled out a second autopsy on Sridevi's body.  

  • Lost out on going to school, college, said Sridevi

    In an interview with The New Indian Express in 2013, Sridevi spoke of missing out on a carefree childhood when she began working as an actor. 

    "I lost out on going to school and college life but I got into the film industry and worked without a gap -- from child actor I went straight to heroine. There was no time to think and I was grateful for it," she said.

    "In order to get something you have to lose something. You can't have everything in life. So I am happy with what I got." 

  • RECAP: Song shoot of Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor's 102 Not Out cancelled as a mark of respect

    Director Umesh Shukla says the shooting for the song titled 'Baadduummbaaa' for his upcoming film 102 Not Out was called off on 25 February due to the sudden demise of cine icon Sridevi. 

    According to sources, the shooting for the song was scheduled to start on 25 February with actors Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The song has been composed by Big B.

    When IANS contacted him, Shukla said: "Yes as a mark of respect to the sudden and untimely demise of our legendary actress Sridevi, we decided to cancel our today's song shoot of 102 Not Out. May God give peace to her soul and strength to her family."

  • Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan reminisce about the actress, her prodigious talent

    "Sridevi Kapoor's astounding talent was not luck. It was well deserved and she worked for it from her childhood. I've known her from her teens. She was still a child when she came to work with me and Mr Balachander, my mentor, who sometimes gave me the responsibility of working with her, correcting her acting and shaping even her dance moves. When she came, she was not as talented as she later emerged out to be. But she learned every day. I was astounded by her climb. And every step of it, she worked for," said Haasan.

    Addressing the reporters in Chennai, Rajinikanth said, "Today morning only I got to know the news. I'm still not able to believe it's true. I'm yet to come terms with the sudden death of Sridevi ji. It's quite shocking. Boney Kapoor and I went for a dinner in Chennai only three months back. She's a very close friend and our friendship was 40 years long since she acted in my second film."

    Read full report here

  • After Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan to reach Mumbai shortly

    Kamal Haasan will be leaving for Mumbai by the 3:25 pm Jet Airways flight. He is going to meet Mr Boney Kapoor and family, his publicist reveals. 

  • Forensic report confirms Sridevi suffered heart attack

    The Times of India is reporting that forensic doctors in Dubai have concluded that Sridevi died of a heart attack. The report adds that there is nothing suspicious about the way the superstar passed away, official sources told the media outlet as saying. 

  • Senior journalist Zakka Jacob raises a pertinent point

  • Delay continues

    Khaleej Times is reporting that Sridevi's body is still in the morgue and the body may not be released soon. The report says that no exceptions have been made in the case due to Sridevi celebritiy status and the results will come out depending on the nature of the case. 

  • Fans gather outside forensics dept to catch final glimpses of Sridevi

  • Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar reach Anil Kapoor's residence

  • Reports of toxicology tests can lead to further delay in sending the body back

    The toxicology reports of tests done on blood and organs of Sridevi are expected to reveal the exact cause of her death. If the reports do not conclusively confirm a natural cause such as the reported heart attack, there will be further investigations which would mean even more delays for sending her body home, sources told Gulf News. 


     

  • Sridevi will be seen for the last time in Shah Rukh Khan's Zero 

    Sridevi will be seen on the big screen for the last time with Shah Rukh Khan in Zero. Sridevi has a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif starrer Zero. 

  • Farhan Akhtar, Saroj Khan at Anil Kapoor's residence

  • What Sridevi's Chandni co-star Rishi Kapoor writes about the actress in his memoir, Khullam Khulla

    ​

    Rishi in his book fondly recalls his first meeting with the versatile actress when he met her on the sets of Harmesh Malhotra’s Nagina. It was also an era when Sridevi was one from a lot of actors who were slightly reluctant to work with him because of he'd had a string of failures in Dosti Dushmani, Ek Chadar Maili Si and Sitamgar. Sridevi, on the other hand, had just delivered a super success with Karma. Rishi Kapoor candidly admits that he had hit a plateau at that time but she was gracious enough to work with him in Nagina.

    Read the full article here

  • Sridevi's mortal remains to reach Mumbai at 7 pm, says report

  • Jyotiraditya Scindia condoles Sridevi's death

  • Choreographers Saroj Khan, Remo D'souza reminisce about actress' dance prowess

    According to veteran choreographer, Saroj Khan, who had a long and special association with the actress, Sridevi didn’t take things easy and would come fully prepared for her shoot armed with different costumes, wigs and hair dos, and creative ideas — all well in advance. “She was very particular about what would finally be shown on screen and how she will be presented in every song. She would come on shoots with many suitcases. Even for her roles, she dressed appropriately and she always wanted to look the part,” said Khan, who worked with Sridevi on Khuda Gawah, Karma, Lamhe, Nagina and many more.

    Well-known choreographer-director, Remo D’souza regrets not getting a single chance to choreograph for Sridevi. Remo, who particularly likes her dance act in Chaalbaaz, says his first encounter with her was during an awards ceremony in Macau three years back. “She had to perform all her popular numbers and I was completely awe-struck by her when she was rehearsing.  She was a totally different person on camera. Towards the end Prabhu Dheva joined her on stage and it was such a delight watching her. She was one of the few actors to take dance to another level because she was proficient at both, western and classical forms. Apart from grace, she would give great expressions which very few can do,” said Remo, further adding, “Now I feel bad for not getting the opportunity to choreograph her. Ahmed was lucky. This regret will always remain with me."

    Read full report here

  • Sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik's tribute to Sridevi

  • Boney's son Arjun Kapoor spotted outside Anil Kapoor's residence

    Image courtesy: Sachin Gokhale

  • Sridevi's funeral to have 'everything in white' 

    ABP News is quoting sources as claiming that Sridevi's last journey will be on a truck filled with white flowers.  The report adds that Sridevi always wanted everything to be in white when she dies and that her family is trying its best to fulfill the last wish.

  • Director Shekhar Kapur praises Sridevi's comic timing, tweets swquence from Mr India

  • Karan Johar tweets about 'unpredictability' of life

  • Forensics department yet to submit blood test report, says UAE media

    The forensics department are yet to submit blood test results to Dubai police for release of actor Sridevi's body, reports Khaleej Times. The reports adds that it is expected in the next couple of hours.

  • Manjul's tribute to India's first female superstar

  • Senior media expert hits out at rumour mongers

  • It’s been 24 hours since Sridevi left us heartbroken,taking away the sunshine from our lives, tweets Khushbu

  • Cartoonist Satish Acharya's tribute to Sridevi

  • Delay in release of body not unusual; all procedures laid down by UAE govt being followed

    Although the public has so far had very limited access to information about her death and the process of repatriation, reports suggest that all developments with regard to the release of the body are well in sync with general rules and regulations.

    To report a death outside a hospital, the UAE police needs to be called immediately, as per the official portal of the UAE government. Forensic reports have to be obtained from the police to investigate the cause of death. The authorities then fill out a death report and move the body to a government morgue.

    After the procurement of a death certificate, the document has to be submitted to UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The ministry registers the death and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation attests the death certificate, according to the official govt portal. In Sridevi's case, the forensic procedures were not rushed since she is a high profile personality, reports News18.

  • Farah Khan and Tabu reach Anil Kapoor's residence

  • Fans in Kanpur light candles to pay tribute

Latest updates: The death certificate of Sridevi stated the cause of death as accidental drowning. Khaleej Times reported that the actor may have died after she fainted in the bath tub. However the circumstances that lead to the drowning are not yet clear. Traces of alcohol have been found in her blood. Further details on this are awaited.

A Khaleej Times report says that Sridevi's body is likely to reach Mumbai at 7 pm on Monday. The development comes amid reports that the forensic department has not yet submitted the blood test reports of Sridevi.

Earlier in the day, speaking to India Today, Indian officials have confirmed that the body may not be released until late evening as the police is yet to receive the final forensic report. Earlier reports claimed that after receiving the Police Clearance and forensic report, the other procedures including, immigration and embalming would be completed in the next 3 to 4 hours. The officials were hopeful that Sridevi's body will be ready for repatriation with all the completed procedures by 1 to 2pm, Dubai time, which is 3.30 pm Indian Standard Time.

Several southern veteran actors are expected to attend the funeral of Sridevi in Mumbai today. According to latest reports, Rajinikanth has arrived in the city.

India Today reported that Dubai officials will be receiving the final autopsy report at around 10.30 am on Monday.  After the final report, the body will be handed over to the family. According to reports, her cremation will take place at Juhu's Pawan Hans crematorium at noon. A formal death certificate is awaited from the Dubai authorities.

The sudden demise of veteran actor Sridevi has sent shockwaves throughout the Indian film industry with many Bollywood celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan mourning and expressing their condolences.

The actor, who was 54, died late at Saturday night reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding.

The news of Sridevi's death spread like wildfire with stars such as her contemporary Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen and Riteish Deshmukh taking to social media to express their grief.

The first one, however, was Amitabh Bachchan who in a cryptic tweet wrote, "Don't know why, feeling a strange restlessness."

The megastar had worked with Sridevi in Khuda Gawah" (1992).

File image of Sridevi. Twitter

File image of Sridevi. Twitter

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth tweeted that he had lost a dear friend.

"I'm shocked and very disturbed. I've lost a dear friend and the industry has lost a true legend. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I feel the pain with them #RIPSridevi... you will be missed," he wrote.

They together starred in ChaalBaaz and Farishtay among many others.

Kamal Haasan, who worked with Sridevi in Sadma, the Hindi remake of their 1982 Tamil film Moondram Pirai, wrote on Twitter that the lullaby 'Suramayi ankhiyon mein' from the movie haunts him today.

"Have witnessed Sridevi's life from an adolescent teenager to the magnificent lady she became. Her stardom was well deserved. Many happy moments with her flash through my mind including the last time I met her. Sadma's lullaby haunts me now. We'll miss her," Haasan wrote.

Her Chandni and Nagina co-star Rishi Kapoor said he is in complete shock to wake up to the news of Sridevi's death.

"Woken up to this tragic news. Absolute shock. Sad. Heartfelt condolences to Boney and their two daughters!" he wrote. The actor has also changed his profile picture to an all-black image in mourning.

Aamir said the actor will always be remembered with love and respect.

"I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the untimely and tragic passing away of Srideviji. I have always been a huge fan of her work. Equally I have always been an admirer of her grace and dignity with which she conducted herself.

"My heartfelt condolences to everyone in the family. I join all the millions of her fans in mourning her demise..." Aamir wrote in a statement on Twitter.

Madhuri Dixit, one of Sridevi's contemporaries, also took to Twitter to mourn the demise of the actor.

"Just woke up to the terrible news of Sridevi passing. My heart goes out to her family. The world has lost a very talented person who left behind a huge legacy in film. #RIPSridevi."

"I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day. RIP," tweeted Priyanka, alongside a still of Sridevi from her superhit film Mr India.

Riteish tweeted, Terrible terrible news . Am shocked beyond words. SRIDEVI ji No More RIP, , while Sushmita wrote that she has been inconsolable since the news broke. I just heard Ma'am Sridevi passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest. I am in shock cant stop crying "

Director Shekhar Kapur, who worked with Sridevi in the iconic "Mr India" called the actor's death the end of an era.

"Sridevi... gone. It's like an era is over. Like life turning a new chapter. A beautiful story just ended. An amazing spirit just vanished leaving us with amazing love, memories, and incredible grief," he wrote.

Director Subhash Ghai called the actor "the uncrowned queen of acting in all languages in her times".

"I am deeply grieved for this shocking loss. Sridevi has not been one of the finest actor but the finest actor of indian of cinema since 1985. Introvert by nature, she was electricity with thunder in front of camera. She would shock directors by her each shot taken on her on the sets, may it be dance drama or romance.

"She maintained her dignity and integrity as an actor and person both constantly at any cost in this demanding industry," Ghai said.

Actor-BJP MP Hema Malini said Sridevi's death is a loss to the Indian film industry, which would never be compensated.

"Sridevi's sudden passing away has left me in deep shock. Can't imagine how such a bubbly person, a wonderful actor, is no more.She has left a void in the industry that cannot be filled. Boney is a good friend and I've seen their daughters grow up. My prayers are with the family," she tweeted.

Anupam Kher, who has collaborated with Sridevi in films such as Chaalbaaz, Karma, Laadla and Chandni among others, said he cannot bring himself to talk about the actor in past tense.

"It is too uncomfortable to talk about someone you liked and admired so much in past tense. Can't talk much now," Kher told PTI.

Hansal Mehta said he was planning to approach the actor with a project but was too late.

"There will never be another #Sridevi. I was about to approach her for a film. That film will now be dedicated to her. If it finds an actor."

Actor Akshay Kumar wrote he had the fortune of working with the actor in "Meri Biwi Ka Jawaab Nahin", a film which was shot in 1994 but saw the theatrical release 10 years later.

"Shocked beyond words to hear about the sad and untimely demise of #Sridevi. A dream for many, had the good fortune of sharing screen space with her long ago and witnessed her continued grace over the years. Thoughts and prayers with the family. RIP," Akshay wrote.

Alia Bhatt wrote a condolence message for her "icon" on Twitter.

"Nothing makes sense. I have no words.. just completely shocked. RIP Sridevi. My icon forever. Love you," she tweeted.

Published Date: Feb 26, 2018 18:01 PM | Updated Date: Feb 26, 2018 18:05 PM

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