News Entertainment Bollywood Suchitra Sen passes away, cremated amidst 21-gun salute (see pics)

Suchitra Sen passes away, cremated amidst 21-gun salute (see pics)

Kolkata: Legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen was cremated today at Kolkata's Keoratala crematorium amidst 21-gun salute, in a ceremony supervised personally by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.The actress died after fighting a long battle




Adequate security measures were put in place to ensure that her body was smoothly taken out of Belle Vue Clinic as hundreds of fans gathered around the medical facility hoping to get a glimpse of the screen-goddess who has been an enigma after she shunned the arclights and went into reclusion.

Even her house was cordoned off with heavy deployment of security personnel and only a chosen few -- including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a few of her ministerial colleagues besides the actress's family members -- could pay their last respects.

Banerjee, who rushed to the nursing home soon after getting the news and accompanied the hearse to the actress's home, appealed to the masses to respect the wishes of the family to have peaceful and quiet final rites.

"Her family decided to perform her last rites peacefully and quietly. They have requested me to request all of you to remain quiet and peaceful. They seek your support and cooperation," said Banerjee.

Inconsolable yet curious fans assembled outside Sen's house hoping to get a glimpse of the face which had captivated generations for years, but they had to remain content with paying homage from outside as a security ring was thrown around to prevent any access.