Tearful farewell to Anjali

Chennai: Thousands of fans, film artistes of South India and people on Thursday bade a tearful farewell to their beloved actress Anjali Devi at her residence next to the famous ‘Sundaram’ abode of Satya Sai Baba. Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah, veteran playback singer and a long-time friend of Anjali Devi , P Susheela, actress Kanchana, noted singer S P Balasubrahmanyam, music director Saluri Vasu Rao, lyricists Bhuvana Chandra and Vennelakanti were among those who visited ‘Sundaram’ to pay tributes to her.

Residents around ‘Sundaram’ broke down, recalling the actress’s kindness/gestures to the poor, true to the mother roles she played in the reel life. Anjali Devi used to treat all artistes and workers affectionately and help them. Perhaps, she was the only heroine who used to be addressed as ‘Anjamma’ by everybody in the film industry. People were seen thronging her residence to have the last glimpse. After a few hours, her body was taken to Basant Nagar in a procession for cremation. At 4.30 pm the last rites were performed her two sons,

P Chinna Rao and P Niranjana Rao. Thousands of people, artistes and fans took part in the procession. Anjali Devi had become sick and philosophical ever since Sai Baba’s demise.

Organs of Anjali Devi, who died at Vijaya Hospital on the Bhogi day, were donated at her Adayar residence to the Sai Baba Trust. The yesteryears actress was an ardent Baba devotee and contributed a lot to develop ‘Sundaram’ over several years. She became a central point to the Sai Bhakti Movement, with Susheela, Kanchana, ‘Shavukar’ Janaki, the late Rajasulochana, Jamuna and many artistes, participating actively in several programmes and activities. At her initiation, Susheela not only rendered several songs for Sai Baba composed by Adinarayana Rao, the actress’s late husband and mentor, but also produced several albums.