Zohra Sehgal cremated, legend lives on

For many she was "Aapa", but for everyone Zohra Sehgal was a warm, effervescent person who had a zeal for life.

The last rites of this cinema and theatre doyenne, whom Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan described as a "naughtier young girl", were conducted here Friday.

Zohra, whom family and friends remember as a vibrant and warm person, was cremated at the Dayanand Muktidham Crematorium Ground and Electric Crematorium at Lodhi Road.

Her son Pavan Sehgal conducted her last rites, while her daughter Kiran Segal stood by, composed until Zohra's body was placed on the pyre.

Wrapped in a beige shawl, her body was covered with flowers, including rose petals and marigold, and the steps down to her pyre were also decorated.

"The last page of an era has come to an end today," M.K.Raina, theatre director, told IANS.

Raina was very close to the veteran actress, who passed away Thursday following a cardiac arrest. She was 102.

He and his son Anant had documented her life through lengthy interviews and old photographs in "Zohra Sehgal: An Interview 2012".

Raina addressed her as "Aapa" and recollected how she was the finest example of a "professional" who was ready on time, disciplined and would do her homework before arriving at the sets.

"Once she told me, I charge Rs.300,000 for a day and people still pay that amount of money," Raina recalled and added that till her 80s she would rehearse, read poems and recite them to keep her busy.

And it was this charismatic persona of the Padma Vibhushan recipient that made Bollywood personalities, government officials and theatre personalities fly in from other cities to bid her final adieu.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, currently the Kerala governor, was the first to arrive. She remembered Zohra as a "very cheerful human being".

"It is hard to describe Zohra Sehgal," said Dikshit.

"I have most inspiring memories of her because she was a great artiste and a very cheerful human being. Whenever I used to meet her, I used to come back happy. She had a brilliant memory," Dikshit added.

Among other known faces who came to bid farewell to Zohra, were writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and his actor wife Shabana Azmi, actor Roshan Seth, and Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar.

"If you didn't see her on stage, you missed an important part of her legacy," said Shabana.

"She was a vibrant and a warm person. Always happy and cheerful," she added.

Everyone present there chose not to mourn but remember the charismatic persona and talk about her brilliant contribution to performing arts. Not-to-forget her mischievous smile and the twinkle in her eyes that would make any person fall in love with her.

"She is an inspiration to every woman who has a dream and a desire to excel," said Akhtar.

And this was evident the moment her pyre was lit, a lady from the crowd shouted - "Zohra aapa, Laal Salaam, Amar rahe Zohra aapa". And many joined her in unison.

"She was a perfect example of humanity. She wasn't a Hindu or a Muslim, she was a human being," said her neighbour Neelam Sehgal.

"Everyone in our area was fond of her. People would take pride in talking about her. I remember, on her 100th birthday, so many cakes were delivered to her house," she recalled.

During her 100th birthday celebration when Zohra was singing and chatting with people, she whispered in the ears of Raina and said: aceI hope I am not overdoing it."

"I told her, Aapa... it is your day. Enjoy it," Raina told IANS.

And Friday too was her day, but the mischievous twinkle in her eyes was gone, she chose to keep quiet this time, and left behind lots of memories and a wonderful legacy for her admirers to talk about.