BOLLYWOOD LOSES ITS FAVOURITE MUM

Veteran actor Reema Lagoo is remembered for her several film roles as a mother, and her warm nature

Before daybreak yesterday, many in Bollywood experienced heartbreak, as news came that veteran actor Reema Lagoo, who was a “good mum” on screen and an affectionate person in life, was no more. She died of cardiac arrest at 3.15am, at the age of 59. The end came just two hours after she was taken to hospital for chest pain.

The industry reacted with expressions of grief and anecdotes of their time with Lagoo, who’s played on-screen mother to actors such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Sridevi.

“Just heard the shocking and unbelievable news about Reema Lagoo’s passing... such a fine talent and gone so young! Very SAD!!” tweeted Amitabh Bachchan.

Actor Sachin Pilgaonkar, who knew Lagoo since childhood, said, “It’s not only a loss of the industry; she was a childhood friend of me. There are so many memories.”

Lagoo was “very warm and welcoming”, said actor Mohnish Bahl, who had also played her son in Hum Saath - Saath Hain (1999). “I’d talk to her. We’d fool around with her. We never felt uncomfortable with her. [She was] a very gracious and stunningly goodlooking person,” he added.

Farida Jalal, another wellknown on-screen mother, said, “She was my contemporary and a very sweet lady. We’ve worked together in so many films. She always had a smile on her face.”

Nikhil Advani, who directed Reema in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), says she “redefined the role of the mother, making it cool, modern and hip”.

MOHNISH BAHL, ACTOR I’d talk to her. We’d fool around with her. We never felt uncomfortable with her. [She was] a very gracious and stunningly good-looking person.