Teji Bachchan cremated in Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 22: The mortal remains of Teji Bachchan, the mother of mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan, were consigned to flames at Juhu crematorium at Ruia Park here today.

A visibly moved Amitabh lit the funeral pyre amid chanting of mantras by priests. Earlier, her funeral procession began at around 1000 hrs from Prateeksha bungalow in Juhu and ended at the Juhu Crematorium. Teji Bachchan passed away at Lilavati Hospital after a prolonged illness yesterday at the age of 93. All members of the family, including Ajitabh Bachchan, Namrata, Shweta Bachchan, her husband Nikhil Nanda, gathered for the cremation. According to sources, priests came from Varanasi to perform the funeral.

Bachchan's bungalow Prateeksha was surrounded by thousands of fans, well-wishers, people from the literary world, Bollywood personalities and politicians alike. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat were among the prominent politicians who paid a visit to pay their last respects.

Other personalities from Bollywood included Ajay Devgan, Karan Johar, Kajol, Yash Chopra, wife Pamela Chopra, filmmaker Prakash Mehra and Ketan Desai.

Industrialist Anil Ambani and Amitabh's close friend Amar Singh also attended the funeral.

UNI