Legend who brought joy to millions has been lost: Smriti Irani on Sridevi's demise

Irani made the comment on the sidelines of an interactive session on her textile ministry in the city.

Irani, also the Union Textile Minister, said: "I will only say that a legend who brought joy to the lives of the millions, has been lost. My condolences to her family and fans and my homage to her craft and her brilliance in terms of her work."

Irani wrote an emotional open letter following the death of Sridevi.

In the letter which was published by News 18, Irani said: "I pay homage to an actor who through her body of work ascertained that a female actress' place in a commercial Hindi movie is not only to compliment her male counterparts."

"My memories of Sridevi are built through my journey from being a fan girl to an actor and then my role as a politician. I have had opportunities to meet Sridevi in public engagements and industry events, and each time I went back knowing a little more about her."

"She was a woman who knew her mind and despite the challenges that came her way, she approached life with a lot of dignity. The actor in me was influenced by her work in movies like 'Chalbaaz', 'Chandni', 'Sadma' and the effortless performance in Lamhe" she added.

Speaking about the letter on Tuesday, Irani said: "I have paid homage to a legend. It was a response to a reporter who asked me what I felt about her."

Sridevi died on Saturday night in Dubai where she went to attend a wedding ceremony.

According to the forensic report, she had died due to "accidental drowning" in a hotel bathtub.

Her mortal remains have been brought to her Lokhandwala residence in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Her last rites will take place on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)