Socialite, philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej dead

Well-known Indian socialite and philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej, wife of Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej,

She breathed her last at the Breach Candy Hospital where she was admitted recently. No further details were available.

Besides Adi, Parmeshwar, a former air hostess with Air India, is survived by three children — Nisaba, Pirojsha and Tanya Dubash.

Parmeshwar, also known for her unique fashion sense, was renowned for her work in combating AIDS through the Heroes Project which she launched in 2004 along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.

A popular socialite with the signature beret, and once a Page 3 regular, Parmeshwar had hosted a party for international talk show queen Oprah Winfrey in 2012.

The news of her demise was received on Tuesday with shock and disbelief by friends and celebrities.

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan tweeted the news of her death.

“Devastated by death of close friend Parmeshwar Godrej… she was always there for me in my most difficult times. May her husband Adi and her children find strength to cope with this loss,

Members of the Hindi film fraternity also mourned her death.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted: “One of the most gracious and down to earth person I knew. You will be missed.”

Veteran actor Kabir Bedi posted: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Parmeshwar Godrej, dear friend from my early days in advertising. I share her family’s grief.”

Anupam Kher wrote: “Parmeshwar Godrej was a larger than life lady. She gave style and glamour a new dimension. Her charity work was great.”

Former union minister Milind Deora tweeted: “Deepest condolences to Adi uncle, Tanya, Nisaba, Pirojsha and family. Will miss Parmeshwar Godrej, one of the warmest, toughest people I knew.”

Jewellery designer Farah Khan said: “Lost a close family friend. My childhood years were filled with her memories. RIP Parmeshwar Aunty, you shall be missed Parmeshwar Godrej.”

Film producer Ashvini Yardi said she was “shocked and deeply saddened”.

“So many lovely conversations. Hard to believe she is no more.. Parmeshwar Godrej RIP,” Yardi wrote.