Wife of industrialist Adi Godrej and one of Mumbai’s best known socialites and philanthropist, Parmeshwar Godrej, passed away in a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday. She was 70.
Initial reports said that she had passed away at the Breach Candy hospital in south Mumbai. The cause of death was not immediately revealed.
She is survived by her husband, two daughters and a son.
Among the first to tweet about her demise was former Pakistan cricketer and politician Imran Khan:
Devastated by death of close friend, Parmeshwar Godrej, last night: she was always there for me in my most difficult times. 1/2
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 11, 2016
2/2 May her husband Adhi and her children find strength to cope with this loss.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 11, 2016
Parmeshwar had met Adi Godrej through her brother while she was still studying in the JJ School of Arts. The couple were dating when she decided to become an air hostess on Air India, which was still owned by the Tatas.
After working a few months as an air hostess and modelling for a few campaigns for the airline, she quit to marry Godrej, writes Gunjan Jain in his book ‘She Walks, She Leads: Women Who Inspire India.’
She briefly had her own business and also worked with the marketing department of the Godrej company. Parmeshwar was a vocal campaigner for HIV/AIDS and hosted gala fundraisers and communication campaigns which saw Hollywood stars like Richard Gere and Goldie Hawn in attendance.
She was also known for her appearances at celebrity events, and was perhaps last seen at a party hosted by Shah Rukh Khan for Apple CEO Tim Cook in Mumbai.
As the news spread of her demise spread, many prominent personalities tweeted to pay their respects to her:
Deepest condolences to Adi uncle, Tanya, @ngodrej, Pirojsha & family. Will miss Parmeshwar Godrej, one of the warmest/toughest people I knew
— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) October 11, 2016
RIP: Parmeshwar Godrej.
— Tavleen Singh (@tavleen_singh) October 11, 2016
Sad to know about the demise of Parmeshwar Godrej. One of the most gracious & down to earth person i knew. You will be missed.#RIP
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 11, 2016
Deeply saddened by the passing of Parmeshwar Godrej, dear friend from my early days in advertising. I share her family’s grief.
— KABIR BEDI (@iKabirBedi) October 11, 2016
My Deepest condolences to Godrej family on sad demise of Parmeshwar Godrej, a true icon in spreading smile, joy among all. RIP !!
— PankajaGopinathMunde (@Pankajamunde) October 11, 2016
#ParmeshwarGodrej was a larger than life lady. She gave style & glamour a new dimension. Her charity work was great. She’ll be missed. RIP
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 11, 2016
