MUMBAI: Veteran actress Surekha Sikri died at the age of 75 today. She suffered a cardiac arrest. She is well known for her roles in the show Balika Vadhu and the film Badhaai Ho.

But in 2020, when Surekha ji had suffered a brain stroke and was hospitalised, it was reported that she was in need of financial assistance. The actress and her manager both denied the reports, which originated from the nurse treating her.

A report quoted her nurse as saying, “I rushed her to the hospital and she is currently being treated. I couldn’t get her admitted to any other hospital because of high fees. We do not have that kind of money."

But her long-time manager Vivek Sidhwani clarified the nurse's comments and said, “That was incorrectly put out in the press. Surekhaji has her own finances and the family, including her son, is by her side. There is no need for financial assistance for now. Many of her well-wishers, colleagues and filmmakers were kind enough to offer financial assistance. They have been informed that the family is taking care of everything and giving her the best possible treatment. We would like to acknowledge everyone who reached out to us.”

Last year, she also voiced her disappointment in Covid-19 guidelines that prohibited those over 65 from working. In an interview, she said, “I don’t want any wrong impression to be created among people that I am going around begging people for money. I don’t want charity. Yes many have reached out to me, which is very kind of them. I really feel grateful. But I’ve not taken anything from anyone. Give me work and I want to earn respectfully."

Surekha ji was last seen in Zoya Akhtar's short film in Ghost Stories.

Credits: Hindustan Times