Camy Sanghvi (in photograph): For me she was always Suraiya aunty, never a star. I never realised how big a star she was. Only now, after she has left us, am I realising it.

She would sparkle when there was a party. She used to entertain people with stories. She used to make sure everybody had something to eat, something to drink.

She spoke very good, sophisticated English. Once, my college friends wanted to meet her. I told them she would not give permission to visit her home, but they could come home on a Sunday. Any Sunday, as she would definitely come to our home for lunch. My friends landed up. She was upset, but did not say anything. She said hello, then kept quiet. She finished lunch and went to her room and only came out when my friends had left.

Words and Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar

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