Amee Shah: I was four when she retired so I didn't know her as a star. She used to come home with her mother. Slowly, she became Suraiya aunty in our lives. I never knew her grandmother. Her mother died in 1987. Suraiya aunty was so upset that she stayed with us for two months to recover.

She used to tell us it was only three steps from her home to her car, and yet there would be a mela outside to see her. Once she traveled to Ajmer by train to shoot for a film. The platform at Ajmer was overflowing with people. The film's director told her she needed to wave out to the crowds; only then would they disperse. She stood in the doorway of the compartment and waved. Her dupatta slipped and fell onto the platform. There was a near riot. In seconds it was torn to shreds. Everyone wanted a piece of Suraiya's dupatta.

We celebrated Id, Diwali, New Year and birthdays together.

Perhaps the last trophy she received -- the Screen Videocon award for lifetime achievement (1997) sits alongside other memorablia from a memorable career.

Words: A Ganesh Nadar
Photograph: Jewella C Miranda

Email this page to a friend