Sridevi dead: ‘Case closed’ in Bollywood actor’s cause of death allowing for repatriation of body

Her body will be taken back home to India where it will be embalmed

Dubai authorities have released the body of deceased Bollywood star Sridevi as they declare the case closed.

The Indian actor was found dead over the weekend, having “accidentally drowned” in a bathtub according to a forensic report.

“The decision to release the body came after all the investigations and procedural matters followed in such incidents were completed, in order to determine all its circumstances and ensure that justice was done within the framework of the law,” reads a statement from the Dubai Media Office.

Arjun Kapoor - Sridevi’s stepson - flew to Dubai earlier today to help the actor’s husband Boney Kapoor take the body back home to India where it will be embalmed and a funeral will take place.

According to the BBC, fans have gathered outside her Mubai residence to pay their last respects.

The incident took place on Saturday [24 February] as Sridevi was attending her nephew’s wedding in Dubai with Kapoor, a famed film producer, and daughter Khushi.

Initial reports claimed Kapoor and Sridevi attended dinner together at 5.30pm on Saturday (24 February) before the actor went to the bathroom to prepare for the evening.

Khaleej Times say Kapoor forced himself into the room after receiving no response, only to find Sridevi ”lying motionless in a bathtub full of water”.

Dubai Police released a report yesterday, revealing traces of alcohol were found in the 54-year-old’s body. According to Gulf News, she accidentally lost balance, fell into the bathtub and drowned.

Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan, Sridevi made her Bollywood debut at in 1975 drama Julie, aged just four. She later landed a starring role in 1979 drama Solva Sawan; having multiple commercial successes, including Himmatwala (1983), which cemented her place as one of Bollywood’s top stars, Mawaali (1983), Maqsad (1984) and Waqt Ki Awaz (1988).

In 2013, the Indian government awarding her the Padma Shri – the fourth highest civilian honour – in 2013. Last year’s Mom, in which she played a mother avenging her daughter’s sexual assault, marked her final appearance and 300th film.

Those to have paid tribute to Sridevi include actor Priyanka Chopra, who wrote on Twitter: “I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved Sridevi. A dark day. RIP.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances.”

She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi.