Mortal remains of Teji Bachchan consigned to flames

The mortal remains of Teji Bachchan, mother of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, were consigned to flames at the Ruia Park cremation ground in Juhu on Saturday.

Amitabh, the eldest son, lit the funeral pyre. Standing by his side giving him strength were younger brother Ajitabh and son Abhishek.

Amitabh's daughter-in-law Aishwarya and daughter Shweta too joined him at the funeral. Throughout the funeral procession and while performing the final rites, Amitabh held himself together, not shedding a single drop of tear.

But his face and eyes were evident of the sea of emotions flowing in his mind. Abhishek was seen holding on to his father's shoulders at regular intervals in an attempt to console him.

However, Shweta was seen crying inconsolably. Both Aishwarya and Abhishek took turns to console her.
The funeral procession started at 10 am from Bachchan's Juhu bungalow Pratiksha on foot under tight police security who also regulated the traffic flow.

Amitabh, Ajitabh, Abhishek, Anil Ambani and Amar Singh carried the body on their shoulders. The procession reached the cremation ground at around 1045 hrs. For about 15 minutes, Amitabh performed the final rites and finally lit the pyre at 1100 hrs.

Many dignitaries were present at the funeral. They included former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, actor Vivek Oberoi, director Pahlaj Nihlani and several others. However, the Gandhi family were conspicuous by their absence. Teji Bachchan was very close to Indira Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters before start of the funeral procession, Shekhawat paid his tributes to Teji Bachchan and called her a woman of many virtues.

"I know the Bachchan family very closely. Teji Bachchan was a woman of many virtues. Her moral values are firmly instilled in her family and played a major role in shaping it," Shekhawat said.

Teji Bachchan died on Friday after a prolonged illness at Lilavati hospital.