Badhaai Ho star Ayushmann Khurrana recalls last meeting with Surekha Sikri, Gajraj Rao remembers her child-like enthusiasm

Surekha Sikri’s co-stars and colleagues in Bollywood are today recalling her innumerable contributions to cinema and entertainment as she left for her heavenly abode. The actress at 75 died due to a cardiac arrest on Friday morning and the cast of her film Badhaai Ho paid special tributes remembering anecdotes from the sets on the film.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana who played Sikri’s on-screen grandson in Badhaai Ho penned a long emotional note sharing pictures with her from set and called her ‘a complete boho’ and a ‘chiller’ who was more progressive than the rest of the cast.

Ayushmann recalled his last meeting with the actress post the screening of ‘Badhaai Ho’ in 2018 and wrote, “I remember when she was boarding an auto rickshaw after the screening of our film, Tahira and I gave her a lift back home and we said “ma’am you are the real star of our film” and she replied “wish I get more work.” Tahira and I were speechless. We watched her frail demeanour walking towards her building. That’s my last memory of her.”

Actor Gajraj Rao who catapulted to stardom post the film recalled working with the late Nation Award winning actress and said he was thankful to have shared screen space with her. Remembering her from the sets of the film he wrote, “She was definitely the youngest at heart on the sets, and had no airs about her stature or endless experience as an actress. Her craft was defined by her years of homework and 'riyaaz' as an actress, combined with a child-like enthusiasm. As all journeys must end eventually, we bid goodbye to Surekha ji today. Thank you, Surekha ji, for all the wisdom and memories you have left us with.”

Sanya Malhotra posted a video of the late actress reciting Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat’ and wrote ‘RIP’ with a heartbreak emoji.

Neena Gupta too posted a video expressing her grief and recalling watching Surekha Sikri in theatre productions and learning from her as an artist.

Badhaai Ho won Surekha her third National Award for Best Supporting actress.